Hydroelectric Systems Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Hydroelectric Systems Operator

Best Schools to become a Hydroelectric Systems Operator in U.S. 2024

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

In-State Tuition:$8,935
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,204
Admission Rate:67%
Graduation Rate:64%
Total Enrollment:40,378

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$4,680
Out-of-State Tuition:$11,520
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:27%
Total Enrollment:5,184

Excelsior University

Albany, NY

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:15,833

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID

In-State Tuition:$5,928
Out-of-State Tuition:$23,906
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:37%
Total Enrollment:12,301

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

In-State Tuition:$13,608
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,608
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:10,072
Hydroelectric Systems Operator Job Description:
  • 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.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Hydroelectric Systems Operator

Job Duties for Hydroelectric Systems Operators

  • 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.

  • Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.

Technologies and Skills Used by Hydroelectric Systems Operators

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook

Industrial control software

  • Distributed control system DCS
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Hydroelectric Systems Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Hydroelectric Systems Operator

FAQs About Becoming a Hydroelectric Systems Operator