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Hydro Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Vac Truck Operator

Boerne, TX · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

We are seeking an experienced Hydro Vac Truck Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will safely operate hydro excavation equipment to perform non-destructive digging for underground ...

Hydro Vac Truck Operator

Boerne, TX · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

We are seeking an experienced Hydro Vac Truck Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will safely operate hydro excavation equipment to perform non-destructive digging for underground ...

Hydro Excavator Operator

Fairfield, OH

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Drive your career forward as a Hydro Vac Operator--operate cutting-edge equipment, expose utilities safely, and deliver top-tier service. CDL required. Travel 60-75%. If you're dependable, safety ...

The Hydro-Vac operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of specialized Hydro-Vac equipment to support environmental services provided by Titan Solutions. This position requires a ...

Description Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world. As a fast-growing company, SHM cultivates a team dynamic of passionate individuals led by the ...

Trimmer Operator Brookville, PA Brownlee Lumber, Inc. is a world-renowned provider of premium quality hardwood products. As a leader in the industry, we take pride in our sustainable practices ...

Hydro-Vac Operator

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Hydro-Vac operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of specialized Hydro-Vac equipment to support environmental services provided by Titan Solutions. This position requires a ...

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How much do hydro operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro operator in the United States is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.08 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 the Job of a Hydro Operator?

A hydro or hydro-vac operator performs non-destructive excavation around sensitive components, such as utility cables and pipelines. In this career, your duties are to excavate using high pressure water blasting equipment and excavate debris using a special vacuum. Your responsibilities as a hydro operator also include maintaining paperwork to document your hydro-vac jobs, conducting regular inspections of your truck and vacuum, and performing routine maintenance and any needed repairs on your hydro-vac equipment. You must be safety conscious to avoid injury to yourself or others, as the equipment you operate can be dangerous.

What are Hydro Operators?

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 cities are hiring for Hydro Operator jobs? Cities with the most Hydro Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hydro Operator jobs? The top employers for Hydro Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Hydro Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydro Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Hydro Operator jobs? For Hydro Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Hydro Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,433 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Trimmer Operator Journeyman

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Asplundh Tree Expert rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

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Foreperson

This position ensures the productivity of daily operations, working closely with management to determine recruiting/hiring needs,  deadlines, and safety protocols to enforce among the crew. The Foreperson is responsible for troubleshooting routine job site issues and engages all employees/contractors on required training, managing, and mentoring.

Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a company offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive Hourly

Benefits:

  • Company-sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life, long-term/short-term disability insurance

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Plans, coordinates, and assigns daily work for the crew after receiving/interpreting orders from a General Foreperson/Line Clearance Supervisor.
  • Conducts field training/retraining, instructing crew on new or revised job units.
  • Enforces safe work practices, as experience, judgment, company policy, and OSHA specifies and conducts safety training in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Discusses with property owner/customer(s) issues such as obtaining access, power interruption, work to be done, and responsibility for apparent property damage; refers controversial cases to the General Foreperson.
  • Obtains oral or written permission from property owners to perform required work.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective completion of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle minor damage claims.
  • Maintains accurate records, timesheets, and reports related to the performance of the crew operation.
  • Controls crew costs, including effective use of people-power, work methods, operation of equipment, etc.
  • Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of work completed, crew time, minor damage repairs and distribution, etc.
  • Periodically furnishes reports on incidents, truck breakdowns, private property damage, new employee follow–up, etc.
  • Cooperates with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc., to protect employees and safeguard the public from hazards. In emergencies, determines action to be taken to eliminate hazards to life and property.
  • Inspects and makes or provides for necessary repairs to tools, trucks, and other equipment.
  • Maintains good housekeeping on the truck and at work location.
  • Responsible for DOT maintenance and inspection requirements on all required vehicles.
  • Keeps informed regarding new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices, including EEO and AA policies. Requests repair or replacement, when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires the understanding of drawings and symbols representing lines, voltages, line equipment, etc.
  • Must have excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Must have organization skills and be able to multi-task.
  • Must be capable of adjusting to field requirements and taking independent action without close supervision.
  • Must be able to safely drive an approved company vehicle.
  • Must be able to work with hands above head for extended periods of time.
  • Due to the capacity of existing equipment, the weight of the employee should not exceed approximately 300 pounds.
  • Must have no fear of heights.

Education & Experience:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • A minimum of 3120 hours of working experience in the line clearance industry is required.

Pre-Screen:

  • Upon offer, employees may be required to subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • A valid Commercial Driver's license (CDL) is required.

Physical Requirements:

  • RARE (less than 10%): crawling, climbing, gripping, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, body-twisting, sense of touch, manual dexterity, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., reaching, range-of-motion, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, climbing stairs, balancing.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, sitting, climbing on/off truck, reading, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): speaking clearly, seeing distant, seeing, hearing-speech-range, depth-perception, color vision.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.

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