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Hydro Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Construction Manager, Hydro

Portland, OR · On-site

$109K - $126K/yr

... hydro facility upgrade, rehabilitation, and relicensing related construction, working closely ... with plant owners, EPC contractors, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered ...

Job Information A Senior Hydro Mechanic is a supervising employee under the direction of the Hydro ... Experience related power plant maintenance. * Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Job Information A Senior Hydro Mechanic is a supervising employee under the direction of the Hydro ... Experience related power plant maintenance. * Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Job Information A Senior Hydro Mechanic is a supervising employee under the direction of the Hydro ... Experience related power plant maintenance. * Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Job Information A Senior Hydro Mechanic is a supervising employee under the direction of the Hydro ... Experience related power plant maintenance. * Effective verbal and written communication skills.

ENTRUST Solutions Group is looking for a Hydro Mechanical Engineer with strong design and commissioning expertise in hydro turbines and associated balance of plant (BOP) systems for projects in the ...

This position helps maintain plant maintenance records in a computer-based work order system ... Hydro Electric Plant is preferred" * Must be able to work with minimal supervision and acquire ...

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production ... As a key member of the Plant Management Team, this role ensures efficient, safe, and high-quality ...

This position helps maintain plant maintenance records in a computer-based work order system ... Hydro Electric Plant is preferred" * Must be able to work with minimal supervision and acquire ...

Hydro Energy has more than 100 years of experience in the production of renewable energy. Today, we ... The Plant Controller is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for overseeing the ...

Hydro Energy has more than 100 years of experience in the production of renewable energy. Today, we ... The Plant Controller is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for overseeing the ...

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production ... As a key member of the Plant Management Team, this role ensures efficient, safe, and high-quality ...

We are looking for a strong QC Professional with project experience in hydro plant or construction site focused quality experience. This is not a corporate quality manager role. This role is 100 ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydro Plant information

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$11

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$28

How much do hydro plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro plant in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydro plant operator?

Hydro plant operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining hydroelectric power plants, which use the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. They monitor equipment, control water flow, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant. Their duties include troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, performing routine inspections, and responding to emergencies. Hydro plant operators play a critical role in ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy while maintaining environmental and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydro plant operator?

To thrive as a Hydro Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification in power plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and preventive maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable power generation while minimizing downtime and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a hydro plant, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in hydro plants often encounter challenges such as managing equipment maintenance in high-moisture environments, ensuring safety around powerful machinery and water currents, and responding to unexpected fluctuations in power demand. Addressing these challenges typically involves regular preventive maintenance, adherence to strict safety protocols, and effective communication with both the operations team and external utility partners. Continued training and the use of advanced monitoring systems can also help mitigate risks and improve overall efficiency.

What is the difference between Hydro Plant vs Hydro Plant Operator?

AspectHydro PlantHydro Plant Operator
Primary RoleDesign, develop, and oversee hydroelectric power facilitiesOperate and maintain hydroelectric equipment on a daily basis
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical training in power systemsTechnical certifications, training in plant operations
Work EnvironmentDesign sites, construction sites, control roomsControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor facilities
Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, power generation companiesPower plants, utility companies, maintenance firms

While a Hydro Plant involves the planning and development of hydroelectric facilities, a Hydro Plant Operator focuses on the daily operation and maintenance of these facilities. Both roles are essential in the hydroelectric power industry, with the former emphasizing design and construction, and the latter ensuring smooth, continuous plant operation.

More about Hydro Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydro Plant jobs? Cities with the most Hydro Plant job openings:
What states have the most Hydro Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydro Plant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydro Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Emerson

Cranberry Township, PA • On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Emerson Electric rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer - Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates. In this critical role, you will be part of the Hydro Controls Engineering team responsible for delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America.

This team focuses on modernizing existing hydro facilities through the replacement of turbine governor systems and related control equipment. Solutions are delivered as comprehensive turnkey projects, encompassing project management, engineering design, system integration, testing, and on-site commissioning. Your work will directly support reliable, efficient, and sustainable power generation for customers across the region.

Learn more about Emerson's Hydro Power Solutions.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects within the North American hydroelectric power industry 
  • Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions for hydroelectric facilities 
  • Interpret customer and industry technical specifications to create mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control system designs 
  • Develop and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and functional flow diagrams 
  • Apply electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate, safe, and effective system integration 
  • Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project-specific operational requirements 
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commission control systems at customer sites 
  • Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and hardware and software test procedures 
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems, plant operations, and customer engagement

Who You Are:
You are a proactive problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments. You build strong relationships with customers and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration. You stay focused on goals, adapt to challenges with a positive attitude, and consistently deliver high-quality results. You seek opportunities to innovate and improve processes, demonstrating resilience and accountability in achieving outcomes. 

For This Role, You Will Need:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering or related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in controls and automation.
  • Hands-on experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants and turbine governor systems.
  • Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and/or DCS systems.
  • Knowledge of communication networks such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3.
  • Ability to serve as the primary technical contact for customers.
  • Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically to support projects.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

  • 10+ years of experience in controls and automation engineering 
  • Ability to analyze and implement engineering designs for logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems.
  • Experience with pumped storage station controls.
  • Prior experience with Emerson Ovation controls systems  

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

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WHY EMERSON 

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.   


ABOUT EMERSON 

Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!

No calls or agencies please. 


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