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Hydroelectric Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.38/hr

... hydroelectric generating plant system operations. Must be able to communicate and supervise personnel in proper operation procedures. Must be able to organize, schedule, direct and evaluate the work ...

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$111 - $135/hr

Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant system operations. Must be able to communicate and supervise personnel in proper operation procedures.

Hydro Plant Foreman

Ennis, MT · On-site

$59.39/hr

Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant system operations. Must be able to communicate and supervise personnel in proper operation procedures.

Showing results 41-60

Hydroelectric Plant information

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$53.5K

$86.9K

$115K

How much do hydroelectric plant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 85% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,897 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Intern - Hydroelectric Project Engineering

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS)

Iron Mountain, MI

$23.10/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 19 days ago


Wisconsin Public Service rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Wisconsin Public Service Corp, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, is seeking a Intern - Hydroelectric Project Engineering in our Merrill, WI or Iron Mountain, MI location. This role will begin in May/June 2027 and will be full-time through the summer. The starting hourly rate for this position is $23.10 with paid company holidays. 

About Us

WEC Energy Group is one of the nation’s largest electric generation and distribution and natural gas delivery holding companies serving 4.7 million customers across the Midwest. We are committed to providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy in an environmentally sustainable manner. Customers are the heart of our business, and we work every day to help grow and support communities where we provide vital energy services.

As a Fortune 500 company, we value and develop our employees who are making a difference in a mission that matters. We don’t just offer a job; we provide fulfilling careers where safety and well-being are paramount. Join our team and experience first-hand our commitment to your success. We offer competitive pay and benefits to recognize your hard work and dedication.

If you’re talented, energetic and ready for a career with a future, we want you on our team. We are powered by a diverse and inclusive workforce fueled by the pride in what we do. If you're driven by the passion to change lives, this is the place for you.

Job Summary

Energize your career in a progressive work environment through our intern engineering program, which gives you a chance to gain professional experience while enrolled in college, along with competitive pay. Your internship experience offers real-world experience through hands-on work in your field of study.

Job Responsibilities

This program gives students the opportunity to preview the work environment in their field of study and:

  • Apply classroom learning
  • Combine engineering science with communications and team-building skills
  • Receive hands-on experience

Intern engineers working in Power Generation will gain experience in plant and project engineering, as well as planning, and technical support. Students will assist in monitoring and evaluating equipment and system performance, while maintaining reliability, safety and regulatory compliance. Our generation facilities includes include 30 hydroelectric plants throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma, GED, or HSE
  • Current pursuit of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering majors with a graduation date after July 2027.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8
  • Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a plant, outdoor and office setting 
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills 

End Date: 11/15/2026 

Pay Range Minimum:  23.10

Pay Range Maximum:  27.55

The pay range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position at the time of posting and may be modified in the future. The starting salary/pay within the pay range will be based on several factors, as applicable, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, travel requirements, collective bargaining agreements, and business and organizational needs.  At WEC Energy Group, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role.

WEC Energy Group benefits

We reserve the right to modify the application deadline or discontinue accepting applications for any position if deemed necessary. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews commencing after submission for qualified candidates. 
Learn more at Careers

WEC Energy Group will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 with OPT or CPT, H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

WEC Energy Group and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. As a result, all qualified applicants will receive equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status. The Company also complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws that require it to take affirmative action.
 

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