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Hydro Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Construction Manager, Hydro

Portland, OR · On-site

$109K - $126K/yr

... an operating hydro facility during retrofit or rehabilitation work • Bureau of Reclamation or Army Corps of Engineers project experience • OSHA 30 certification Why Join Integrity PSC? At ...

Calculates the boom/crane capacities and weights and checks clearances so that buildings, hydro ... Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is ...

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and ... Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation ...

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and ... About Us Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation ...

Calculates the boom/crane capacities and weights and checks clearances so that buildings, hydro ... Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is ...

Boom/Crane Operator

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Calculates the boom/crane capacities and weights and checks clearances so that buildings, hydro ... Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is ...

Independently perform generation scheduling, outage coordination, and operating plan development for thermal, hydro, renewable, and energy storage resources. * Coordinate with internal and external ...

Independently perform generation scheduling, outage coordination, and operating plan development for thermal, hydro, renewable, and energy storage resources. * Coordinate with internal and external ...

Independently perform generation scheduling, outage coordination, and operating plan development for thermal, hydro, renewable, and energy storage resources. * Coordinate with internal and external ...

CDL Driver

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

You will be responsible for safely operating a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds ... Strong work ethic Company Description Emeritec Inc. is a new company specializing in Hydro ...

CDL Driver

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

You will be responsible for safely operating a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds ... Strong work ethic Company Description Emeritec Inc. is a new company specializing in Hydro ...

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Hydro Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$22

$47

How much do hydro operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro operator in Portland, OR is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydro Operator vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectHydro OperatorWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsHydropower plant certifications, safety trainingWater treatment certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dams, hydroelectric facilitiesWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, renewable resourcesPublic health, municipal services, environmental management

While both roles involve operating water-related systems, a Hydro Operator primarily manages hydroelectric power facilities, focusing on energy production and dam operations. In contrast, a Water Treatment Operator handles water purification processes for municipal or industrial water supplies. Both roles require safety certifications and technical skills but serve different industry needs and environments.

What are some common challenges faced by hydro operators in their daily work?

Hydro Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to changes in water flow and demand, troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues with turbines and generators, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. They must remain vigilant to ensure the safe and efficient operation of hydroelectric equipment, especially during periods of extreme weather or peak energy demand. Collaborating effectively with maintenance teams and control room staff is essential to address unexpected issues and prevent downtime.

What is a hydro operator?

Hydro Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of hydroelectric power plants. They manage the flow of water through turbines to generate electricity efficiently and safely, making adjustments based on demand and environmental conditions. Hydro Operators also perform regular inspections, maintain equipment, and respond to emergencies or system malfunctions to ensure continuous and reliable power generation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydro operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, knowledge of power plant operations, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the reliable and safe operation of hydroelectric plants, supporting energy production and environmental standards.
What job categories do people searching Hydro Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Hydro Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Hydro Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,958 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Construction Manager, Hydro

Integrity

Portland, OR • On-site

$109K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Location: Pacific Northwest, based near Portland, OR with regular travel to project sites
Company: Integrity PSC
Position Summary
Integrity PSC is seeking a mid level Construction Manager to oversee field construction activities for hydroelectric generation projects. This role manages contractor coordination, quality assurance, and day to day site oversight for hydro facility upgrade, rehabilitation, and relicensing related construction, working closely with plant owners, EPC contractors, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and to specification.
The Construction Manager works with a moderate level of independence, reporting project status and escalating issues to senior project leadership as needed.
Key Responsibilities
• Oversee day to day construction activities for hydro generation upgrade and rehabilitation projects
• Coordinate and monitor EPC contractor and subcontractor performance against project schedule, budget, and quality standards
• Conduct field inspections of dam infrastructure, turbine and generator equipment, and balance of plant work
• Support contract administration, change order review, and progress reporting
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FERC, and project specific safety requirements
• Coordinate outages and tie in work with plant operations to minimize disruption to generation
• Participate in punch list development, commissioning, and project closeout
• Communicate project status, risks, and issues to project owners and regulatory stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent field experience
• 5 to 10 years of construction management experience, hydro generation project experience preferred
• Familiarity with utility scale construction contracts and EPC oversight
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites
Preferred Qualifications
• FERC relicensing or dam safety experience
• Experience working inside an operating hydro facility during retrofit or rehabilitation work
• Bureau of Reclamation or Army Corps of Engineers project experience
• OSHA 30 certification
Why Join Integrity PSC?
At Integrity PSC, you will be part of a team committed to delivering high quality, reliable solutions to utility partners across the country. We value safety, technical excellence, and a strong team culture where individuals are empowered to make an impact.
Additional Information
• Travel: Frequent, may require extended stays at project site
• Work Environment: Primarily field based at active hydro facility construction sites, including work in and around dam infrastructure
• Physical Requirements: Ability to access and navigate dam and powerhouse environments, climb structures, and work near water
About Integrity PSC
At Integrity PSC, we do more than support utilities. We help keep the lights on. Our team partners with electric utilities across the country to strengthen the infrastructure that powers communities, businesses, and everyday life.
We bring together experienced field professionals, technical expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way, safely, reliably, and with integrity. Whether working in substations, on transmission lines, or supporting critical operations, our people are trusted to step in, solve problems, and deliver results where it matters most.
This is work that directly impacts the reliability of the grid and the communities that depend on it. At Integrity PSC, you are part of a team that takes pride in doing essential work and doing it well.
The pay range for this role is:
109,000 - 126,000 USD per year (Portland, OR)