Details Report for:
51-8099.04 - 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.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
- Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
- Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
- Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
- Install or calibrate electrical or mechanical equipment, such as motors, engines, switchboards, relays, switch gears, meters, pumps, hydraulics, or flood channels.
- Maintain logs, reports, work requests, or other records of work performed in hydroelectric plants.
- 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.
- 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.
- Take readings and record data such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.
- Test and repair or replace electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers, station batteries, cable trays, conduits, or control devices.
- Change oil, hydraulic fluid, or other lubricants to maintain condition of hydroelectric plant equipment.
- Connect metal parts or components in hydroelectric plants by welding, soldering, riveting, tapping, bolting, bonding, or screwing.
- Cut, bend, or shape metal for applications in hydroelectric plants, using equipment such as hydraulic benders or pipe threaders.
- Erect scaffolds, platforms, or hoisting frames to access hydroelectric plant machinery or infrastructure for repair or replacement.
- Lift and move loads, using cranes, hoists, and rigging, to install or repair hydroelectric system equipment or infrastructure.
- Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
- Perform tunnel or field inspections of hydroelectric plant facilities or resources.
- Splice or terminate cables or electrical wiring in hydroelectric plants.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Ammeters — Clamp-on ammeters |
| Drilling machines — Drill presses |
| Ear muffs — Protective ear muffs |
| Flow sensors — Water flow meters |
| Hammers — Claw hammers |
| Hydroelectric engines — Hydroelectric generating units |
| Multimeters — Digital multimeters |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Platform lift — Staging equipment |
| Pressure indicators — Water pressure gauges |
| Respirators — Protective respirators |
| Screwdrivers — Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers |
| Turbine engines — Combustion turbines |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Electronic mail software — IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook |
| Facilities management software — Computerized maintenance management system CMMS software |
| Industrial control software — Distributed control systems DCS software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software |
| Internet browser software — Web browser software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
50   |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 50 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 50 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 33 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 33 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 33 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
Employment data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
Industry data collected from Plant and System Operators, All Other.
| Median wages (2012) | $25.55 hourly, $53,130 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 11,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 3,700 |
| Top industries (2010) | Government (36% employed in this sector)
Manufacturing (28%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
