Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8013
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.
• Maintain or repair hydroelectric plant electrical, mechanical, or electronic equipment, such as motors, transformers, voltage regulators, generators, relays, battery systems, air compressors, sump pumps, gates, or valves.
• Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.
• Install or calibrate electrical or mechanical equipment, such as motors, engines, switchboards, relays, switch gears, meters, pumps, hydraulics, or flood channels.
• Change oil, hydraulic fluid, or other lubricants to maintain condition of hydroelectric plant equipment.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable hand wrenches, Channel lock pliers, Clamp-on ammeters, Claw hammers, Combustion turbines, Computerized maintenance management system CMMS, Cordless drills, Desktop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Hydroelectric Production Managers
• Power Plant Operators
• Geothermal Technicians
• Wind Turbine Service Technicians
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Gas Plant Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Hydroelectric Plant Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.