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Hydro Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

Indeck Energy Services is looking for an individual with combined cycle power plant experience to ... Since 1985, Indeck Energy has developed, financed, managed the construction, owned and operated ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

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 ...

Power Plant Operator

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$25.80 - $38.70/hr

Power Plant Operator * High School diploma or GED. * Universal EPA certification within 6 months of hire. Stationary Engineer certificate within 30 months of hire. * 2 years of plant engineering work ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

How hard is it to become a Power Plant Operator?

Becoming a hydro power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship that can last several months to years. Operators often need to obtain certifications or licenses, such as a state license or operator certification, and must develop skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and troubleshooting. The job involves working in a technical environment with shift schedules and safety protocols, making it moderately challenging to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience.

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.

How to become a hydroelectric operator?

To become a hydroelectric operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in power plant operations. Relevant skills include understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, safety procedures, and often obtaining certifications such as a state license or operator certification. On-the-job experience is valuable for advancing in this field.

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, 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 hydroelectric power plant operator make?

Hydroelectric power plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They are responsible for monitoring equipment, controlling power generation, and ensuring safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Hydro power plant operators can earn high salaries, with experienced professionals in senior roles earning up to $100,000 or more annually. Factors such as location, level of experience, certifications, and the complexity of the plant influence salary levels.
More about Hydro Power Plant Operator jobs
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:
Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator

Calpine

Westbrook, ME • On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Calpine rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine’s fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges and meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters.  Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Performs chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling, and condensate systems, and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational procedures and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and safety. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.

Job Responsibilities

  • Journey-level; specialized technical knowledge with function.
  • Performs a variety of technical service/support duties that are semi-routine in nature.
  • Routine and non-routine decisions with some latitude, but still subject to approval.
  • With limited guidance, prioritizes and executes responsibilities effectively for a single trade, group of related tasks or functional area.
  • Work periodically reviewed by others; work reflects solid performance of duties.
  • Errors have small and possibly incremental impact on department or facility and discovered in succeeding operations where work is verified or checked.
  • Completes tasks and resolves problems that require an ability to recognize deviation from accepted practices.
  • Resolves most questions and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.
  • Completes tasks and resolves problems that require an ability to recognize deviation from accepted practices.
  • Resolves most questions and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.

Job Requirements

  • High School Diploma, degree from technical/vocational school, military service or equivalent.
  • Journey-level; generally, 6 years directly related experience including understanding of health and safety regulations, and previous experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals and waste materials including knowledge of safe handling, storage, and transport.
  • Requires previous experience using test equipment and calibration appliances. Experience with machinery repair and control systems.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
  • Basic certifications/licensures. Valid state driver’s license. 
  • Must either hold a State of Maine Boiler or Stationary Engineer’s License, or have the qualifications to meet State Licensing Requirements

Salary Information

Hourly Rate Range - $38.32 to $47.90 /hour

Additional Calpine Information:

  • Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here