Hydroelectric Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $71,864.00 - $80,100.80 Annually
Location : Greenup Hydro Dam - 3263 Kenyon Rd, Franklin Furnace, OH
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 00812-01
Department: Utility Operations
Division: Greenup Hydroelectric Plant
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Description
The City of Hamilton is an EEO & AAE. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
This is skilled work in the operation and control of equipment associated with a hydroelectric power generation plant and in maintenance of such a facility.
Work in this class primarily involves the operation, inspection, tending and maintenance of power generating and auxiliary equipment associated with the hydro electric generating plant in order to achieve maximum output rate consistent with permitted discharge rate. Removal of trash from plant intakes, a variety of maintenance tasks, and record keeping are on-going part of each Operator's responsibility.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Plant Supervisor who reviews the employee's work through observation, conferences and plant records and reports. The employee, however, is expected to be able to work with a considerable degree of independence, resourcefulness and initiative. In accordance with established procedures, the employee coordinates assigned duties with related functions of other Operators.
Work is characterized by employment on rotating shifts.
Essential Job Functions

• Functions as Control Room Operator, starting and stopping units, coordinating unit discharge rates, monitoring and maintaing upstream pool, taking and reporting hourly readings of distribution metering, unit blade positions, unit temperatures and D.O. monitoring equipment.
• Makes reports to plant logs, to Hamilton Power Plant and to Locks' personnel dealing with status of plant and river status
• Acknowledges, and responds to faults or alarms on an annunciator board, fire alarm, or other monitoring systems; uses learned knowledge of plant operations to take corrective action and/or notify other agencies as appropriate.
• Cleans debris from intake screens trash racks on plant intake side; uses Log Handling equipment and other devices as needed to keep intake area clear.
• Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including inspection and routine preventive maintenance on the units, auxiliaries, trash cleaning equipment and plant facility.
• Performs maintenance or installation tasks, consistent with skill and ability, to repair or replace failed equipment or components.
• Performs grounds care tasks such as mowing grass, weed eating, snow removal, cleaning & clearing plant grounds, trash removal, fence repair and custodial jobs such as cleaning restrooms, mopping & waxing floors, changing light bulbs and similar jobs.
• Drives light truck or automobile to purchase or pick up equipment or supplies needed by plant.
• Does related work as required.

Skills/Knowledges/Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the procedures and techniques essential to the operation of hydroelectric generation equipment with the ability to make appropriate operating decisions as a member of a small crew.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety precautions of the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation, adjustment and maintenance of control, indicating, recording and metering devices common to hydroelectric power plants.
• Ability to analyze working conditions of equipment, to detect flaws or defects in operation, and to take appropriate steps to correct defective equipment or hazardous working conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret measuring and testing devices connected with plant operation, and to keep proper log records of such readings.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Skill in the use and adjustment of appropriate electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with the public, subordinates and superiors and with individuals from other agencies such as locks staff, persons from regulatory groups and the public.
• Excellent physical condition to work effectively in work conditions which include: exposure to adverse weather, relatively constant vibration and the confines of a plant system which is largely under water level.

Training/Education/Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of mechanical & electrical systems and devices, heat transfer, general mathematical skills, basic computer user skills, oral & written communication skills and basic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) year experience in operation or maintenance of power plant equipment such as turbines, pumps and auxiliary equipment, electric transmission equipment & general welding skills would be valuable although not mandatory.

The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan.
Temporary and part-time positions are not eligible for the benefits listed below.
For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
Health Insurance
The City offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The medical plan is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help cover eligible healthcare expenses. Health insurance coverage begins on your date of hire.
Holidays
For many employee groups, the City provides 17 days (136 hours/year) of paid holiday leave. These include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.
Life Insurance
After six months of employment, employees are eligible for $10,000 coverage under our group life insurance policy. Additional coverage up to the employee's annual salary ($40,000 maximum) may be purchased. Upon retirement this coverage will be reduced to $4,000. The premiums will be paid by the City.
Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
Life insurance (term and whole life), critical illness/cancer, accident, short / long term disability insurance
Deferred Compensation Plan
This plan allows employees to build a financial reserve for retirement by using pre-tax, payroll deducted contributions. This money is held and invested by the plan's trustees in options selected by the employee. Risk levels vary depending on the options chosen. Participation is voluntary.
Retirement Plans
The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and the Police and Fire Disability and Pension Fund (PFDPF) are the two plans available to City employees. Both are established by Ohio law and participation is required. Both the employee and the City of Hamilton contribute a percentage (pre-tax) into the system. Members do not pay into the Federal Social Security System. Employees and the City also contribute to Medicare.
EMPLOYEES WHO ARE COVERED BY A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (CBA) MAY HAVE BENEFITS THAT DIFFER FROM THOSE NOTED ABOVE. IN THOSE INSTANCES, YOU MUST REFER TO THE CBA FOR SPECIFIC BENEFIT DETAILS. THIS LISTING IS NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE, BUT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE A BRIEF OVERVIEW.
01
Do you understand that this position is located at Greenup Hydroelectric Plant in Franklin Furnace Ohio?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and devices, heat transfer, general mathematical skills, basic computer user skills, oral and written communication skills and basic planning skills?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess at least one (1) year of work experience in operation or maintenance of power plant equipment such as turbines, pumps and auxiliary equipment, electric transmission equipment and general welding skills?

• Yes
• No

04
Did you include your CORRECT email address in your application? Please recheck. Our communication to you will be via email and it's imperative that we have a valid email address.

• Yes
• No

05
Do you understand that you will receive email notifications during this recruitment process and will need to continually check your email and respond timely?

• Yes
• No

Required Question