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Hydroelectric Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Trainee

Warsaw, MO ยท On-site +1

$37.72/hr

Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a ...

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 ...

Hydroelectric Millwright

Rome, GA ยท On-site

$25.25 - $33/hr

Job OverviewRocky Mountain Dam is seeking a journey-level Hydroelectric Millwright to install ... Troubleshoot unexpected mechanical failures rapidly to minimize plant downtime and ensure grid ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hydroelectric Plant information

See salary details

$53.5K

$86.9K

$115K

How much do hydroelectric plant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,897 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Hydroelectric Plant Technician II

Department of Water Resources

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$9.0K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

State Water Project Aerial Tour 2021 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A1jHyfqp8E
This position is physically located at the Joint Operations Center in Arden Arcade.
Duties: Under the direction of an Hydroelectric Plant Technician Supervisor and guidance from the other Hydroelectric Plant Technician II (HEPT II), the incumbent safely performs all technical maintenance and complex work associated with control, communication, seismic, high voltage (HV), electrical and mechanical protection equipment in connection with the operation and maintenance of the State Water Project (SWP) generating/pumping plants, switchyards, water conveyance, and facilities. Provides guidance and assists in development of HEPT II.
Troubleshooting and repair: Follows all safety procedures to isolate equipment to analyze, troubleshoot, diagnose failures on equipment, system components, including hardware and software issues and take logical approach for corrective measures. Knowledge of and ability to use the appropriate tools and test equipment including fiber optic test equipment OTDR, VFL, Power Meter, Light Source, VOM, Protocol Analyzers, PC/laptop and various hand tools. Must be able to use and interpret technical documentation, drawings and schematics. Identify appropriate replacement equipment and restore equipment including testing and validation of proper operation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • Hydroelectric Plant Technician II
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523671
Position #(s):
842-761-3729-X8X
Working Title:
Hydroelectric Plant Technician II
Classification:
Hydroelectric Plant Technician II $9,004.00 - $11,867.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Division of Operations and Maintenance, Utility Power Systems Services Technician Section, Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements
Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Travel throughout the State may be required for extensive periods of time. Field inspections may require travel to domestic and foreign locations via air travel or other means of transportation. Work may require driving a vehicle on public roadways and/or uneven terrain to remote areas. Will be occasionally contacted for after-hours emergency call-out support of the communications system.
Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
Under the provisions of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard CIP-004 as part of the Energy Policy of 2005, this position has authorized cyber access to or unescorted physical access around critical cyber assets and is subject to a satisfactory background check prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.
This is a sensitive position and is subject to substance abuse testing as defined in California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Regulations 599.960-599.966.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/19/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento , CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other - Cover Letter
  • Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
It is desirable for the incumbent to have knowledge and experience in Safety Training including NFPA 70E (Lockout Tagout, PPE, Arc Flash, energy isolation procedures).
Experience in Process Control, testing, calibrating, installation, troubleshooting, configuring, and repairing PLCs and instrumentation, SCADA Architecture and maintaining the associated components, testing, installation, and maintenance of battery, DC Systems, high-capacity UPS Systems, electrical/mechanical and microprocessor based high voltage protection systems and instrumentation. Experience with Fiber Optic Equipment, installing, cleaning, testing, troubleshooting, and splicing. Experience with Copper Infrastructure Cabling, installing, testing, and troubleshooting. Experience with installing, testing, configuring, and troubleshooting Video Surveillance Cameras, Unified Communications, PBX, Vendor lease circuits. Experience with networking devices, calculating, sizing, and specifying equipment cabinets, racks, enclosures and cabling, reading and understanding P&IDs, electrical and network engineering design drawings.
Benefits
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees .
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
We have PLENTY of FREE parking. This position is located at the Joint Operations Center in the Arden Arcade area.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Stephanie Youngblood
(916) 574-1382
stephanie.youngblood@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Special Requirements
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume, Cover Letter, and Statement of Qualifications. Please reference SAP Position # 50001967 and Job Control # 523671 in the "examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying" section of your application.
Statement of Qualifications:
This is a (1-page maximum) separate typed document entitled Statement of Qualifications in Arial 12-point font that addresses the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as it relates to the job description.
Cover Letter:
The Cover Letter should include a statement as to why you are interested in this position and highlight skills that are most applicable to the Duty Statement.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.
Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Examination/Assessment
For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To learn more about how to get a State job, click here .
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link:
HYDROELECTRIC PLANT TECHNICIAN II
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.