Occupation · SOC 51-8013.04
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Equipment MaintenanceCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringRepairingTroubleshootingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
MechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Facilities management softwareIndustrial control softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specIdentify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, tStart, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroele
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Plant equipment gauges and performance displays — read and interpret under direct supervisor guidance during scheduled monitoring rounds at a hydroelectric generating facility.Generator, transformer, and turbine identification — recognize and label major components following labeled diagrams and plant orientation materials during initial on-site training.Generating unit startup and shutdown checklists — follow step-by-step written protocols under close technician supervision in a hydroelectric power plant control room.Spill containment materials and cleanup procedures — assist in applying preventive measures under direct instruction during routine environmental compliance drills at the plant site.Auxiliary equipment visual inspections — conduct walkaround checks of pumps, fans, and battery banks using standardized inspection forms with a senior technician present.Equipment status reports — communicate basic operational observations verbally to an on-shift supervisor using standard plant terminology during normal operating conditions.High-voltage switchgear safety boundaries — recognize and observe required clearance distances under direct oversight while accompanying qualified personnel in hydropower switchyards.Electric control board settings — observe and record panel readings under supervision, comparing values to posted operating specifications in the plant control room.Maintenance work orders and technical manuals — read and comprehend assigned sections to support equipment care tasks under guidance in a plant maintenance environment.Spreadsheet and facilities management software — enter routine equipment readings and maintenance log entries under direction using plant-issued computers and standardized templates.
developing
Hydroelectric plant equipment performance — monitor continuously and adjust operating parameters independently to meet performance specifications during regular production shifts.Generator and turbine malfunctions — identify common fault indicators and initiate corrective actions using plant troubleshooting guides with minimal supervisor consultation.Generating unit operations — start, adjust, and stop units and associated valves and gates in correct sequence with limited oversight during normal and scheduled load-change events.Environmental containment protocols — execute preventive and corrective spill-response procedures independently, documenting actions in compliance logs after routine and minor incidents.Water-powered generator and auxiliary equipment inspections — conduct thorough scheduled inspections, noting deficiencies and recommending maintenance or repair needs to supervisors.Dispatcher and supervisor communications — relay accurate, timely equipment status updates via radio and electronic mail using established reporting formats during operational transitions.High-voltage switches and related devices — operate safely and accurately following switching orders in hydropower substations with awareness of system isolation requirements.Turbines, pumps, valves, and electric control boards — operate the full complement of plant equipment competently across routine daily tasks in an active hydroelectric generating plant.Troubleshooting procedures — apply systematic diagnostic reasoning to isolate mechanical or electrical faults using plant schematics and technical documentation in production environments.Maintenance scheduling and time management — prioritize and complete preventive maintenance tasks within assigned timeframes using facilities management and work-order software tools.
proficient
Equipment performance deviations — autonomously analyze trends across generators, turbines, and transformers and implement corrective adjustments to restore specification compliance in the plant.Complex equipment malfunctions — diagnose and resolve non-routine faults in generators, transformers, and turbines by applying advanced troubleshooting reasoning and engineering documentation.Generating unit control sequences — execute and verify complete startup, load adjustment, and shutdown operations across multiple units during peak-demand or emergency operating conditions.Environmental incident response — lead containment and remediation efforts for significant spill or contamination events, coordinating resources and completing regulatory documentation.Comprehensive plant equipment inspections — evaluate operational status and maintenance urgency of all generation and auxiliary systems, producing detailed condition assessments and repair plans.Cross-functional operational communications — provide clear, technically precise status briefings to dispatchers, engineering staff, and management across multiple communication channels during critical events.High-voltage switching operations under abnormal conditions — execute complex switching sequences independently to isolate faulted equipment and restore system reliability in hydropower substations.Integrated plant control systems — operate and fine-tune turbines, pumps, valves, gates, control boards, and battery banks collectively to optimize plant output across variable water-flow conditions.Quality control analysis — evaluate maintenance and operational data using spreadsheet software to identify recurring deficiencies and recommend systemic equipment or procedural improvements.Technical documentation and reports — author comprehensive maintenance records, incident reports, and operational procedures to support compliance and institutional knowledge retention at the plant.
advanced
Plant-wide performance standards — set and enforce operating specifications for all generating units and auxiliary systems, driving continuous improvement across the full hydroelectric facility.Malfunction prevention strategies — develop predictive maintenance programs for generators, transformers, and turbines that reduce unplanned outages and extend equipment service life at the organizational level.Operational control frameworks — design and approve unit startup, adjustment, and shutdown procedures and ensure all technicians are trained and qualified to execute them safely.Environmental compliance programs — establish plant-wide spill-prevention, containment, and remediation policies that meet or exceed regulatory requirements across all operational scenarios.Inspection and assessment protocols — author and periodically revise comprehensive inspection standards for all plant equipment, integrating engineering and regulatory best practices.Stakeholder and regulatory communications — represent the plant in technical discussions with grid operators, regulatory agencies, and senior management, translating operational data into strategic decisions.High-voltage switching safety governance — develop, review, and approve switching order procedures and safety rules governing substation operations for all plant personnel.Technology integration and control system advancement — evaluate and lead adoption of new industrial control software and automation tools to improve plant reliability, efficiency, and safety.Workforce development and mentorship — design training curricula and competency assessments for emerging and developing technicians, building departmental capability across skill levels.Complex problem-solving leadership — lead cross-functional teams in resolving major operational or infrastructure challenges, applying engineering and management judgment to protect plant reliability and public safety.
Also known as
27 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Power Plant OperatorOperations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)Hydroelectric Plant Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Plant O and M Tech)Hydroelectric MechanicPlant MechanicHydro OperatorHydro MechanicHydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech)Hydroelectric OperatorCommunications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic)Hydroelectric-Station OperatorHydroelectric Machinery MechanicHydroelectric Plant ElectricianHydroelectric Production Technician (Hydroelectric Production Tech)Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance WorkerPower Plant MechanicHydroelectric Plant Installation Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Installation Tech)Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech)Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Tech)Power Plant Technician (Power Plant Tech)Hydroelectric Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O and M Technician)Hydroelectric Systems Technician (Hydroelectric Systems Tech)Hydroelectric Plant Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Tech)Hydroelectric Plant OperatorTraveling OperatorPlant Operations WorkerHydroelectric Plant Mechanic