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Hydroelectric Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Southern Company

Switchboard Wireman

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$8.8K/mo

... solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Southern Company

Switchboard Wireman

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$8.8K/mo

... solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Southern Company

Appr Switchboard Wireman

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$6.1K/mo

... solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

RMS Energy

Aluminum Welder

Atlanta, GA

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

... hydroelectric dams, and large-scale industrial facilities. You'll focus on systems such as Isolated ... Proficient in operating forklifts, manlifts, and other field equipment Additional Requirements:

RMS ENERGY

Aluminum Welder

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

... hydroelectric dams, and large-scale industrial facilities. You'll focus on systems such as Isolated ... Proficient in operating forklifts, manlifts, and other field equipment Additional Requirements:

All JobsHydroelectric Operator JobsHydroelectric Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA

Hydroelectric Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$11

$23

$34

How much do hydroelectric operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric operator in Decatur, GA is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do hydroelectric operators make?

Hydroelectric operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the facility. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, technical skills, and overtime work in 24/7 operational environments.

How to get hired as a power plant operator?

To become a hydroelectric operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical schooling in power plant operations. Relevant skills include understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, safety procedures, and often obtaining certifications such as a state license or operator certification. Experience with control systems and a strong attention to safety are also important for employment in this field.

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 is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Hydroelectric plant operators can earn high salaries, with the top earners making over $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand regions. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility, such as overseeing complex equipment and safety protocols.

What does a hydro plant operator do?

A hydroelectric plant operator monitors and controls the equipment that generates electricity from water flow. They perform inspections, adjust machinery, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the plant operates safely and efficiently, often working with control systems and following safety protocols. Certification and technical knowledge of turbines, generators, and control systems are typically required.
What job categories do people searching Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Hydroelectric Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Hydroelectric Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Hydroelectric Operator job openings:
Hydroelectric Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 23% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, 70% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,665 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Switchboard Wireman

Switchboard Wireman

Southern Company

Forest Park, GA • On-site

$8.8K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Location:  Statewide (Reporting Location is Forest Park, GA - metro Atlanta)

Reports to:  Assigned Switchboard Wireman foreman

Pay:

This role falls under a union contract and pay is non-negotiable. $8843 Monthly. $51.02 Hourly

JOB SUMMARY

Switchboard Wireman will perform wiring services in control circuits, control panels, and equipment in Transmission Substations throughout the state of Georgia. This includes pulling cables, terminating both AC / DC control circuits, and building control panels. In

addition, this position will be proficient in function-testing of control panels and de-energizing control panels in various AC / DC control circuits. This position is part of a statewide traveling Switchboard Wiring Department that is responsible for working in both new and existing transmission substations. This position requires the successful candidate to be able to work with DC batteries

and pull, route, and terminate AC / DC control cable within a substation. 

This position works four ten-hour days and requires overnight and out-of-town stays during the week near the construction location. Travel expenses, hotel expenses and meals are the responsibility of the Switchboard Wireman, and a per diem is provided to help cover these costs. This position is covered under the Memorandum of Agreement between Georgia Power Company and the IBEW Local No. 84 which includes an increase every six months until you max out in your job classification and a cost-of-living increase annually. 

This position is subject to call-out overtime work, scheduled overtime work, and storm restoration response.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education Requirements:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience Requirements:

  • Passing of GPC Switchboard Wiring Training Program

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of AC or DC control circuits including installation work (cable splicing, electrical print reading and layout, terminations, cable sizes, wire color coding, etc.)
  • Safety champion
  • Proven team player
  • Good communication skills
  • Dependable and Self-motivated
  • Takes personal ownership of projects and assignments.

Behavioral Attributes:

  • All candidates must enjoy working outdoors or in a controlled environment that is mentally and physically demanding.
  • Must adhere to all safety requirements and demonstrate Safety Excellence behaviors. Adhere to Georgia Power's philosophy that "Every day, every job, safely."
  • Must demonstrate the ability and desire to work safely and display ethical behavior at all times.
  • Must be completely focused on using Human Performance tools.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to work at heights of 20 feet may be required in this position.
  • Ability to work off a 6' step ladders is essential to succeed in this position.
  • All construction jobs require extended overnight stays and travel throughout the state of Georgia.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • To be considered for an interview, candidates must pass a pre-employment CAST test (basic mechanical aptitude).
  • A thorough background check, drug screening including DOT Physical and Worker's Compensation

Questionnaire will be required prior to employment.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Switchboard Wireman will have completed all training and deemed competent by the GPC Training department after their extensive training program, including classroom and on-the-job training.  

 

TRAVEL

75%

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeogiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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