All About Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Example of Hydroelectric Plant Technician Job 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.
What Do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
- 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.
- Take readings and record data, such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.
- Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
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Qualities of a Hydroelectric Plant Technician
Below is a list of the skills most Hydroelectric Plant Technicians say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Hydro Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O&M Technician)
- Hydroelectric Plant Operator
- Power Plant Mechanic
- Power Plant Operator
- Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 12,100 jobs in the United States for Hydroelectric Plant Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Hydroelectric Plant Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Hydroelectric Plant Technician are South Dakota, Nebraska, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in Massachusetts, West Virginia, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians ranges between about $34,580 and $81,750 a year.

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians who work in Alaska, Washington, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $53,280 |
Alaska | $65,360 |
Arizona | $54,740 |
Arkansas | $52,910 |
California | $69,480 |
Colorado | $50,910 |
Connecticut | $65,360 |
Florida | $53,060 |
Georgia | $42,540 |
Hawaii | $68,500 |
Idaho | $63,100 |
Illinois | $63,770 |
Indiana | $60,160 |
Iowa | $62,060 |
Kansas | $66,380 |
Kentucky | $53,540 |
Louisiana | $54,610 |
Maine | $44,000 |
Maryland | $60,260 |
Massachusetts | $63,710 |
Michigan | $62,000 |
Minnesota | $67,770 |
Mississippi | $58,280 |
Missouri | $56,330 |
Montana | $60,360 |
Nebraska | $41,410 |
Nevada | $59,180 |
New Jersey | $62,690 |
New Mexico | $53,040 |
New York | $63,550 |
North Carolina | $57,370 |
North Dakota | $52,260 |
Ohio | $52,440 |
Oklahoma | $52,740 |
Oregon | $58,800 |
Pennsylvania | $55,250 |
South Carolina | $57,790 |
Tennessee | $55,980 |
Texas | $52,850 |
Utah | $53,520 |
Virginia | $62,820 |
Washington | $68,600 |
West Virginia | $54,870 |
Wisconsin | $64,240 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Hydroelectric Plant Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Distributed control system DCS
How to Become a Hydroelectric Plant Technician
What kind of Hydroelectric Plant Technician requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Hydroelectric Plant Technician?

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Sector

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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