HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 93,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California, Department of Water Resources, is seeking a Hydroelectric Plant Operator in Butte County. The role operates pumps, generators, and related equipment, monitors control systems, and performs power and water calculations to ensure efficient plant operation.

This on-site permanent position requires adherence to safety protocols and active participation in maintenance tasks. Final Filing Date is 9/14/2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications are listed in the Class Specification.

Responsibilities

• Operate pumps, generators and auxiliary equipment at hydroelectric plants and control centers.
• Keep logs of operations and readings; manage schedules and calculations for power and water.
• Prepare and issue clearances; follow safety procedures and Emergency Action Plan.

Job description

Job Posting: HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

Department of Water Resources

JC-529456 - HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

$8,372.00 - $10,792.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026

Job Description and Duties

Operates pumps, generators and associated auxiliary equipment, aqueduct facilities, reservoirs and turnout from plants, control centers and remote sites either directly or by use of remote-control systems; and monitors or operates digital process control system for optimal individual plant or system wide operation. Performs high and low voltage switching. Incumbent may work alone in plants and Area Control Center and drive into areas away from frequently traveled roadways. Keeps log records of operations and readings; implements power, water, and pumping schedules and makes power and water calculations as required; prepares and places clearances, verifies protection, and issues clearances; is familiar with standing operating orders, Emergency Action Plan, and operating safety procedures in order to take prompt and appropriate action to meet any plant or division operating emergency. Maintains an assigned cleaning station. Carries out specific duties or miscellaneous assignments as directed by the Senior HEP Operator. Perform minor maintenance including, but not limited to, transferring, centrifuging/filtering of lubricating, hydraulic and insulating oil, adjustment of main unit auxiliary devices, installation and removal of stop logs, operating bridge and gantry cranes, revamping, and replacement of low voltage control fuses. May be required to assist Plant Maintenance. Assist in training Apprentices in the manual and remote operations of plants and facilities. Work is on-site to support the State Water Project.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529456

Position #(s): 849-230-6463-080

849-230-6463-180

Working Title: HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

Classification: HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

$8,372.00 - $10,792.00 A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 2

Work Location: Butte County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Operations & Maintenance/Oroville Field Division/Operations Branch/Plant Operations Section, Oroville

Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.

At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/

Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR’s Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.

Special Requirements

Position is designated sensitive and subject to substance abuse testing. Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job. This position has frequent access to areas designated as containing critical cyber assets in accordance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and therefore a satisfactory background check is required prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience with high voltage switching (230kV) & clearance placement (lock-out-tag-out) for personnel safety, mechanical operations experience in any of the following fields: Commercial Fossil/Hydro/Nuclear utility or pumped storage operations, or Military, Naval, or Merchant Marine steam propulsion/generating plant operations, Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems & common business software applications (Excel, Word, Adobe. Etc.), Experienced in the Operation of Flood Control Gates and Release Structures in Water Operations. Ability to work well with others, use independent judgment, strong oral and written communications skills.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Kari Woodruff
[phone]
[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678) and resume. Please reference SAP Position #50000241, 50001920 and Job Control #529456 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The follow basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

this survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Examination/Assessment

For more information about the State hiring process. To learn more about how to get a State job.

List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.

• HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.