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Hydroelectric Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.39/hr

Review all operator/maintenance time sheets to ensure accuracy and conformance with the union ... Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant ...

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.38/hr

Review performance evaluations for all operators, ensuring objectivity and consistencyAdjust ... hydroelectric generating plant system operations. Must be able to communicate and supervise ...

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.39/hr

Review all operator/maintenance time sheets to ensure accuracy and conformance with the union ... Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant ...

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.38/hr

Review all operator/maintenance time sheets to ensure accuracy and conformance with the union ... Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydroelectric Plant Operator information

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$4.9K

$7.2K

$10K

How much do hydroelectric plant operator jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydroelectric plant operator?

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.

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 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.

How much does a hydroelectric plant operator make?

Hydroelectric plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They are responsible for monitoring equipment, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring continuous power generation, often working shifts that include nights and weekends.

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:

Who are the top companies hiring for Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs?

The top employers for 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 are popular job titles related to Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs?

For Hydroelectric Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,639 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Aqueduct Pump Specialist

Parker Dam, CA • On-site

The Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees

$54 - $71.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver reliable water to a region with 19 million people-and to accomplish this, we rely on a team of talented employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible.
There are currently two (2) openings for Aqueduct Pump Specialist located at Gene Camp (Parker Dam, CA).
This recruitment may result in an eligibility list*.
We are looking for an Aqueduct Pump Specialist (Millwright/Industrial Mechanic) to be part of the Pump Maintenance Team. This hands-on role combines complex troubleshooting, maintenance, and mechanical problem solving to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the Desert Region's Pumping Plants.
What You'll Do
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and install critical mechanical equipment including large pumps, motors, compressors, cooling and lubrication systems, and associated equipment.
  • Perform predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance to keep large-scale pumping and water conveyance equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably.
  • Work hands-on with various heavy industrial equipment, including control and measurement systems, cranes, gates, penstocks, valves, and reservoir infrastructure.
  • Apply journey-level millwright or industrial mechanical expertise to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues.
  • Provide training and technical direction over any onsite apprentices and operations and maintenance technicians.

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.
To view the full job description, click here: Aqueduct Pump Specialist
The Incentive Pay program will be setup to provide a Desert Branch Assignment Premium to qualifying employees as follows:
  • 5% for all employees assigned to Gene Camp or Intake.
  • 15% for all employees assigned to Hinds Pumping Plant, Eagle Mountain, or Iron Mountain.

Schedule: 4/10 Start times are no earlier than 6 am and end times are no later than 6 pm.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: High school diploma or high school equivalency certificate in addition to a minimum of 5 years in a journey-level mechanical maintenance position in a pump plant, treatment plant, hydroelectric or conveyance and distribution facility or similar environment.
Specialized advanced journey level experience and knowledge as demonstrated by practical application of techniques and practices specific to the operation, maintenance, and repair of aqueduct infrastructure, pump plant, power generation systems, and related systems and apparatus. Skills necessary include predictive and diagnostic evaluation of complex utility pump and power equipment using analog and digital test as well as computer equipment. Also requires advanced journey-level skills in preventive and corrective maintenance practices related to aqueduct equipment and infrastructure, pump plant and hydroelectric plant maintenance generally obtained through applicable training and experience.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Employees in this position may be required to obtain and maintain the following certifications, licensing and registrations:
License(s): Valid California Class C Driver's License or equivalent that allows you to drive during your employment is required at time of application.
BENEFITS
  • Competitive compensation
  • Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.
  • Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.
  • Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training and advancement opportunities

For more information on MWD benefits, please use the following link: Benefits Regular Full Time Employee
ABOUT MWD
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
Metropolitan is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees.
Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, please reach out to the Human Resources Office at (213) 217-7738 or email jobs@mwdh2o.com.
In accordance with applicable laws, we provide religious accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, and observances that conflict with work requirements. If you require a religious accommodation during the application, interview, or employment process, please reach out to the EEO Office at (213) 217-5858 or eeooffice@mwdh2o.com. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Application Filing Period: Closes at 11:59 pm PT on the date stated in the job announcement. However, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.
Eligibility List*: An eligibility list is a list of qualified candidates created when a job posting states that one will be established.
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications listed in the original posting and successfully pass all stages of the recruitment process-but are not selected for the initial vacancy-may be placed on this list for future openings.
The list may be used to invite candidates to participate in a selection interview for a future vacancy in the same classification / title (if there is one). The duration of the list depends on the applicable bargaining unit.
Qualifying Experience: Your resume must at a minimum include the month and year you began and ended employment, name of the organization, your title, and a brief description of your experience. If your employment was part-time, make sure you identify it on your resume next to the month/year.
Sponsorship: Applicants for employment with The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (i.e., H1-B or other employment-based immigration case).
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