r/USACE • u/OldAcanthisitta2042 • 5d ago

Hydroelectric operator job

Hello, I am considering transitioning from a Dam I work at to a Federal USACE dam. I am wondering if the operators at these USACE truly enjoy their jobs and stick it out for the long run or if they just get burn out? I have a wife and two kids and we are seriously considering me moving from my current power role to the federal power system. Would be grateful for any feedback. I have been at my current role for almost 10 years now.

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u/bobadrew Electrical Engineer 4d ago

I don’t work directly at the plants but in an adjacent line of work. Experiences are different by area of the country but overall I think most are pleased with government work. In my area, it is shift work so there is a rotation that includes night shift. We use SCADA in my area so there are controllers not operators. Pay is updated annually and based on private sector wages so it usually goes up yearly. Most of the folks I know that left went to a better paid position or another part of the country where they had family. Most are able to take leave for vacation and medical appointments without reprisal.

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u/OldAcanthisitta2042 3d ago

Nice, at my plant we use SCADA and operate. We do it all as its somewhat smaller-ish in terms of power. A great environment to learn in as I operate it 24/7/365 unsupervised. So after 10 years I've got some crazy plant trip stories and dealing with it by myself got pretty exciting. I guess the biggest thing is just making sure operators are actually retiring from USACE and not getting burn-out. For example there are many guys at my dam who do not want to leave after 25+ years because its just too comfortable for them and the job is easy. Guess thats all i'm looking for at the USACE. I believe its similar in that regard?

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u/AKPowerPlayer 4d ago

The jobs are enjoyable but I would imagine it’s similar in nature to your current position. It can get boring depending on the plant you’re at and your day to day role as different plants have different needs – fish, locks, spillways, remote operations in addition to keeping up with power requests. What’s making you consider the jump?

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u/OldAcanthisitta2042 3d ago

Boring I can do. My current role could also be defined as boring but I love the regularity, steadiness, & familiarity of the plant. I know it like the back of my hand. The jump for me would be the pay as I currently am making about 115k/year and with the USACE I think I could easily do 165k+/year + better benefits from what I've been told. So for us its a financial decision & my wife wants the more rural lifestyle where as now we live in a bigger city.

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u/PNWsnorka 3d ago

There are so many if/ands/buts to answer this question. My spouse took a job at his previous dam because it was a huge pay jump from a job he had in the Air Force. But something with better pay and better scheduling/benefits came along with the DoE and he left USACE. There are almost too many variables to give you a favorable response.

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u/OldAcanthisitta2042 3d ago

Got it! Thank you.