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Hydro Station Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... station and associated facilities, including installation and proper alignment, and is also capable ... Hydro Mechanic skills will include proficiency in all types of welding Requirements * Experience ...

Leads crew in hydro excavation while demonstrating proficiency in navigating buried utilities ... Removes grease buildup in the wet wells of sewer lift stations. Applies water to bio-filters to ...

Leads crew in hydro excavation while demonstrating proficiency in navigating buried utilities ... Removes grease buildup in the wet wells of sewer lift stations. Applies water to bio-filters to ...

Hydro Electrician

Mattawa, WA · On-site

$68.90/hr

... mechanics, operators, technicians, toolman, apprentices, etc. * Shall keep assigned tools and ... generating stations, switchyards, substations and their appurtenances. * Knowledge and ...

Leads crew in hydro excavation while demonstrating proficiency in navigating buried utilities ... Removes grease buildup in the wet wells of sewer lift stations. Applies water to bio-filters to ...

Leads crew in hydro excavation while demonstrating proficiency in navigating buried utilities ... Removes grease buildup in the wet wells of sewer lift stations. Applies water to bio-filters to ...

A JOM will perform all the duties assigned that are the normal duties on a hydro project, within ... inspection, station and line switching, routine station checks, keeping a log, and performing ...

A JOM will perform all the duties assigned that are the normal duties on a hydro project, within ... inspection, station and line switching, routine station checks, keeping a log, and performing ...

A JOM will perform all the duties assigned that are the normal duties on a hydro project, within ... inspection, station and line switching, routine station checks, keeping a log, and performing ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydro Station Operator information

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$11

$18

$28

How much do hydro station operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro station operator in the United States is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydro station operator?

Hydro Station Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining hydroelectric power stations. Their main duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls to regulate the flow of water and electricity, and performing routine inspections to ensure safe and efficient operations. They also respond to alarms, troubleshoot mechanical or electrical issues, and keep detailed records of plant activities. Hydro Station Operators play a crucial role in maintaining a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity from renewable water sources.

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

To thrive as a Hydro Station Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and electrical testing equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of hydroelectric facilities, minimizing downtime and supporting reliable power generation.

What are some common challenges faced by hydro station operators during daily operations?

Hydro Station Operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, which can impact water flow and equipment performance. They must closely monitor system controls, respond to alarms, and perform routine inspections to ensure safe and efficient power generation. Working in this role also requires effective communication with maintenance teams and remote control centers to coordinate repairs and manage unexpected issues. Adapting quickly to operational changes and maintaining strict safety protocols are essential parts of the job.

What is the difference between Hydro Station Operator vs Hydroelectric Plant Technician?

AspectHydro Station OperatorHydroelectric Plant Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and relevant technical certificationsRequires similar technical certifications, often including electrical or mechanical licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates and monitors hydroelectric facilities, often in power plants or remote stationsPerforms maintenance and repairs within hydroelectric plants, working on equipment and systems
Job FocusMonitoring plant operations, controlling water flow, ensuring safetyMaintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing plant equipment and systems

Both roles are essential in hydroelectric power generation, sharing similar certifications and work environments. The Hydro Station Operator primarily oversees daily operations and safety, while the Hydroelectric Plant Technician focuses on maintenance and technical repairs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the hydroelectric industry.

What states have the most Hydro Station Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Hydro Station Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Hydro Station Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,977 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Operator B/Senior Hydro Mechanic

Bigfork, MT • On-site

PacifiCorp
Utilities • 5 - 10K employees

$62.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Directs the maintenance and construction/upgrades of facilities associated with hydro operations.

  • Repairs and maintains all types of mechanical equipment in a generating station and associated facilities, including installation and proper alignment.

  • Prepares reports, equipment recommendations, and maintains records related to mechanical maintenance activities.


PacifiCorp rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Information

A Senior Hydro Mechanic is a supervising employee under the direction of the Hydro superintendent who:

  • is a qualified Hydro Mechanic with one year experience at a hydro facility;
  • has completed the Senior Hydro Mechanic check off; within 1 year;
  • works with the employees under their supervision;
  • as assigned, directs the maintenance and construction/upgrades of facilities associated with hydro operations;
  • is responsible for a mechanical maintenance repair shop or area including tools, equipment, supplies and spare parts supplied by the Company;
Responsibilities
  • Prepares reports, equipment recommendations, and maintains records

  • Assists in planning and scheduling.

  • With a minimum of supervision repairs and maintains all types of mechanical equipment in a generating station and associated facilities, including installation and proper alignment, and is also capable of performing precision work with all types of machine tools.

  • Overhaul turbines, generators, governors, pumps, valves, gates, compressors, and related mechanical equipment.

  • Hydro Mechanic skills will include proficiency in all types of welding

Requirements
  • Experience related power plant maintenance.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Effective analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills. 
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
  • Ability to read and interpret written documents such as drawings, manuals, procedures, safety rules, policies. 
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Able to conceptualize and develop creative alternatives to problem resolution
  • Capability of interpreting an extensive variety of technical instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  
  • Comprehensive understanding of electric generating plant systems.
Benefits

At PacifiCorp, we understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about your physical health - your mental, financial, and social wellbeing also play an important role. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you live a more balanced lifestyle

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching contributions vary by union. For nonunion, PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. 
  • Life insurance
  • Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.
.

Work Life Balance

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)
  • Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave 
  • Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing
Additional Information

Req Id: 114291 
Company Code: PacifiCorp 
Primary Location: Ariel, Washington (Merwin Hydro Dam)   
Department: Power Supply 
Schedule: Full-Time
Personnel Subarea: IBEW Local 125
Hiring Range: $62.14 per hour  


Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US 


Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.
PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.


Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.


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