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.
List of Hydroelectric Plant Technician Job Duties
- Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- Change oil, hydraulic fluid, or other lubricants to maintain condition of hydroelectric plant equipment.
- Lift and move loads, using cranes, hoists, and rigging, to install or repair hydroelectric system equipment or infrastructure.
- 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.
- Cut, bend, or shape metal for applications in hydroelectric plants, using equipment such as hydraulic benders or pipe threaders.
- 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
These are the skills Hydroelectric Plant Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Hydroelectric Plant Technician
- Hydroelectric Plant Electrician
- Hydroelectric Operator
- Hydroelectric Plant Technician
- Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Technician
- Traveling Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians?
There were about 12,100 jobs for Hydroelectric Plant Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,200 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Salary for a Hydroelectric Plant Technician
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians make between $34,580 and $81,750 a year.

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians who work in Alaska, Washington, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians make in each U.S. state?
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
Becoming a Hydroelectric Plant Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Hydroelectric Plant Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Work

Below are examples of industries where Hydroelectric Plant Technicians work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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