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Hydroelectric Power Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $170/hr

If you are a hydroelectric power industry expert who is passionate about renewable energy ... to help improve plant reliability. In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be: * Serve as a ...

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Hydroelectric Power Plant information

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How much do hydroelectric power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric power plant in the United States is $39.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a job at a hydroelectric power plant involve?

A job at a hydroelectric power plant typically involves operating, maintaining, and monitoring equipment that generates electricity from flowing water. Responsibilities may include inspecting turbines, generators, and other machinery to ensure proper functioning, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine maintenance. Engineers, technicians, and operators work together to optimize power generation efficiency and comply with environmental and safety regulations. Some positions require specialized training or certifications in electrical or mechanical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a hydroelectric power plant position?

To thrive as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of electrical systems, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in power plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and routine safety procedures is crucial for daily operations. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and sound problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure that plant operations are safe, efficient, and reliable, minimizing downtime and promoting sustainable energy production.

What are the typical daily duties and work environment like for a hydroelectric power plant operator?

Hydroelectric Power Plant Operators typically monitor equipment, adjust controls, perform routine inspections, and respond to alarms to ensure optimal plant performance. The work environment is often a control room with periodic rounds throughout turbine halls and related facilities, and operators may work in shifts that cover nights, weekends, and holidays. Daily responsibilities also include recording data, troubleshooting issues, coordinating with maintenance teams, and complying with strict safety protocols. Operators frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance staff, and other operators to ensure a smooth and reliable production of power, making teamwork and clear communication important parts of the job.

What cities are hiring for Hydroelectric Power Plant jobs?

Cities with the most Hydroelectric Power Plant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydroelectric Power Plant jobs?

The most popular types of Hydroelectric Power Plant jobs are:

What states have the most Hydroelectric Power Plant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydroelectric Power Plant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Power Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,563 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Power Plant Senior Controller

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Selma, AL • On-site

$66.34/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Competitive Positions of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Incumbent will be in charge of power operations during one working shift and responsible for the operation of a complete system of up to thirteen local and remote hydroelectric generating plants under varying and complex operating conditions.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: US Citizens


In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of an Power Plant Senior Controller without more than normal supervision. Assignments will involve performance of common duties of operating a hydroelectric power plant under normal and abnormal conditions; issuing safe clearance for hydroelectric power plant equipment; operating flood control facilities to reduce flood risk. Work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee. Ability to do the work of an Power Plant Senior Controller without more than normal supervision- Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work tasks require that the incumbent be capable of rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination in conjunction with hand and eye coordination to operate switches and controls in accordance with meter indications. To respond to emergency situations, incumbent must be able to lift and carry objects up to 45 pounds, climb several flights of stairs in succession, stand, sit, or kneel for prolonged periods of time. To use power plant communications, the incumbent must have normal speech and hearing. To recognize color coded instrument indications, normal correctable vision and color vision are required.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Most duties are performed within the confines of Master Power Plant control room. Occasionally duties may be assigned on the generator and turbine floor, spillway and switchyard. Some exposure to moderate discomforts such as noise, heat, cold, moving, and rotating equipment can be expected. This position requires occasional travel outside the normal duty locations for training activities, operational familiarization of other power plants, local control of other power plants and other activities.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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