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Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calpine

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Calpine

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Hshs

Power Plant Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$23.15 - $34.73/hr

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Power Plant Operator to join our team. Operates and evaluates all power plant equipment for efficiency and safety. Adjusts gauges and dials, reads ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Kent, WA

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Seattle, WA

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Auburn, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Puyallup, WA

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Tukwila, WA

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Power Plant Operators A, to join our team in Seattle, Auburn, Puyallop, Renton ...

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Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator information

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$20

$44

$63

How much do hydroelectric power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric power plant operator in the United States is $44.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydroelectric power plant operator do?

A Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment that generates electricity at hydroelectric power stations. Their duties include starting and stopping turbines, adjusting water flow and voltage, monitoring instruments for performance and safety, and performing routine maintenance checks. They ensure that the plant operates efficiently and safely while responding to any operational issues that arise. Hydroelectric operators also record data, follow safety protocols, and may assist with troubleshooting mechanical or electrical problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydroelectric power plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, electrical knowledge, and understanding of power generation processes, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and safety protocols, as well as certifications such as OSHA, are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or in teams are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of hydroelectric facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by hydroelectric power plant operators, and how can they be managed?

Hydroelectric Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected equipment malfunctions, managing fluctuating water levels due to weather changes, and coordinating with grid operators to meet variable electricity demand. Effective management involves thorough knowledge of safety protocols, regular preventive maintenance, and strong communication skills for team coordination. Staying updated on technological advancements in control systems can also help operators handle these challenges efficiently and ensure continuous, safe plant operations.

What is the difference between Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator vs Hydroelectric Maintenance Technician?

AspectHydroelectric Power Plant OperatorHydroelectric Maintenance Technician
Primary RoleOperate and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment to generate electricityPerform maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting on hydroelectric equipment
Required CertificationsOperator licenses, technical certificationsTechnical certifications, trade licenses
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor facilitiesMaintenance workshops, outdoor sites, plant areas
Industry UsageUsed by power companies managing hydroelectric facilitiesEmployed by similar companies for equipment upkeep

While both roles are essential in hydroelectric facilities, Hydroelectric Power Plant Operators focus on running the plant and ensuring continuous power generation, whereas Hydroelectric Maintenance Technicians handle repairs and maintenance to keep equipment functioning efficiently.

How much does a hydroelectric power plant operator make?

Hydroelectric power plant operators typically earn a median annual wage of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They are responsible for monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, and ensuring safe operation, often working shifts that include nights and weekends.

How to get hired as a hydroelectric power plant operator?

To become a hydroelectric power plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an apprenticeship in power plant operations. Relevant skills include understanding control systems, safety procedures, and maintenance practices, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on local regulations.

Is it hard to become a hydroelectric power plant operator?

Becoming a hydroelectric power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an apprenticeship. Operators often need to obtain certifications and have technical skills to monitor equipment, control systems, and ensure safety, which can involve on-the-job learning and experience.
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Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator 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 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,004 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

POWER PLANT SENIOR ELECTRICIAN

Dardanelle, AR • On-site, Remote

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Army Corps of Engineersexternal

$61.91/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Summary
About the Position:
This position is for a Power Plant Senior Electrician, WB-2810-00 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Operations Division, McClellan-Kerr Project Office. Located in Dardanelle, AR.
This is a Bargaining Unit Position.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Your are responsible for on-site inspection, maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and facilities and electrical and electronic features of structures and mechanical equipment.
  • You will perform work at at a multiple purpose hydroelectric dam, spillway, hydroelectric power generating plant and switchyard.
  • You will check the operation of all equipment in order to detect abnormal conditions and correct them before they become serious. You will test repaired equipment to assure proper performance.
  • You will plan work operations consistent with broad work schedules based on urgency of repair, interference with other operations, availability of equipments and personnel, and time required to complete work.
  • You will provide technical guidance to Journeymen Electrician and Power Plant Trainees.
  • You will maintain records and data in connection with all electrical maintenance and repair work.
  • You will plan and perform installation of new electrical equipment on primary and auxiliary power plant systems.
  • You will respond to callouts and independently perform assessments of equipment to diagnose problems and develop repair plans. You will strictly adhere to safety standards to include compliance with Hazardous Energy Control Plan procedures.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Responds to the plant on emergency callouts at night and on weekends/holidays to perform troubleshooting of various alarms detected by operators at a remotely located control center in accordance with negotiated collective bargaining agreement.
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Require pre-employment and Annual Physical Exams.
  • Obtain and Maintain valid state driver's license.
  • Require Pre-employment and Random Drug Testing include to sign a DA Form 5019-R, "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical under the Drug Abouse Testing Program, or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

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 a(n) POWER PLANT SENIOR ELECTRICIAN, WB-2810-00 without more than normal supervision; this will involve at least the performance of common preventative maintenance, testing and repairs on electrical and electronic equipment at multi-purpose hydroelectric dam, hydroelectric power generating plant, spillway, intake structure, or switchyard.. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Also, you will be evaluated on other Job Elements which are listed below.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)
  • Ability To Use Electrical Drawings
  • Knowledge of Electrical Equipment
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Theory and Instruments (Electrical Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices
  • Trouble shooting (electrical)

  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work tasks require that the incumbent be capable of rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination in conjunction with eye and hand coordination to operate switches and controls in accordance with meter indications. Machine work, welding, soldering and other specialized tasks require dexterity and the use of both hands. In order to perform the maintenance, inspection and operation of power station equipment, the incumbent must be able to lift and carry heavy objects of 45 pounds and over, climb ladders, reach above the shoulders, stand, sit, crawl and kneel for prolonged periods and perform repeated bending. To use power plant communications, normal speech and hearing are necessary. To recognize color codes, incumbent must have normal correctable vision and normal color vision. The incumbent must be able to operate cranes and motor vehicles. Climb stairs and capable of sensing and responding to audible and visual alarms without the use of aid devices.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: The incumbent will work primarily inside around machinery in operation; in close proximity to high and low voltage circuits and climbs stairs frequently. Sometimes work will be performed outside in weather of varying degree of temperature and humidity, in tight or cramped (confined) work spaces, below ground, above water, at heights, on ladders or scaffolds, and on slippery or uneven walking surfaces. Occasionally the incumbent will use solvents, degreasing agents, or other chemical agents, and be assigned to protracted or irregular hours of work; use both hands in water and is exposed to silica, dust, asbestos, oil, grease, constant or excessive noise, vibration, and smoke and gas fumes. Working around machinery with moving parts, moving objects, and moving vehicles is to be expected. The incumbent will be working closely with others and/or alone depending on assigned daily activities. Personal protective safety devices will be supplied to the worker when in an area of hazardous exposure. Examples of devices are hard hats, safety shoes, safety goggles and glasses fresh air breathing masks, gloves, dust and smoke respirators, ear muffs, insulated gloves and safety grounds. When in an area of hazardous exposure, the incumbent will wear the appropriate personal safety device. Must wear supplied Arc Flash rated clothing at all times while working within the facility.

Education
No substitution of education for experience is permitted for this position. Applicants must meet the Screen Out Element for further consideration.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a Career Program (CP-29) position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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