Management
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Also called: Hydroelectric Station Supervisor (Hydro Station Supervisor), Plant Manager, Power Plant Superintendent, Power Plant Supervisor
US median pay
$126,060
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
17,000
252,100 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
What they do day to day
- Direct operations, maintenance, or repair of hydroelectric power facilities.
- Identify and communicate power system emergencies.
- Maintain records of hydroelectric facility operations, maintenance, or repairs.
- Perform or direct preventive or corrective containment or cleanup to protect the environment.
- Monitor or inspect hydroelectric equipment, such as hydro-turbines, generators, or control systems.
- Inspect hydroelectric facilities, including switchyards, control houses, or relay houses, for normal operation or adherence to safety standards.
- Supervise or monitor hydroelectric facility operations to ensure that generation or mechanical equipment conform to applicable regulations or standards.
- Plan or coordinate hydroelectric production operations to meet customer requirements.
- Check hydroelectric operations for compliance with prescribed operating limits, such as loads, voltages, temperatures, lines, or equipment.
- Develop or implement projects to improve efficiency, economy, or effectiveness of hydroelectric plant operations.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Time Management3.8/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Coordination3.5/5
- Systems Evaluation3.4/5
- Systems Analysis3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security4.1/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Engineering and Technology3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.6/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate29%
- Associate's degree21%
- Bachelor's degree15%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.