Career Overview
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
Also Known As
- Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech)
- Hydroelectric Mechanic
- Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)
- Power Plant Mechanic
Alternate Job Titles
- Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic)
- Hydro Mechanic
- Hydro Operator
- Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech)
- Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech)
- Hydroelectric Machinery Mechanic
- Hydroelectric Mechanic
- Hydroelectric Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O and M Technician)
- Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Tech)
- Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Worker
- Hydroelectric Operator
- Hydroelectric Plant Electrician
- Hydroelectric Plant Installation Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Installation Tech)
- Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic
- Hydroelectric Plant Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Plant O and M Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
- Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
- Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
- Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
- Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
- Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
- Building and Construction
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Control Precision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Selective Attention
- Speech Recognition
- Oral Expression
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Channel lock pliers
- Clamp-on ammeters
- Claw hammers
- Combustion turbines
- Cordless drills
- Desktop computers
- Digital multimeters
- Drill presses
- Forklifts
- Grease guns
- Hydroelectric generating units
- Laptop computers
- Level probes
- Mobile radios
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Power Plant Operators occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Hydroelectric Plant Technicians.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $59,930 |
| Median | $99,670 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $128,760 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 30,720
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $121,440
Power Plant Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $99,670
Geothermal Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,640
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $62,580
Biomass Plant Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $99,670
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.