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Hydro Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Blaster

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Hydro Blaster must be able to work in compliance on various projects. They must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and ...

Charlotte, NC - Hydrovac Laborer

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Other hydro-vac work consists of tank entry, cleaning and vacuuming, mobilization of equipment, truck maintenance, and safety meetings. Heavy lifting at times is required. Working at heights is ...

Greensboro, NC - Hydrovac Laborer

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Other hydro-vac work consists of tank entry, cleaning and vacuuming, mobilization of equipment, truck maintenance, and safety meetings. Heavy lifting at times is required. Working at heights is ...

Hydro blasting * Other industrial cleaning related activities * Manage Scheduling and Logistics for Multiple Crews Certifications/Training/ Licensure * 30 Hour OSHA (Required) * MSHA (Required)

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East Coast Infrastructure - Vactor Truck Driver / Operator · Operate Vactor trucks for hydro excavation, sewer cleaning, storm drain cleaning, catch basin cleaning, and related municipal services ...

Hydro blasting * Other industrial cleaning related activities * Manage Scheduling and Logistics for Multiple Crews Certifications/Training/ Licensure * 30 Hour OSHA (Required) * MSHA (Required)

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Hydro information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$23

$50

How much do hydro jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro in Virginia is $23.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.66 and $26.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Hydrologist, 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 popular job titles related to Hydro jobs in Virginia? For Hydro jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydro jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Hydro jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Hydro jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Hydro job openings:
Infographic showing various Hydro job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,515 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Hydro Blaster

Hydro Blaster

Moran Environmental Recovery

Richmond, VA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Environmental Field Technician / Hydro Blaster

Department: Operations

Reports To: Logistics Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Hydro Blaster must be able to work in compliance on various projects. They must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and safety protocols, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Execution of field work encompassed in remediation and industrial maintenance projects while under direct or indirect supervision.
  • Correct completion of all job-specific, employee-related MER paperwork including Timesheets, Daily Work Reports, Driver’s Logs and Daily Tailgate Safety Meeting Forms.
  • Understand and work within project’s detailed scope-of-work to maintain strict compliance with contract documents, project schedules, and corporate policies and procedures.
  • Work safely during all phases of performing the job duties required in the field.
  • Ability to perform work inside areas of varying dimensions, involving squatting, and crawling for possible extended periods.
  • Ability to follow directions; read/speak and understand English; read and understand common danger placards / labels and hazardous warning literature including site safety plans.
  • The ability to safely drive and perform safety checks on all vehicles for which licensed.
  • Project work may require out of town travel for two weeks or more.
  • Must be able to understand and comply with company and client safety standards.
  • Due to the diversity of both scheduled and non-scheduled projects, physical demands, and environmental conditions vary significantly depending on the project.
  • Work outside year-round in all types of weather.
  • May work in environments that are extreme in nature like environmental conditions such as heat, cold, heights, hazardous chemicals, loud noises, dangerous equipment, long hours, etc.
  • May be exposed to varying levels of physical activities and physical extremes such as long periods of standing, walking, crouching, use of hands, and heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds or more.
  • Must be always clean shaven to allow immediate donning and seal respirator.
  • Must participate in “On-Call” Emergency Response teams.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • At least 3 to 4 years of hydro blasting experience.
  • Knowledge of 10k psi or higher pumps.
  • Knowledge of working various brands of hydro blaster pumps.
  • Knowledge of working shotguns and lances.
  • Strong communication (both written and verbal), analytical, and persuasive skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
  • Must be multi-task oriented and have strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to read, understand, and implement Work Plans and site Health and Safety Plans of assigned jobs.
  • Strong working knowledge of OSHA 1910, 1915, and 1926 standards, DOT standards and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory.
  • Must be able to operate equipment and/or understand equipment capabilities and requirements of different types of jobs.
  • Ability to work in a wide range of environments including those involving hazardous conditions which may require listing or exerting force exceeding 50 pounds.


This is an hourly position; the hiring range for the Environmental Field Technician position in Richmond, VA is: $20.00/hour - $23.00/hour

The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on multiple factors including but not limited to relevant skills and experience.


MER is committed to providing equal opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.


Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.