Hydroelectric Plant Technician I

Final Filing Date: July 3, 2026

**Please do not apply on Handshake. Applications submitted via Handshake will not be received by DWR.  Online applications MUST BE submitted via https://calcareers.ca.gov/ .**

Join a team of highly motivated professionals that are doing exciting work! We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our State Water Project team and help deliver water to over 27 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.

State Water Project Aerial Tour 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A1jHyfqp8E 

Why Choose Us: 

We own and operate our own facilities, which is the largest water and power delivery system in the United States.  And as owners and operators of our own infrastructure, we are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and facility reliability. We are not driven by the cost-cutting measures or unrealistic expectations that you may find in the private sector. Instead, direct the operations and maintenance of the State Water Project to safely deliver and optimize the uses of available water with environmental sensitivity. 

At DWR, you will have the support of knowledgeable and helpful colleagues, robust training programs, and professional organizational memberships for your professional growth. Our large organization provides an opportunity for a long and promising career full of growth and opportunity. 

Duties: Under the direction of the Manager, Mechanical Test Unit and with guidance from the Hydroelectric (HEP) Technician III, the incumbent performs complex technical work on control, communication, electrical and mechanical equipment supporting the operation and maintenance of the State Water Project (SWP) generating and pumping plants, switchyards, water conveyance systems, and related facilities.

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

Special Requirements

Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job. All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Travel throughout the State will be required. 

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.

This is a sensitive position and is subject to substance abuse testing set forth in California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Regulations 599.960-599.966.

Under the provisions of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard CIP-004 as part of the Energy Policy of 2005, this position has authorized cyber access to or unescorted physical access around critical cyber assets and is subject to a satisfactory background check prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-516110

Working Title: Hydroelectric Plant Technician I

Classification: HYDROELECTRIC PLANT TECHNICIAN I

Salary Range:

$6,759.00 - $8,873.00 A

$8,198.00 - $10,790.00 B

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Shall Consider: Hydroelectric Plant Technician II

Salary Range: $9,004.00 - $11,867.00

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Contact Information

Selena Spencer
(916) 206-7669
selena.spencer@water.ca.gov

For more information including detailed job duties, minimum qualifications, and how to apply, please go to https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=516110.

To learn more about how to get a State job, click here.