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Hydro Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Peak Utility Services Group

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

SiteWise

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

SiteWise

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

SiteWise

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Laborer - Hydro

Henderson, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering ...

Hydro Resources Holdings

CDL Driver

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

Employee Referral program Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer As part of the pre-employment hiring process at Hydro Resources - Rocky Mountain, all candidates will be ...

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All JobsHydro JobsHydro Jobs in Colorado

Hydro information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$23

$49

How much do hydro jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro in Colorado is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.16 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydro do?

A Hydro, often short for Hydrologist or Hydro Technician, is a professional who studies and manages water resources. They analyze how water moves across and through the Earth, assess water quality, and help solve issues related to water availability, pollution, and conservation. Hydros work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions. Their work is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, managing flood risks, and supporting sustainable development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydro, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydrologist, you need a solid background in environmental science, geology, or civil engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required, and certifications like Professional Hydrologist (PH) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help hydrologists interpret data and convey findings to diverse stakeholders. These skills are vital for accurately assessing water resources, informing environmental policy, and addressing challenges related to water quality and availability.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in hydroelectric power operations?

Professionals in hydroelectric power operations often face challenges such as adapting to fluctuating water levels due to seasonal changes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and maintaining aging infrastructure. Effective teamwork is essential, as operators collaborate closely with engineers, maintenance crews, and environmental specialists to monitor equipment and optimize energy output. Additionally, responding quickly to unexpected equipment issues or weather events is a regular part of the job, requiring strong problem-solving skills and resilience.

What is the difference between Hydro vs Hydroelectric Plant Operator?

AspectHydro
CertificationsOften requires certifications in water management, environmental safety, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPrimarily outdoors, working near water bodies, dams, or hydro facilities
Industry UsageUsed broadly in water-related industries, including water treatment, irrigation, and hydroelectric power
Job FocusGeneral water management, environmental monitoring, or water resource planning

Hydro professionals focus on water management, environmental safety, and resource planning across various industries. In contrast, Hydroelectric Plant Operators specifically manage and operate hydroelectric power plants, ensuring electricity generation runs smoothly. While both roles involve water and environmental aspects, Hydro roles are broader, covering multiple water-related sectors, whereas Hydroelectric Plant Operators specialize in power generation facilities.

What are popular job titles related to Hydro jobs in Colorado?

For Hydro jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hydro jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydro jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Hydro jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Hydro job openings:

Hydro jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,927 per year, or $23 per hour.

Hydro Operator - Williams Fork Reservoir

Denver Water

Parshall, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Denver Water rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Employee is required to live in Denver Water provided housing on site at Williams Fork Reservoir.

Position Summary

Denver Water's Williams Fork Reservoir is a hydro-electric dam facility operating in Grand County. The reservoir and surrounding property encompass approximately 3500 acres. Hydro Operators manage water flows through hydro turbines, valves, and gates, respond to power plant outages, record weather, water, and equipment data, perform maintenance, work on computers to create documents and manage communications, and work outdoors year-round in varying conditions.

Spring runoff brings the busy season requiring operators to make frequent flow adjustments and increased monitoring of infrastructure. Summer and fall bring additional responsibilities, such as road grading and improvements, concrete patching, painting, property maintenance and facility repairs.

In winter, Operators focus on equipment upkeep, snow removal, and system monitoring while also working toward certifications. The facility passes water and generates electricity year-round.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Take and record a variety of information which include reservoir elevations, stream flow readings and weather data.
  • Maintain patrol of departmental property to prevent vandalism, trespassing, and fires. Cooperate with various local public and private agencies.
  • Maintain liaison with visitors to department facilities and work with local agencies concerning recreational opportunities at these facilities.
  • Operate and maintain hydro power plant operations. Operate and maintain dams, valve houses, intakes, canals, ditches, conduits, flumes, and associated properties.
  • Provide recordkeeping, documentation, reporting, and data entry from internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure safe working conditions and practices through inspection.
  • Assist with public relations and recreation activities including tours and orientations.
  • Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
  • Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 4 years of related work experience.
  • Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

  • Hydroelectric Certification required within 12 months of hire.
  • Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must possess a valid Class 'B' Colorado Commercial Driver's License within 12 months of appointment.
  • May be required to possess a valid Class 'A' Colorado Commercials Driver's License within 12 months of appointment.

Skills/Competencies

  • The use of power and hand tools, operation of heavy equipment, pumps, generators, recording devices, hoisting equipment and snow blowers.
  • Computer and applicable software skills.
  • Interpersonal relations.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Safety Sensitive Requirements
  • This is a safety sensitive job where an employee's direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

  • This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one's own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

What Denver Water employees say

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