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Hydro Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join our team and earn a $2,000 new hire bonus; those with related experience earn $3,000 Position Summary This role is primarily responsible for running a Hydro Vac truck, working in a safe manner ...

Dental insurance Smith Industries LLC is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Hydro Bay Tester to support hydrostatic pressure testing operations in shop and field environments. This hands-on role is ...

Hydro Blast Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Hydro Blast Technician / Hydro Demolition ProjectSalt Lake City, UtahAre you looking for a career with a company that values hard work, rewards dedication, and provides opportunities to grow? Redi ...

Hydro Excavator Operator

Elkview, WV

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

We're looking for a dependable Hydro Vac Operator to safely operate hydro excavation equipment that supports underground utility exposure and excavation projects. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

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Hydro information

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$9

$24

$52

How much do hydro jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro in the United States is $24.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.92 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.

More about Hydro jobs

What cities are hiring for Hydro jobs?

Cities with the most Hydro job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydro jobs?

The most popular types of Hydro jobs are:

What states have the most Hydro jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydro jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hydro job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,914 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Emerson

Blue Bell, PA

$92K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Emerson Electric rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 493 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

hackajob is collaborating with Emerson to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer – Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team. In this critical role, you will be part of the Hydro Controls Engineering team responsible for delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America.

This team focuses on modernizing existing hydro facilities through the replacement of turbine governor systems and related control equipment. Solutions are delivered as comprehensive turnkey projects, encompassing project management, engineering design, system integration, testing, and on-site commissioning. Your work will directly support reliable, efficient, and sustainable power generation for customers across the region.

Learn more about Emerson's Hydro Power Solutions.

Preferred Locations: Blue Bell, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Warren, NJ; Latham, NY; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; Riverside, CA; Detroit, MI; Tinley Park, IL

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects within the North American hydroelectric power industry 
  • Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions for hydroelectric facilities 
  • Interpret customer and industry technical specifications to create mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control system designs 
  • Develop and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and functional flow diagrams 
  • Apply electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate, safe, and effective system integration 
  • Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project-specific operational requirements 
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commission control systems at customer sites 
  • Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and hardware and software test procedures 
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems, plant operations, and customer engagement

Who You Are:
You are a proactive problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments. You build strong relationships with customers and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration. You stay focused on goals, adapt to challenges with a positive attitude, and consistently deliver high-quality results. You seek opportunities to innovate and improve processes, demonstrating resilience and accountability in achieving outcomes. 

For This Role, You Will Need:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in controls and automation.
  • Hands-on experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants and turbine governor systems.
  • Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and/or DCS systems.
  • Knowledge of communication networks such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3.
  • Ability to serve as the primary technical contact for customers.
  • Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically to support projects.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

  • 10+ years of experience in controls and automation engineering 
  • Ability to analyze and implement engineering designs for logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems.
  • Experience with pumped storage station controls.
  • Prior experience with Emerson Ovation controls systems  

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary, within the local market in which we operate, and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The salary range for this role is $128,700 - 167,300 annually, plus benefits, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.

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