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Hydro Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$26.82 - $44.26/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$26.82 - $44.26/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$101K - $120K/yr

Under direction from the Power Plant Control Operator, operates steam and gas turbo-electric generators; operates compressors, chillers and other equipment. * Makes routine rounds and inspects ...

City of Pasadena

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA

$101K - $120K/yr

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and ...

mkecounty

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

mkecounty

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

Calpine

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Calpine

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Hshs

Power Plant Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$23.15 - $34.73/hr

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Power Plant Operator to join our team. Operates and evaluates all power plant equipment for efficiency and safety. Adjusts gauges and dials, reads ...

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Hydro Power Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do hydro power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro power plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydro power plant operator do?

A Hydro Power Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the machinery and equipment that generate electricity from water power. They oversee the operation of turbines, generators, and other components to ensure efficient and safe energy production. Their duties include starting and stopping equipment, performing routine inspections, detecting and troubleshooting issues, and maintaining records of plant operations. Hydro Power Plant Operators play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy.

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

To thrive as a Hydro Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in power plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and maintenance management software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations while minimizing downtime and responding quickly to issues.

What are some common challenges hydro power plant operators face during daily operations?

Hydro Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected equipment malfunctions, managing fluctuating water levels due to weather or seasonal changes, and maintaining safety protocols during high-pressure situations. They must also coordinate closely with maintenance teams and control room staff to ensure smooth and efficient plant operation. Staying vigilant and adaptable is essential, as operators are responsible for both routine monitoring and troubleshooting critical issues to prevent downtime or safety hazards.

What is the difference between Hydro Power Plant Operator vs Wind Turbine Technician?

AspectHydro Power Plant OperatorWind Turbine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in plant operationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in turbine maintenance
Work EnvironmentHydroelectric power plants, control rooms, outdoor plant sitesWind farms, outdoor turbine sites, remote locations
Industry UsageElectric power generation from water sourcesElectric power generation from wind energy

Both roles involve maintaining and operating renewable energy equipment, often requiring technical certifications and working outdoors. While Hydro Power Plant Operators focus on water-based facilities, Wind Turbine Technicians specialize in wind energy systems. They share similar work environments and industry applications, making them common points of comparison for those interested in renewable energy careers.

How much does a hydro power plant operator make?

Hydro power plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the plant. Entry-level operators may start with lower wages, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher salaries. Ongoing training and familiarity with control systems are important for this role.

How to get hired as a hydro power plant operator?

To become a hydro power plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in power plant technology or a related field. Relevant experience, such as apprenticeships or on-the-job training, and certifications like a state license or operator certification, are often required. Strong mechanical, electrical, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.
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What cities are hiring for Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Hydro Power Plant Operator job openings:

What states have the most Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs?

For Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO • On-site

St Anthony Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about St Anthony Hospitalexternal

$26.82 - $44.26/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the equipment that provides power, heating, cooling, and ventilation to a hospital facility.

Every day you will operate power systems, provide routine maintenance and inspections, and conduct regular inspections. You will be expected to monitor and track energy usage, and follow safety protocols.  

To be successful in this role, you must use your problem solving abilities to diagnose and fix mechanical failures, and your attention to detail to monitor complex systems and detect issues before they escalate. As a Power Plant Operator, you are essential to keeping the hospital operational 24/7.

  • Performs routine maintenance, lubrication, cleaning of boilers, chillers and all central plant equipment. 
  • Maintains the mechanical equipment such as engines, compressors, generators, pumps and steam boilers during the respective shifts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and schematics.

15% PRN differential applies for this role!

Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Preferred

  • Certified Stationary Engineer
  • Underground Storage Tank Op A or B
  • Two (2) years of power plant operator experience
  •  
Where You'll Work

At CommonSpirit Mountain Region, we believe in the healing power of humanity and serving the common good through our dedicated work and shared mission to celebrate humankindness. 

Located in Lakewood, Colorado, St. Anthony Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center where we provide a full range of medical specialties and health care services to Denver and the surrounding region through our state-of-the-art medical campus and home base for Flight For Life® Colorado. With four trauma rooms including the T-10 room, a dedicated field-to-surgery suite ready 24/7 for trauma surgeons and specially trained teams, our staff can provide life-saving care to the most severely ill and injured patients. In 2023, we received our exciting Magnet® designation! We are so proud of our staff for this achievement, which is awarded to only 10 percent of hospitals around the world.  Numerous other awards, certifications, and accreditations have been granted to us from the American Heart Association; Chest Pain Center (CPC); American College of Cardiology; The Joint Commission’s National Quality Approval; the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award; NAPBC Accreditation; American College of Radiology and many others.

At St. Anthony Hospital. we combine a heritage of expert care with the latest in technology and innovation. If you’re looking to be part of a fast-paced environment where you can practice to the top of your profession in trauma, cardiology, stroke, neurosciences, breast imaging, cancer/oncology care, surgery and more, we invite you to apply.

Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Preferred

  • Certified Stationary Engineer
  • Underground Storage Tank Op A or B
  • Two (2) years of power plant operator experience
  •  
Employment Type: PRN

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