Hydroelectric Power Generation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $132,372.00 - $153,240.00 Annually
Location : Pardee, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-075
Department: Water Operations Dept
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
The Position
An immediate position is available at East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD) Pardee Center based at Pardee Reservoir near Valley Springs, approximately 85 miles from EBMUD headquarters in Oakland.
Under general direction, the Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator II (HPPO) operates hydroelectric power plants and associated facilities. The HPPO monitors and responds to alarms both locally and from remote locations through a SCADA system for hydroelectric generators, raw water pumping plants, raw water aqueducts, river flow controls, water and wastewater treatment systems and equipment. HPPOs work a rotating combination of day and night shifts.
Typical duties include:
• Inspecting and performing preventive and minor maintenance to hydropower equipment and aqueduct raw water systems.
• Operating a computerized control center to monitor and control reservoirs, river flows, aqueducts, water and wastewater treatment plants and systems, chemical plants and related waterways relative to flows, pressures, levels, voltages, electrical loads, lake levels, river flows, chemical residuals and equipment operating conditions.
• Administering electro-mechanical lockout/tagout procedures including writing and hanging clearances, issuing danger tags and switching where required.
• Regulating electrical loads, river flows, aqueduct flows and storage conditions as required.
• Monitoring overall plant conditions through local instrumentation and walk-through inspections, identifying and reporting irregularities to the supervisor and creating and updating work orders in a computerized maintenance management system.
• Responding to emergency situations by performing emergency equipment repair, first aid and calling out designated standby supervisor or other standby staff and testing emergency equipment including emergency generators.
• Maintaining accurate operating records including electronic logs, electrical generation and ISO reports and recording and inputting meteorological data from field instrumentation.
• Ensuring that Pardee facilities are continuously supplied with electrical power through appropriate station or PG&E feeder switching.
• Answering, forwarding and dispatching radio and telephone traffic coming into the Pardee Area computer control center during routine operations and emergencies.
Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator IIs should have knowledge of:
• Basic math operations (+-*/%)
• Operating principles of power generation equipment
• Basic electrical, mechanical and hydrodynamic principles
• Operating principles of raw water supply system equipment
• Equipment layout, instrumentation, and functions and principles of three-phase electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems
• Basic computer functions
• Safety rules, codes and regulations
• Routine facility and equipment maintenance and cleaning methods.
The ability to:
• Accurately read and record data from gauges and meters
• Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and exercise independent judgment within established guidelines
• Follow standardized verbal and written procedures
• Use computer equipment
• Identify and resolve problems and take a timely, effective and reasonable course of action in an emergency
• Perform work without immediate or detailed supervision
• Observe and accurately record operating conditions and produce verbal and written reports
• Read basic electrical station and system diagrams and plans.
The ideal candidate will have experience with hydropower operations and electrical switching operations.
The Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator II salary range starts at $10,503 per month, increasing to $11,028, $11,579, and $12,158 after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively.
EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.
Requirements
1. A high school diploma or its equivalent.
2. Two years' experience operating or maintaining mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment similar to that utilized in a hydroelectric power plant.
3. Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
4. Willingness to work rotating shifts or overtime as needed in a continuous (24/7) operation.
5. Ability to climb ladders to a height of 50 feet, work in cramped or awkward positions to repair equipment, and lift tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/.
The Selection Process
1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.
2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a panel interview expected to be held in July.
4. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.
5. The probation period for this position is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.
6. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.
Supplemental Information
As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Duties and responsibilities detailed in your responses should also be accurately reflected in the work experience section of your application. Should you respond with comments such as "see application" or "see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.
Our excellent benefits package includes:

• 12 days paid vacation; 16 holidays; 13 days paid sick leave;
• Family health insurance (choice of Kaiser fully paid or Sutter Health Plus or Anthem Blue Cross 85% paid);
• Fully paid family dental and vision care plans;life insurance; long-term disability insurance;
• EBMUD Retirement Plan (reciprocal with CalPERS);
• $1,000/yr. contributed to flexible spending account or cash;
• $145/mo. public transit subsidy;
• 401(k) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans; Roth 401(k);
• $3,500/yr. tuition reimbursement;
• And opportunities for professional growth including training and career development.

01
Describe your experience operating and/or maintaining mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical equipment similar to that utilized in a hydroelectric power plant. Include in your description the specific types of equipment, years of experience, and your specific responsibilities.
02
Describe your experience monitoring and controlling plants and processes using SCADA systems. Include the type and complexity of the plants, type of SCADA systems, and your responsibilities in controlling processes, monitoring conditions, responding to alarms and analyzing abnormal events.
Required Question