Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
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.
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Good salary (earns more than 50% of the careers out there).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Hydroelectric Plant Technicians with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $35,220 to $45,320 per year or $17 to $22 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $83,810 | $40 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $71,270 | $34 |
| Median | $58,960 | $28 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $45,320 | $22 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $35,220 | $17 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Relevant work experience
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On The Job Training
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Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend 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.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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