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Hydroelectric Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dominion Energy

Senior Engineer/Staff Engineer

Cayce, SC

$97K - $133K/yr

... areas of FERC hydroelectric dam safety and regulatory compliance. Preferred individual will be ... Provide direction and guidance to plant operators and engineering staff on FERC dam safety ...

Herbruck Poultry Ranch

Fertilizer Operator l

Saranac, MI · On-site

$19/hr

Operating heavy wheeled loaders, scissor lifts, and boom lifts * Cleaning and maintaining the equipment * Any other duties assigned by management Qualifications: * Must be at least 18 years of age

Dominion Energy

Senior Engineer/Staff Engineer

Cayce, SC · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

... areas of FERC hydroelectric dam safety and regulatory compliance. Preferred individual will be ... Provide direction and guidance to plant operators and engineering staff on FERC dam safety ...

Junction City Clean Fuels

Be Seen First

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 ...

Southern Company

General Plant Operator

Newnan, GA · On-site

General Plant Operator (Operations and Maintenance Technician) Georgia Power Company - Plant Yates ... solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its ...

Southern Company

General Plant Operator

Newnan, GA · On-site

General Plant Operator (Operations and Maintenance Technician) Georgia Power Company - Plant Yates ... solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its ...

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Hydroelectric Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do hydroelectric operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 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.
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Hydroelectric Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 10% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 87% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Temporary Water Plant Operator III or IV

Spartanburg Water & Sewer

Chesnee, SC

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Temporary Water Plant Operator III or IV
x

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Have a good understanding of how shift duties are properly executed. Must be able to demonstrate proper log book entries, accurate documentation of plant checks, and be able to conduct an end of shift review. Should be able to complete various operational records/reports and understand the information contained in them and why those records are maintained.

  1. Have knowledge of the location and operations of the intake structure and what equipment is located there. Must know and understand the flow through the treatment process. Know where the various tanks are located throughout the facility, which substances are contained within them understand what purpose they serve.

  1. Must be able to operate Dam Control Structures including Crest and Tainter Gates with the little or no supervision.

  1. Must be able to start/ stop / adjust High Service Pumps. Must be able to recognize normal and abnormal operation of pumps and motors through an inspection process and be able to report findings to appropriate personnel. Have knowledge of High Service Pump capacities and their function in delivering the appropriate quantity of water to the system.

  1. Know where all chemical feed points are located. Know storage and feed characteristics of all chemicals. Know how to operate and troubleshoot the systems to ensure the proper amount of treatment chemicals and records amount of chemicals added to water; sets chlorine dose and checks for residual chlorine. Must have basic knowledge of component function.

  1. Must be able to perform all applicable laboratory analysis. Must be able to complete all necessary laboratory recordkeeping tasks. Must have knowledge and be able to perform all sampling requirements during both routine and non-routine conditions.

  1. Must have good understanding of the procedure to wash filters including component processes, ensuring correct flow of water through filter; records any necessary service information on appropriate records. Must be able to backwash a filter manually or automatically with little or no supervision. Must have an understanding of the filter surveillance process and why it is conducted. Know regulatory requirements for the operation of the filter including allowable rate of flow and filter turbidity limits.

  1. Monitors operation of basins and checks for proper mixing of chemicals with water; monitors basin filling, draining and appropriate levels; takes jar samples and flushes accumulated sludge from basins. Assist in washing basins as necessary. Understands proper function and operation of automatic sludge collection equipment and is able to recognize any equipment function anomalies. Ensures that operational issues identified are reported upward.

  1. Must know locations of NPDES discharge points and know where to find information concerning permitted parameters and have a good understanding of them. Must be able to perform applicable sampling and recordkeeping with little or no supervision.

  1. Monitors power house operation and takes appropriate action during any power outages; locates and operates valves in plant and pipeline system in emergency situations with little or no supervision.

  1. Must have a general knowledge in the operation of the hydroelectric and diesel generators. Must be able to start/ stop the hydroelectric and diesel generators with little or no supervision.

  1. Answers telephone and two-way radio and routes messages to appropriate personnel.

  1. Know location and function of raw water control valve to deliver proper amount of water to plant to meet demands. Demonstrate operation of valves.

  1. Observes and records weather data from U.S. Weather Bureau substation.

  1. Coordinates with other assigned operational personnel when necessary.

  1. Makes visual inspection of equipment and grounds ensuring plant security; assists with maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment and is responsible for assigned vehicle. Requests help from maintenance staff as necessary.

  1. Must know all cleaning requirements and be able to perform all cleaning tasks with little or no supervision.

  1. Must have a general understanding of SCADA layout and controls. Must be able to operate the various components and make plant adjustments from SCADA with little or no supervision.

  1. Uses SCADA System to monitor and control plant distribution system with assistance. Make appropriate notification of SCADA alarms.

  1. Must understand what is monitored in the distribution system and know who to contact in the event of alarm conditions. Must be able to operate the various system components and make changes in the distribution system via SCADA with little or no supervision.

  1. Inspects/calibrates water quality monitoring instrumentation, SCD, turbidimeters, pH., particle counters, flow transmitters, pressure transmitters, feed machines/pumps, Cl2 analyzers, fluoride analyzer, and associated EQ with little or no supervision.



  1. Understands the function and operation of the residual handling area and performs operational tasks in accordance with standard operating procedures with little or no supervision. Must have a good understanding of the spray field operation and perform spray field inspections. They ust also be able to perform spray field applications from SCADA with little or no supervision.

  1. Performs preventative maintenance on plant equipment with little or no supervision. Must be able to generate work orders with little or no supervision.

  1. Loads/unloads chemicals and supplies from vendor trucks and handles appropriate paperwork with little or no supervision.

  1. Performs other related duties as required.

Spartanburg Water is an industry leading utility that offers team members a culture of innovation, a history of excellence and an investment in their continued success.
Nestled in the Piedmont region of South Carolina and a short drive away from the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and ever-popular beaches of the South Carolina Low country, Spartanburg is a thriving and growing community that is home to seven diverse and well-known institutions of higher learning. Residents enjoy incredible outdoor recreation opportunities, an eclectic and delicious local restaurant and brewery scene, a vibrant cultural environment and the benefits of strong economic growth with an affordable cost of living.
INNOVATION: Through innovative technologies and industry leading practices, Spartanburg Water has had the honor of twice receiving recognition as a Utility of the Future Today – and as one of only two South Carolina utilities to ever receive the award and only one of 18 utilities globally to receive the honor a second time.
HISTORY: Through sustainability and resiliency, Spartanburg Water has consistently provided the highest quality drinking water and wastewater services to our region for more than 100 years, and continues to be a vital part of the area’s successful economic growth and development.
INVESTMENT: Spartanburg Water offers a generous compensation package, including full medical, dental and vision benefits and participation in the SC Retirement System. The organization also offers tuition reimbursement and opportunities for paid certifications and training. Spartanburg Water firmly believes in the importance of investing in the health, security, and potential of all team members.