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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.

What you’d do

  • Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
  • Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
  • 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.
  • Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
  • Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
  • Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
  • Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Repairing

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech)
  • Hydroelectric Mechanic
  • Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)
  • Power Plant Mechanic
  • Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech)
  • Hydroelectric Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O and M Technician)

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