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Hydroelectric Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Junction City Clean Fuels

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Anaerobic Digester Operator 1

Junction City, OR · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

The Anaerobic Digester Operator plays a central role in the day-to-day operation of our anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. This AD operator position will be responsible for operating the straw ...

Integrity

Construction Manager, Hydro

Portland, OR · On-site

$109K - $126K/yr

... hydroelectric generation projects. This role manages contractor coordination, quality assurance ... an operating hydro facility during retrofit or rehabilitation work • Bureau of Reclamation or ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$43K/yr

... independent operating multiple-purpose hydroelectric power producing civil works projects as well as dredging, Plant Replacement and Improvement Program (PRIP), and Emergency Management.

US Department of the Army

$43K/yr

... independent operating multiple-purpose hydroelectric power producing civil works projects as well as dredging, Plant Replacement and Improvement Program (PRIP), and Emergency Management.

Stantec

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... Operating Units to support the service needs of our clients - primarily on local and regional ... hydroelectric power plants. * Good technical knowledge in elements of fish passage/transport ...

US Department of the Army

$43K/yr

... independent operating multiple-purpose hydroelectric power producing civil works projects as well as dredging, Plant Replacement and Improvement Program (PRIP), and Emergency Management.

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$43K/yr

... independent operating multiple-purpose hydroelectric power producing civil works projects as well as dredging, Plant Replacement and Improvement Program (PRIP), and Emergency Management.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsHydroelectric Operator JobsHydroelectric Operator Jobs in Oregon

Hydroelectric Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$25

$37

How much do hydroelectric operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric operator in Oregon is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydroelectric Operator vs Hydropower Plant Technician?

AspectHydroelectric OperatorHydropower Plant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in plant operationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in electrical or mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentHydropower plant control rooms, outdoor dam sitesEquipment rooms, control panels, outdoor plant areas
Job FocusMonitoring plant operations, controlling turbines, ensuring safetyMaintaining and repairing equipment, troubleshooting technical issues
Industry UsageCommonly employed in hydroelectric power generation facilitiesFound in hydroelectric plants, focusing on technical maintenance

While both roles are essential in hydroelectric power generation, Hydroelectric Operators primarily oversee daily plant operations and safety, whereas Hydropower Plant Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing equipment. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Oregon?

For Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Hydroelectric Operator jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Hydroelectric Operator job openings:

Hydroelectric Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Operator job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,783 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Power Plant Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Umatilla, OR • On-site, Remote

$69.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is located at McNary Dam, Umatilla, OR, a multi-purpose hydropower project, with missions that include operation/maintenance of the facility for flood control, hydroelectric power generation. Employees working at McNary and living in WA are exempt from OR state tax.
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Duties
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  • Serves as a fully qualified hydro station operator at a hydroelectric power project with one or more adjunct operating facilities/features consisting of navigation lock, fishways, pumping plant, and spillway.
  • Makes regular and specific inspections of project areas and equipment
  • Operates power project equipment to prescribed standards as directed, such as stopping, starting, synchronizing, adjusting load and voltage.
  • Operates navigation lock and control machinery for valves and gates in passing vessels through high, single-lift locks.
  • Operates gates to control flows and pool levels or to discharge debris.
  • Performs light cleaning, lubrication of equipment, and Operator-related PM's.
  • Maintains security surveillance of the project.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Pre-employment physical is required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a State Driver's License.
  • Pre-employment drug test is required.
  • Must be able to lift up to and occasionally over 45 pounds.
  • This position requires rotating shifts which will include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Power Plant Operator without more than normal supervision. You must have the ability to ability to perform common journey-level Power Plant Operator duties in a power plant. (Example: Ability to restore a 12 megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a large power plant with my work checked by my supervisor or another journey-level Power Plant Operator.) You must be able to respond to system plant or disturbances under close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Physical Efforts: Eye and hand coordination is required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling.

  • Working Conditions: Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted work area. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises and outside the control room employee will be subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, earplugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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