Job description

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.

• Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
• Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
• Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
• Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.

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Salary

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians with little to no experience tend to make between $34580 and $44450 while the more experienced ones can earn over $69790 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Hydroelectric Plant Technician is to move to a higher paying state like CA. Right now, the highest paying states for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians are CA, WA, HI, MN and KS.

However, a higher pay at CA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at CA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Hydroelectric Plant Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Hydroelectric Plant Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by a High School Diploma.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Hydroelectric Plant Technician.

What is the job like

61% of Hydroelectric Plant Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

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