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Hydroelectric Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Site Operator

Fergus Falls, MN ยท On-site

$86K - $96K/yr

This position plays a vital role in supporting the reliable operation of hydroelectric generation facilities and the Hoot Lake Plant ash landfill. The successful candidate will perform plant ...

... hydroelectric facilities and associated equipment to insure safe, efficient, and reliable energy ... Direct personnel in response to plant emergencies, special safety procedures, and operations ...

... hydroelectric facilities and associated equipment to insure safe, efficient, and reliable energy ... Direct personnel in response to plant emergencies, special safety procedures, and operations ...

... hydroelectric facilities and associated equipment to insure safe, efficient, and reliable energy ... Direct personnel in response to plant emergencies, special safety procedures, and operations ...

Operations Manager

Watertown, NY ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... hydroelectric facilities and associated equipment to insure safe, efficient, and reliable energy ... Direct personnel in response to plant emergencies, special safety procedures, and operations ...

Operations Manager

Potsdam, NY ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... hydroelectric facilities and associated equipment to insure safe, efficient, and reliable energy ... Direct personnel in response to plant emergencies, special safety procedures, and operations ...

... oil, hydroelectric and solar facilities. JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE: The Plant Asset Team Leader reports directly to the Plant Manager. They direct, lead, and supervise a team of tech specialist and ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Power Generation Facility)

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

Rome, GA โ€ข On-site

$104K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems at Oglethorpe Power's power generation facilities, which include combustion turbines, combined cycle facilities, and pumped-storage hydroelectric. Your expertise will support critical infrastructure, ensuring reliability and efficiency in energy production and system performance. You will be responsible for planning overhaul outages, optimizing mechanical systems, and implementing new technologies to enhance plant operations. This role includes predictive and preventive maintenance, oversight of mechanical inspections, and development of capital projects to improve long-term reliability. Additionally, you will provide technical and business support to plant managers, including system design, budgeting analysis, and performance evaluations. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in power generation systems, strong proficiency in mechanical design of balance of plant systems, gas and steam turbine technology, maintenance of rotating equipment, and the ability to manage contractor relationships. This position is located at our Rocky Mountain pumped-storage facility near Rome, GA.Job Duties:Planning minor/major equipment outages. The design, selection and installation of major new equipment and systems.Provide system and equipment technical expertise with Predictive/Preventive Maintenance work orders for plants' computer maintenance management system. Review and monitor annual mechanical inspections at facilitiesReview of drawings, specifications, design calculations and analysis to generation projects in development or under construction.Provide technical expertise with the development and execution of Capital Projects.Provide oversight of contractors including: engineering firms, construction, and maintenance. Required Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology (preferably BSME) - Technical and business knowledge of generating plant operation, performance, and economicsExperience: This position is a Senior Engineer level position. 10+ years minimum engineering and five years minimum preventive and predictive maintenance experience in an operating commercial electric power generating plant is required, including planning, budgeting, preventive and predictive maintenance and maintenance analysis.Desired Experience: Proven track record in design, analysis, and maintenance of mechanical systems in hydroelectric plants.Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks). Knowledge of hydroelectric systems; penstock, wicket gates, inlet valve, runner, and spiral case.Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to hydroelectric power.Licenses, Registrations, and/or Certifications: Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred and valid driver's license that meets the insurance requirements under Oglethorpe Power's Drivers Qualification Program. Level II Vibration Analyst certification desired.Travel: Depending on project demands 20-30% travel may be required   
Job Posted by ApplicantPro