What Do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Do

• 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.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Hydroelectric Plant Technicians maintain logs, reports, work requests, or other records of work performed in hydroelectric plants. They take readings and record data, such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.

• Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
• Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.
• Communicate the status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
• Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
• Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Hydroelectric Plant Technicians also connect metal parts or components in hydroelectric plants by welding, soldering, riveting, tapping, bolting, bonding, or screwing. They may also splice or terminate cables or electrical wiring in hydroelectric plants.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Hydroelectric Plant Technicians change oil, hydraulic fluid, or other lubricants to maintain the condition of hydroelectric plant equipment. They might also cut, bend, or shape metal for applications in hydroelectric plants, using equipment such as hydraulic benders or pipe threaders.

In addition, they test and repair or replace electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers, station batteries, cable trays, conduits, or control devices.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them install or calibrate electrical or mechanical equipment, such as motors, engines, switchboards, relays, switch gears, meters, pumps, hydraulics, or flood channels.

To some Hydroelectric Plant Technicians, it is also their responsibility to monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.