Hydro Technician

Chad Newton is focused on safety and reliability.

His 18-year career at TVA has included work at fossil plants and hydroelectric dams where he’s helped keep equipment in tip-top shape.

“Being here on a regular basis, you even learn the sound of things,” said Newton. “You can learn a lot about consistency by being here daily.”

Newton is a hydro technician at TVA’s South Holston Dam.

A Day in the Life

When Newton comes to work, he carefully checks his list. He may:

• Check machines like turbines, pumps and valves
• Fix equipment that needs repairs
• Open or close dams to control the flow of water

It’s important to keep equipment well maintained. That helps make sure the electricity and the water keeps flowing.

“We make sure we find failure points before an actual alarm or failure,” Newton said. “We like to be proactive. It’s about repetition and knowing the plants by heart.”

He works in all kinds of weather, and may need to go into tight spaces, like tunnels. It’s a physical job that requires lifting, standing and climbing. Hydro techs may work different schedules.

Becoming a Hydro Technician

TVA offers a training program for hydro technicians:

• 2.5 years – graduate as a level III hydro technician
• Classroom and hands-on training
• Paid during training

You’ll need to complete two years of algebra or higher mathematics at the high school or college level to be considered for the program. You can also complete:

• An associate degree in electrical engineering technology or industrial maintenance
• An electrical craft apprenticeship
• An electrical program from accredited trade school
• Equivalent military training
• A certain number of college courses in electronics

Hydro technician trainee pay starts at $77,240 a year.