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Hydroelectric Power Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$76.76/hr

This Project provides hydroelectric generation, navigation, fish passage and recreation. Learn more ... Train workers under his/her direction, including hydroelectric power plant trainees, to perform ...

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Hydroelectric Power information

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How much do hydroelectric power jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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.

How many jobs are created by hydropower?

Hydroelectric power plants create a variety of jobs, including roles for engineers, technicians, operators, and environmental specialists. The industry supports thousands of jobs worldwide, with employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and management, often requiring technical skills and safety certifications.

How hard is it to become a power plant operator?

Becoming a hydroelectric power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship that can last several months to years. Operators often need to obtain certifications or licenses depending on state regulations and must develop skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and troubleshooting, making it a job that demands technical knowledge and experience.

What is the highest paying job in renewable energy?

In renewable energy, senior roles such as renewable energy project managers, energy directors, and chief engineers tend to have the highest salaries. Hydroelectric power specialists with advanced technical skills and management experience can also earn high compensation, especially in leadership positions overseeing large projects or operations.

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.

How much do hydroelectric operators make?

Hydroelectric operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They often require technical skills, safety certifications, and knowledge of control systems and machinery to operate and maintain hydroelectric power plants effectively.

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:
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Power job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,977 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Emerson

Cranberry Township, PA

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 hours ago


Emerson Electric rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer - Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates. In this critical role, you will be part of the Hydro Controls Engineering team responsible for delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America.

This team focuses on modernizing existing hydro facilities through the replacement of turbine governor systems and related control equipment. Solutions are delivered as comprehensive turnkey projects, encompassing project management, engineering design, system integration, testing, and on-site commissioning. Your work will directly support reliable, efficient, and sustainable power generation for customers across the region.

Learn more about Emerson's Hydro Power Solutions.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects within the North American hydroelectric power industry 
  • Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions for hydroelectric facilities 
  • Interpret customer and industry technical specifications to create mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control system designs 
  • Develop and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and functional flow diagrams 
  • Apply electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate, safe, and effective system integration 
  • Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project-specific operational requirements 
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commission control systems at customer sites 
  • Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and hardware and software test procedures 
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems, plant operations, and customer engagement

Who You Are:
You are a proactive problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments. You build strong relationships with customers and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration. You stay focused on goals, adapt to challenges with a positive attitude, and consistently deliver high-quality results. You seek opportunities to innovate and improve processes, demonstrating resilience and accountability in achieving outcomes. 

For This Role, You Will Need:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering or related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in controls and automation.
  • Hands-on experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants and turbine governor systems.
  • Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and/or DCS systems.
  • Knowledge of communication networks such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3.
  • Ability to serve as the primary technical contact for customers.
  • Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically to support projects.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

  • 10+ years of experience in controls and automation engineering 
  • Ability to analyze and implement engineering designs for logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems.
  • Experience with pumped storage station controls.
  • Prior experience with Emerson Ovation controls systems  

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

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WHY EMERSON 

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.   


ABOUT EMERSON 

Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!

No calls or agencies please. 


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