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Posted: January 13, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior)

Bureau of Reclamation

Department of the Interior

Fresh

Salary

$76.14 - $76.14

per hour

Type

Closes

January 28, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This senior role involves overseeing the daily operations of a hydroelectric power plant in Folsom, California, including monitoring equipment, adjusting water flows to meet community needs, and handling emergencies to ensure safe and efficient power generation.

It's ideal for someone with hands-on experience in industrial plant operations who enjoys working in a team to balance energy production with environmental protection.

The job emphasizes practical skills over formal education, making it a good fit for experienced technicians ready for leadership responsibilities.

Key Requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to monitor and operate hydroelectric power plant systems, including communications and equipment indicators
  • Experience in overseeing water releases, performing switching and tagging operations, and issuing clearances
  • Skill in observing, documenting, and troubleshooting abnormal operating conditions to determine causes and implement corrective actions
  • Proficiency in adjusting generation structures to maintain river flow and meet municipal water demands
  • Ability to prepare technical documentation and maintain accurate data logs
  • Sufficient related work experience and training to meet OPM screen-out elements for WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation (at least 2 points on screen-out and average 2 points on all elements)
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to meet all eligibility requirements by January 28, 2026

Full Job Description

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior).

You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty Location: Folsom, California Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages.

If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family.

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element(s) listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying.

Emphasis of requirements is on the quality of related experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient work experience and training to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the technical assessment questions.

For more information about qualification requirements for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.

Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by an evaluation of job elements.

You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be determined as qualified for the position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 01/28/2026. Major Duties:

As a Senior Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator with Reclamation, primary duties include: Monitoring primary and secondary communications circuits to all system plant facilities.

Overseeing and directing hydroelectric power plant operations to effect changes in water releases.

Performing switching and tagging operations, issuing clearances, and conducting emergency switching operations.

Observing and documenting abnormal operating conditions in the plant; determining nature, cause, and corrective actions to address identified issues.

Monitoring equipment indicators and conducting necessary adjustments among generation and water release structures to sustain river flow and meet municipal water requirements.

Preparing technical documentation and maintaining pertinent data logs. Performing other related duties as assigned within this position classification.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/13/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/14/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: BOR-CGB-26-MP-12861508-AD