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Hydroelectric Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Plant Manager leads all aspects of safety, quality, delivery, cost, employee engagement, and continuous improvement while ensuring the plant meets customer expectations and business objectives.

As a Plant Manager in our Inwood location, you will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the manufacturing operation, which is a continuous manufacturing operation with ...

The Plant Manager achieves results through direct leadership of operations and warehouse teams and through strong cross-functional partnerships with the onsite EHS Manager, Maintenance, Quality ...

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Hydroelectric Plant information

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$53.5K

$86.9K

$115K

How much do hydroelectric plant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydroelectric plant in the United States is $86,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs Working at a Hydroelectric Plant?

Jobs in a hydroelectric plant involve designing, building, operating, and maintaining the systems and equipment that generates electrical energy from moving water. The duties of plant technicians and operators involve ensuring that the hydraulics and other equipment are operating efficiently and making repairs and performing maintenance when needed. As a plant manager, you oversee the operation of the power plant and delegate tasks to plant employees when required. Engineers have responsibilities related to the design of hydroelectric plants and improvements to equipment or processes within the plant. Your duties can change depending on the size and type of plant in which you work.

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

AspectHydroelectric PlantHydroelectric Plant Operator
Primary RoleFacility for generating electricity from waterManages and controls the operation of the hydroelectric plant
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical training in power generationTechnical certifications, training in plant operations
Work EnvironmentPower plant site, often outdoors or in industrial settingsControl room, on-site during shifts, sometimes outdoors
Industry UsageDesign, construction, and maintenance of hydroelectric facilitiesMonitoring plant performance, troubleshooting, ensuring safety

The main difference is that a Hydroelectric Plant is the facility itself, while a Hydroelectric Plant Operator is responsible for running and maintaining the plant's operations. The operator ensures the plant functions efficiently and safely, whereas the plant encompasses the entire infrastructure for power generation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a hydroelectric plant, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at a hydroelectric plant often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to unexpected changes in water flow or demand. These challenges can be addressed through regular preventive maintenance, comprehensive safety training, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, keeping up-to-date with industry regulations and technological advancements helps staff anticipate and manage operational issues more efficiently.

What does a hydroelectric plant do?

A hydroelectric plant generates electricity by using the energy of flowing water. Water from a river or reservoir flows through turbines, causing them to spin and generate mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity by a generator. Hydroelectric plants are a renewable energy source, as they use the natural water cycle and do not emit greenhouse gases during operation. These plants can vary in size from small community-based facilities to large-scale dams serving entire regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydroelectric Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydroelectric Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, technical knowledge of power generation systems, and typically a background in electrical or mechanical engineering or relevant technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and safety protocols, along with certifications such as OSHA or power plant operation credentials, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators manage complex systems and respond to emergencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring continuous, safe, and efficient plant operations while minimizing downtime and hazards.
What cities are hiring for Hydroelectric Plant jobs? Cities with the most Hydroelectric Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydroelectric Plant jobs? The most popular types of Hydroelectric Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Hydroelectric Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydroelectric Plant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 9% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 88% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,897 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Plant Mechanic

Plant Mechanic

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority

Byron, CA โ€ข On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Application Deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026 12:00pm

Abbreviated Job Description:ย 
The duties listed are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the classification. Under the direction of the Plant Mechanic Foreman, performs a variety of skilled mechanical maintenance and repair work on hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment; performs related work as required.
Examples of duties:
The duties listed below are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of the duties and responsibilities of the classification.ย  Work as a member of a crew engaged in mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and rebuilding of hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment.ย  Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.ย  Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, overhead bridge and gantry cranes and perform rigging connected with maintenance.ย  Overhaul and repair of turbines, generators, motors, pumps, compressors, filters, eductors, valves, pipes, penstocks and radial gate drive systems.ย  Perform finish grinding and installation of turbine runners and seals. Design, fabricate and manufacture tools, jigs, and fixtures; fabricate parts from stock material.ย  Operate precision lathes, milling, boring, radial arm, drill press, and grinding machines.ย  Perform finish structural and pipe welding using MIG, TIG, acetylene and arc welders.ย  Other duties as may be required.
Requires the Knowledge of:ย 
Crane operations and rigging equipment to move or place heavy equipment in repair and installation work.ย  Dismantling, assembly, overhaul and repair of hydroelectric plant machinery and related equipment.ย  Performing repairs or maintenance using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or welding equipment.ย  Interpreting blueprint, specifications or diagrams.ย  Plumbing (copper, steel, SS, PVC, ABS, Victaulic, soldered, threaded, glued).
Must possess the Ability to:ย 
Perform journey-level mechanical work in the installation, maintenance and repair of hydroelectric plant systems.ย  Read and understand technical documents associated with mechanical equipment.ย  Apply supervisorial skills for use in a lead position while supervising apprentices.ย  Anticipate problems, develop new approaches and make innovative changes in work methods, techniques, and procedures.ย  Precision align rotating machinery.ย  Use precision measuring tools.ย  Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.ย  Regularly and consistently meet attendance/punctuality requirements.ย  Follow instructions, work independently and cooperatively with others.

How to Apply:ย 
Visitย  https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/j/87777144 ย or visit our job opportunity page at https://www.sldmwa.org/job-openingsย 
All applications must be received no later than the application deadline listed above.ย 
A resume and cover letter are required.ย  Failure to include either will disqualify your application.