Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Hydroelectric plant operators oversee and regulate the generation of electricity from flowing water. They operate and monitor equipment such as turbines, pumps, valves, and control panels to ensure systems run safely and efficiently. By tracking performance, making real-time adjustments, and performing routine maintenance, they help keep power flowing reliably while supporting renewable energy.

Career Snapshot:

Wage Text Here

per year*

Mid Level

Energy, Utilities, & Infrastructure

*Estimates are not to be used as fact. Based on publicly available sources.

The Path to Becoming

a(n)

Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Step 1

Earn

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High School Diploma or GED

Resources:

Inland Career Education Center

Inland Adult Education Consortium

Southwest Riverside Adult Education

Step 2

Earn a Postsecondary Certificate

Required Training:

Standards Occupational Classifications (SOC) code

SOC 51-8013.04

Training Programs and Resources:

Powerplant Maintenance Certificate

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San Bernardino Valley College

Electricity Program

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Norco College

MIT Academic Programs

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Chaffey College

Energy Systems Technology

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College of the Desert

Step 3

Find a position or apprenticeship

Required Training:

This career typically involves

More than 1 year on-the-job training

A Day in the Life

As

a(n)

Hydroelectric Plant Technician

you can expect to perform these tasks frequently:

Observe and adjust equipment to maintain efficient and reliable operation Diagnose issues with turbines, generators, and related systems and determine solutions Start, stop, and regulate plant machinery and power generation processes Operate key systems such as pumps, valves, gates, and control panels Conduct routine inspections to ensure equipment safety and identify maintenance needs Perform maintenance and repairs on mechanical, electrical, and control systems Collect and log data on system performance, water flow, and operating conditions Report equipment status and operational updates to supervisors or control centers Follow operational instructions to manage power output and system load Carry out preventative maintenance tasks to keep equipment functioning properly

Required skills:

What It Takes

Hydroelectric Plant Technician

often have these skills:

Troubleshooting

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Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about them.

Repairing

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Repairing machines or systems using the right tools and technical knowledge.

Equipment Maintenance

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Performing routine servicing and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Operations Monitoring

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Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine or system is working correctly.

Operation and Control

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Controlling operations of equipment or systems, including tools, machinery, and processes.

Critical Thinking

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Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions and decide the best approach.

Coordination

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Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions and working effectively with team members.

Active Listening

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Giving full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand, and asking questions as appropriate.

Quality Control Analysis

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Conducting tests and inspections to evaluate quality or performance of products, services, or systems.

Judgment and Decision Making

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Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Career Outlook

240

Employees in

2023

210

Employees in

2033

-12.50%

Projected
Growth Rate

170

Annual Projected
Job Openings

Related Occupations

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Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Career Snapshot:

The Path to Becoming

a(n)