ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hydroelectric Power Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York Power Authority

Technician B

Lewiston, NY

$43.44/hr

The New York Power Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Summary This critical role involves working as an electrical controls technician within a hydroelectric power plant. Responsibilities ...

NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

Technician B

Lewiston, NY · On-site

$43.44/hr

The New York Power Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Summary This critical role involves working as an electrical controls technician within a hydroelectric power plant. Responsibilities ...

CDM Smith

Water Resources Engineer 8

Edison, NJ

$81K - $111K/yr

CSOs; dams; drainage; economics and planning; ecosystem restoration; flood management; green infrastructure; groundwater; hydroelectric power; hydrology and hydraulics; integrated resource planning ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHydroelectric Power Jobs

Hydroelectric Power information

See salary details

$13

$24

$46

How much do hydroelectric power jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydroelectric power in the United States is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in hydroelectric power operations?

Professionals in hydroelectric power operations often face challenges related to maintaining equipment reliability, adapting to fluctuating water levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Daily tasks may involve monitoring power generation systems, performing routine maintenance, and coordinating with engineers, environmental specialists, and local authorities. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, as the work environment is typically team-oriented and may require responding quickly to unexpected issues like equipment faults or changes in weather conditions.

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 a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, turbine controls, and maintenance management software is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of hydroelectric facilities.

What are hydroelectric power jobs?

Hydroelectric power jobs involve working with the generation, operation, maintenance, and management of electricity produced by harnessing the energy of moving water. These roles can include engineers, plant operators, technicians, environmental scientists, and administrative professionals. Employees in this sector help design, construct, monitor, and repair hydroelectric dams and facilities, ensuring safe and efficient power production. Careers in hydroelectric power support renewable energy initiatives and contribute to sustainable electricity generation.

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

AspectHydroelectric PowerHydroelectric Plant Technician
CredentialsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsTechnical certifications, training in electrical/mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentPower plants, control rooms, outdoor dam sitesPower plants, maintenance facilities, outdoor dam sites
Industry UsageDesigning, managing, and optimizing hydroelectric systemsMaintaining and repairing hydroelectric equipment

Hydroelectric Power involves the overall design, management, and optimization of hydroelectric energy systems, often requiring engineering expertise. In contrast, a Hydroelectric Plant Technician focuses on the hands-on maintenance and repair of equipment within hydroelectric facilities. Both roles are essential in the hydroelectric industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Hydroelectric Power jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydroelectric Power jobs? The most popular types of Hydroelectric Power jobs are:
What states have the most Hydroelectric Power jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydroelectric Power jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydroelectric Power jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydroelectric Power jobs are:
Hydroelectric Power jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Power job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 5% As Needed, 73% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 14% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,977 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Operator - Mechanic - Up to $61.68/hr - Full Benefits

Southeast Alaska Power Agency

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

$61.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Organization
Southeast Alaska Power Agency is a regional joint action agency established as an energy resource for our member communities. We manage and operate two hydroelectric projects (Tyee Lake & Swan Lake) and the transmission assets that supply power to the communities of Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Wrangell.
Category
Operations
Description
STARTING WAGE
Up to $61.68/hr (DOE) plus excellent benefits which include a Pension Plan, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, Alaska Electrical Health and Welfare Plan and more.
LOCATION
The base location for this position will be the Swan Lake hydroelectric facility located 22 miles northeast of Ketchikan, AK; as specified by Employer at the time of posting. Job duties may require occasional travel to other SEAPA facilities.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Operator / Plant Mechanic performs typical operations and maintenance duties associated with hydroelectric power generation and transmission facilities. The standard work schedule is 8 ten-hour days of work and 6 days off. The position requires on-site residency in employer-provided housing during each 8-day period of work.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operates, maintains, and repairs hydroelectric generating facility systems and equipmentIssues and provides control of switching and tagging procedures for system clearances and hot line orders
  • Monitors and controls voltage, frequency, real and reactive power flow throughout the system
  • Coordinates system operation with and between facility operators, municipal electric systems, and large power customers
  • Maintains records and operating logs on generating facility systems and equipment
  • Responsible for keeping all necessary equipment in good repair, removing unsafe equipment from use, and recommending replacement options
  • Operates and maintains substations, switchyards, and submarine cable sites
  • Operates and maintains facility vehicles and heavy equipment
  • Participates in ordering, receiving, and inventorying parts
  • Completes scheduled preventative work orders
  • Performs unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on facility equipment
  • Maintains a positive and supportive working relationship with co-workers
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Location
Swan Lake
Position
Operator - Mechanic
Position Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Licenses:
  • High School diploma
  • Valid Alaska driver's license

Experience/Skills/Abilities
  • Must be a team player, self-motivated, and exhibit professional skills that reflect well on the Agency, which also includes dedication to the mission of the organization, observation of all health and safety regulations, and use of safety equipment as needed
  • Ability to perform energy isolation of plant systems and equipment
  • Ability to operate, test, maintain, and repair plant mechanical systems and equipment
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings
  • Verifiable experience leading to knowledge of mechanical equipment, power generating equipment and machinery
  • General understanding of electrical generation and transmission equipment and of basic engineering and physical parameters relating to the facility operation
  • Must be motivated and have the ability to quickly learn plant operations and system control concepts
  • Skilled in the use of precision measuring devices
  • Familiarity with alignment procedures
  • Ability to operate and maintain vehicles and mobile heavy equipment
  • Ability to work with little or no supervision

Physical Requirements
  • Required to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the telephone, radios, and in person
  • Physically able to walk, climb stairs, climb ladders in excess of 100 feet, stand, and lift materials up to 60 lbs.
  • Requires the ability to safely traverse uneven, wet, challenging terrain
  • Requires working in different types of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Requires work indoors in an industrial power plant environment
  • Requires work outdoors and exposure to all seasonal weather conditions
  • Occasionally work around and over water, in wet, dirty, greasy and oily conditions
  • Occasionally required to work in elevated positions
  • Travel in fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and boats
  • Risk of exposure to energized equipment, noise, rotating machinery, falling from heights, working around water, uneven terrain, slippery conditions, and other hazards associated with remote field work or an industrial setting
  • Exposure to indigenous wildlife, including insects and animals

EOE Statement
Southeast Alaska Power Agency is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply