Home Find a Job Advertise Knock 'em Dead

Hydroelectric Plant Efficiency Operator

Being a Hydroelectric Plant Efficiency Operator is a 'green' job because hydro electric plants are on the leading edge of pollution-free electricity production.

The career outlook for a hydroelectric plant efficiency operator is good. They make on average $35-$50 thousand a year.

The responsibilities of a plant operator include inspecting all plant equipment, taking readings from gauges and meters, entering crucial information into logbooks, and constantly checking for strange sights, smells, and sounds that could indicate a problem in the plant.

If you want be a Hydroelectric Plant Efficiency Operator, you will need to start out as an apprentice. You will spend many hours being trained by Journeymen Operators in how to run certain aspects of a hydro electric plant.

Generally, a high school graduate can get an entry-level job at a hydro electric plant. But there are classes that are recommended to be taken to learn how to be a plant operator. These classes teach students about both the basics and more advanced aspects of power plant operation. The classes are often part of an apprenticeship program so that students can learn about being a plant operator while gaining hands on experience. There are also degrees and certificates that can be gotten while you work that will give you more knowledge and put you in a better position to be a plant operator.

If you want to become Hydro Electric Plant Efficiency Operator, and you are interested in becoming an apprentice, you must know basic math and algebra, along with the fundamentals of electronics and mechanics. You must also be able to work well under supervision, and be able to listen to instructions.

Background schooling in physics, electronics, hydraulics, or other related mechanical fields is a good start to getting into being a plant operator. Other preferred schooling includes chemistry, trigonometry, blueprint reading and mechanical drawing. All of these subjects can provide a great base for this job.

A keen eye for safety issues and potential problems is also crucial for this job. Being able to identify abnormalities early is key in preventing problems. So being an alert person who is willing and able to jump on an issue and get it fixed will take you far in this field.

Being a plant operator is an intense job; often requiring overtime during peak power-usage seasons or if there is damage to the plant. But if you feel you are cut out for this green career, you are looking forward to a career with great benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Hydroelectric Plant Efficiency Operator Resources

*The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower (Mother Earth News Wiser Living)
*2009 Ultimate Guide to Hydropower, Hydroelectric Power, Dams, Turbine, Safety, Environmental Impact, Fish Passage, Impoundment, Pumped Storage, Diversion, Run-of-River (Ringbound and CD-ROM)
*Hydropower Developments: New Projects, Rehabilitation, and Power Recovery (IMechE Conference Transactions)
*The Micro-Hydro Pelton Turbine Manual: Design, Manufacture and Installation for Small-Scale Hydro-Power

Hydropower Jobs

Share your story!

Do you have a career in this field? Share it!

Enter Your Career

Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Your Green Niche

Finding your green career niche can be difficult. GreenCareersGuide.com has tried to make your experience as easy as possible. If you have already found your green career, share it! Share your experiences with others who were once in your shoes. Email your green collar story here.