Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Job Details

Sector(s)

Operations & Maintenance

Median Pay

$43,180–$59,380 per year

$20.76–$28.55 per hour

Job Type

Entry- to Mid-Level

Typical Entry-Level Education and Work Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; little to no experience required

Position Title

Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Alternate Titles

Mechanic

Job Description

Hydroelectric plant technicians install, inspect, maintain, operate, and repair machinery at hydroelectric plants and associated water-passage equipment, such as spillway gates. They are also responsible for identifying and correcting problems in the area of the plant as well as communicating their findings with their superiors and subordinates.

Education and Training Description

Hydroelectric plant technicians must have a high school or equivalent degree. Some technicians complete a technical or associate degree in a related field, such as electrical or mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and information technology. Additional training as an electrician and/or familiarity with the software programs hydroelectric plants use can be helpful.

Most positions will require one year or more of on-the-job training for new hydroelectric plant technicians. With more job experience, hydroelectric plant technicians can begin to manage other technicians.

Job Profile

Hydroelectric plant technicians work at hydropower plants. These technicians routinely install, inspect, maintain, operate, and repair machinery to ensure the plant operates correctly. Hydroelectric plant technicians are also responsible for identifying and fixing problems in the plant and associated water-passage structures. These technicians also communicate their findings with their superiors and subordinates. When new hydropower plant components need to be installed, hydroelectric plant technicians often perform or assist with the installation and test the component to make sure it is operating properly.

Hydroelectric plant technicians also operate various systems or machinery based on instructions or specifications. This could include adjusting turbines, valves, electrical control boards, and other plant equipment.

Working with large machinery can be dangerous if safety protocols are not followed, so hydroelectric plant technicians must know and abide by the plant’s safety procedures. Some hydroelectric plant technicians may help develop or modify plant safety regulations and procedures, perform safety drills, or evaluate other technicians or drills at their plant or other plants.

Hydroelectric plant technicians typically:

  • Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of hydropower facilities and dams
  • Climb ladders to inspect, troubleshoot, or repair turbine equipment
  • Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis
  • Perform routine maintenance on hydropower plant machinery
  • Test electrical components and systems, as well as mechanical and hydraulic systems
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions
  • Replace worn or malfunctioning components
  • Operate hydropower plant equipment in accordance with specifications and instructions.

Job Skills

Hydroelectric plant technicians typically need:

  • To be detail oriented. Technicians must be able to notice small changes in machinery to identify issues. They must also follow strict maintenance, installation, and safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Physical stamina. Technicians often need to move around all day while inspecting, fixing, and maintaining components of the plant.
  • Physical strength. Technicians need to be strong enough to move heavy components, which may weigh up to 50 pounds.
  • Troubleshooting skills. Technicians find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, if a motor stops working, they perform tests to determine the cause of its failure and then, depending on the results, fix or replace the motor.

More Information

For more information on hydroelectric plant technician jobs, see:

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