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Hydro Power Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The purpose of the Power Plant Operator is to support the overall operation of the hydro-electric power plant and the associated water intakes to maximize the reliability and efficiency of the ...

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Hydro Power Plant information

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How much do hydro power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro power plant in the United States is $39.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Power Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, power generation processes, and safety protocols, typically backed by a technical diploma or relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industry certifications such as a Power Engineering Certificate is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the plant, minimizing downtime and maintaining energy output.

What is a hydro power plant?

A hydro power plant is a facility that generates electricity by using the energy of flowing or falling water to spin turbines, which then drive generators to produce electrical power. These plants can be built on rivers, dams, or other water sources with sufficient flow or height difference. Hydroelectric power is a renewable, clean source of energy, contributing significantly to global electricity production. It offers the advantages of low operational costs and the ability to quickly adjust output to meet energy demand. However, building hydro power plants can impact local ecosystems and communities near the water source.

What is the difference between Hydro Power Plant vs Hydroelectric Engineer?

AspectHydro Power PlantHydroelectric Engineer
Primary RoleFacility that generates electricity from waterDesigns and develops hydroelectric systems and projects
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, technical certificationsEngineering degree, specialized in hydro systems
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial sitesOffice, field sites, project sites
Industry UsagePower generation industryRenewable energy and engineering sectors

While a Hydro Power Plant is a facility that produces electricity from water, a Hydroelectric Engineer is a professional who designs, plans, and oversees the development of hydroelectric projects. Both roles require engineering credentials and work within the renewable energy industry, but one is a physical site, and the other is a technical role involved in project development.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a hydro power plant, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in a hydro power plant often encounter challenges such as maintaining complex mechanical and electrical systems, responding to unexpected equipment failures, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Working in shifts, especially during peak demand periods, can also be demanding. To prepare, candidates should develop strong troubleshooting skills, a solid understanding of industry safety standards, and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Ongoing technical training and staying current with regulatory changes are also key to long-term success in this field.
More about Hydro Power Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydro Power Plant jobs? Cities with the most Hydro Power Plant job openings:
What states have the most Hydro Power Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydro Power Plant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydro Power Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,563 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Controls Engineer - Hydro Power Projects

Emerson Group

Blue Bell, PA โ€ข On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description


If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your career, Emerson's Power & Water Solutions business has an exciting opportunity based in Cranberry Township, PA or Blue Bell, PA for a Controls Engineer - Hydro Power Projects. In this role, you will support hydro power projects across North America by contributing to fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric facilities.
Hydroelectric power plays a critical role in delivering clean, reliable, renewable energy. Professionals in this industry get to work at the intersection of long-standing infrastructure and cutting-edge technology-modernizing systems, solving complex engineering challenges, and making a measurable impact on sustainability. The work is hands-on, highly collaborative, and offers unique opportunities to innovate while supporting communities through dependable power generation.
Join us!
In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
  • Support the execution of engineering projects for retrofit control system solutions in the North American hydro power sector.
  • Assist in designing and developing Hydro Governor and Plant Control systems.
  • Interpret technical specifications to support the creation and application of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control solutions.
  • Contribute to implementing new system functionality based on evolving customer needs.
  • Program and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Flow Diagrams.
  • Read and interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate system integration.
  • Configure PLC and HMI software for custom project applications.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and support onsite system commissioning.
  • Develop control narratives, hardware specifications, and software test procedures.
  • Grow your expertise as a subject matter resource in hydro-related control systems and plant operations.

Who You Are:
You build strong partnerships by actively listening, engaging others, and fostering a collaborative environment. You approach challenges with curiosity and creativity, generating practical and innovative solutions. You demonstrate accountability by following through on commitments and maintaining focus on achieving meaningful outcomes. You adapt well to changing priorities, remaining resilient and resourceful as you navigate complexity.
For This Role, You Will Need:
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering, a technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years related experience in an engineering environment.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with an interest in learning how systems operate.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic with occasional international travel).
  • 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:
  • Experience working with PLCs ,Distributed Control Systems (DCS), or SCADA
  • Experience using computer-aided (CAD) design tools.
  • Knowledge of Turbine Governor Systems and Hydro Control Units.
  • Ability to analyze designs involving logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition 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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About Us
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.
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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!
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