What Do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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. They also operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.

Other tasks include:

• 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.
• Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
• Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
• Maintain or repair hydroelectric plant electrical, mechanical, or electronic equipment, such as motors, transformers, voltage regulators, generators, relays, battery systems, air compressors, sump pumps, gates, or valves.

We asked Hydroelectric Plant Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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61% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

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 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 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.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Hydroelectric Plant Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

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.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/hydrologists.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm