ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hydroelectric Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Puget Sound Energy

Plant Manager I

Ellensburg, WA

The Plant Manager I position will be based at our Wild Horse Wind & Solar Facility located outside ... Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related ...

Puget Sound Energy

Plant Manager I

Ellensburg, WA

The Plant Manager I position will be based at our Wild Horse Wind & Solar Facility located outside ... Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related ...

City of Hastings

Public Works Supervisor

Hastings, MN · On-site

$46.08 - $57.65/hr

... operator by providing them direction, answering questions, contacting the public, or calling in ... the hydroelectric power plant. Provide timely and accurate information to maintenance crews.

Puget Sound Energy

Plant Manager I

Ellensburg, WA · On-site

The Plant Manager I position will be based at our Wild Horse Wind & Solar Facility located outside ... Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related ...

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC

Plant Manager

Lynn, PA · On-site

The Plant Manager assures that plant operating conditions are always kept within optimum limits ... Provide technical support at assigned hydroelectric generating plant(s). * Perform other duties as ...

US Department of the Interior

$62.13/hr

This position requires a fully skilled Plant Mechanic or Machinist with skill in at least two of ... Welder, Pipefitter/Plumber, Millwright, Crane Operator/Rigger. If your resume does not clearly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHydroelectric Plant Operator Jobs

Hydroelectric Plant Operator information

See salary details

$4.9K

$7.2K

$10K

How much do hydroelectric plant operator jobs pay per month?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average monthly pay for hydroelectric plant operator in the United States is $7,219.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $5,375.00 and $9,083.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydroelectric plant operator do?

A hydroelectric plant operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment that generates electricity from water power. They ensure the plant runs safely and efficiently by adjusting water flow, maintaining machinery, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Operators also record data, perform routine inspections, and may be involved in minor repairs. Their work is essential for providing reliable renewable energy to homes and businesses.

What Does a Hydroelectric Plant Operator Do?

A hydroelectric plant operator controls and maintains the equipment that creates electricity in a hydroelectric power plant. Your duties are also to monitor operations and regulate the flow of electricity out of the plant. Inside the plant, operators observe the flow of water through turbines. The moving water turns these turbines to generate electricity. In addition to monitoring operations, controlling the flow of power, and performing scheduled maintenance and equipment tests, you also troubleshoot when equipment malfunctions or other issues arise. In such situations, you diagnose problems, make repairs, and coordinate with other technicians if necessary.

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

AspectHydroelectric Plant OperatorPower Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in plant operationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in plant operations
Work EnvironmentHydroelectric dams, water reservoirs, power stationsVarious power plants including fossil fuel, nuclear, renewable
Industry UsagePrimarily in renewable energy sector, water resource managementBroader energy sector, including fossil fuels and nuclear

Both roles require similar certifications and work in power generation environments. Hydroelectric Plant Operators focus on water-based energy sources, while Power Plant Operators work across various energy types. The key difference lies in the specific energy source and related equipment.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydroelectric Plant Operators during routine operations?

Hydroelectric Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to fluctuating water levels, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing unexpected power demand changes. They must regularly monitor complex control systems and perform preventive maintenance to avoid unplanned outages. Effective communication with maintenance teams and engineers is also critical, as operators need to coordinate troubleshooting and repairs to maintain plant efficiency and safety.

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 a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, often backed by a high school diploma or technical certification in power plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to system changes and coordinate with team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient plant operations, minimize downtime, and maintain reliable electricity generation.
More about Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Hydroelectric Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs? For Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Contract, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,639 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Fertilizer Operator l

Herbruck Poultry Ranch

Saranac, MI • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Highlighted Benefits:

  • Competitive Wages & PTO
  • Free Wellness Clinic
  • Premium Free Healthcare Option
  • 401(k) Match 

Essential Job Duties:   

  • Mechanically inclined. 
  • Maintain and operate fertilizer machinery   
    • All augers and conveyors 
    • Rotary drum dryer 
    • Bag house and Cyclone  
    • Pellet mills  
  • Work on conveyance  
  • Run equipment to process manure 
  • Welding/Cutting/Grinding of equipment 
  • Lubing of equipment  
  • Perform maintenance on equipment  
  • 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 
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays as assigned 
  • Able to perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Able to work around moving machinery comfortably
  • Desire to work in a farm environment with very dusty conditions
  • Do not own or maintain routine contact with pigs, birds, or cattle. 
  • Valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands:   

  • Ability to perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations 
  • Ability to remain standing and/or walking for extended periods of time on concrete floors 
  • Ability to stoop, bend, climb, and lift at least 25 lbs. continuously throughout the day  

Safety:  

  • Follow all company safety rules 
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
  • Follow all biosecurity protocols.

Want to know what your day would look like? Watch this quick video​​​​​​: Fertilizer

Powered by JazzHR

MMBotVYEWS