Hydro Trainee 1 - Raccoon Mountain - 518286

External - Posting Description

Hydro Trainee 1 – Job #518286

This is a paid training program leading to the position of Hydro Tech III

Organization: Generation

Department: River Operations/Hydro Generation

Location: Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Please note that the first 15 months of training will take place at the Watts Bar Hydro Training Center in Spring City, Tennessee, and a daily flat rate will be provided for travel expenses in accordance with federal travel regulations.

Relocation benefits are not offered. Local candidates may be preferred.

Posting Open: 4/17/2026

Posting Close: 4/19/2026 at 11:59pm EST

Starting Salary: $77,240

Pay will increase incrementally as trainees progress through the training program. The current salary for a fully-qualified Hydro Tech III is $121,380.

Transcripts

Qualifications

To validate your qualifications for this position, you are required to submit your transcripts by the closing date of the posting following these steps:

• Email your transcripts to: [email protected]
• Include the Job ID number and Your Name in the Subject Line of your email.
• Attach your transcripts in PDF format.
• Submit only transcripts that document the qualifications listed in this job posting.
• Transcripts submitted in any other way will not be accepted.
  
  

Planning & Preparation

• Monitor your email daily and respond promptly. You will receive emails throughout the process that require action on your part. If you miss an email, you may miss this opportunity.
• The hiring process for TVA training programs involves several steps. Below is the target timeline for filling this position, which is subject to change based on business needs:
• EEI Testing – May 2026
• Interviews – June 2026
• Offers – July 2026 Candidates who receive an offer will be expected to respond within 3 days
• Target Start Date – October 2026
  

EEI Test Preparation Resources

• https://secure.eei.org/eeitests/onlineproducts/
• username: TVA
• password: recruit
• https://getintoenergy.org/education/
  
  

Purpose

The program provides entry level training and work experience for entry level Hydro Technicians for their future attainment of Level III Technician classification associated with TVA’s Hydro-Electric Generating Stations.

Content

The curriculum provides training on core maintenance/operations tasks historically practiced by Electricians, Operations, Machinists and Pipefitters within the respective TVA organizations. It also provides training on various minor Instrument Mechanic tasks consistent with the Level III Multi-Skill position requirements.

The 30-month training program consists of five trainee periods, with a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction:

• Phase I: 407 hours consisting of classroom, plant and lab training
• Phase II: 452 hours consisting of classroom, plant and lab training
• Phase III: 443 hours consisting of classroom, 5 months in plant, lab and computer based training
• Phase IV: 472 hours consisting of classroom, 5 months in plant, lab and computer based training
• Phase V: 452 of classroom, 5 months in plant, lab and computer based training
• Training also consists of 188 qualification cards
  
  

All new hires (trainees) will be required to progress to Hydro Technician Level III as a condition of continued TVA employment.

Job Description

This is a 30-month training program leading to the position of Hydro Tech III at a hydro power plant. The first 15 months of training will take place at the Watts Bar Hydro Training Center in Spring City, Tennessee. The training consists of five trainee periods, with a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction:

• Actively participates in training as required to progress to Hydro Technician Level III.
• Performs non-technical work as assigned.
• Assists higher levels Technicians in performing maintenance.
• Performs other technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a Hydro facility.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with Environmental and Safety requirements.
• Performs work independently and/or assigned work crews.
  
  

Requirements

• Must receive a qualifying score on the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) pre-entrance exam.
• Will be required to progress satisfactorily on periodic examinations throughout the program.
• Must meet all qualification requirements established in the training plan.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have at least an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance or Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Technology from a regionally accredited educational institution OR one of the following equivalencies:

• Forty-three (43) semester credit hours or more of course work from a regionally accredited college or university toward an electrical, electronics, mechanical,maintenance, industrial, or degree that includes:
• Six (6) semester credit hours of college level algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus, and
• Twelve (12) semester credit hours of college level technical or scientific subjects.
• A four-year non-technical degree from a regionally accredited college or university provided it includes:
• Six (6) semester credit hours of college level algebra, trigonometry, geometry, orcalculus, and
• Twelve (12) semester credit hours of college level technical or scientific subjects.
• Two (2) or more years of documented work experience and training in electrical or mechanical maintenance received while a member of the armed forces including and providing:
• Technical electrical or mechanical maintenance education in formal military schools totaling greater than 480 hours duration, and
• Technical electrical or mechanical maintenance experience totaling greater than six months wherein the individual is permitted to work independently, and
• Two (2) credits of high school algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus; or, Six (6) semester credit hours of college level algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus, and
• Twelve (12) semester credit hours of college level general education subjects.
• Two (2) or more years of documented industrial work experience and training in electrical or mechanical maintenance received while a member of industry including and providing:
• Technical electrical or mechanical maintenance education in formal industrialschools totaling greater than 480 hours duration, and
• Technical electrical or mechanical maintenance experience totaling greater than six months wherein the individual is permitted to work independently, and
• Two (2) credits of high school algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus; or, Six (6) semester credit hours of college level algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus, and
• Twelve (12) semester credit hours of college level general education subjects.
• Successful completion of electrical or mechanical maintenance training at a regionally accredited vocational/technical school including and providing:
• The training program is described in the institute’s catalog as typically of two or more years duration, and
• The training courses taken include subjects associated with power plant maintenance, and
• Two (2) credits of high school algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus; or, Six (6) Semester credit hours of college level algebra, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus.
• Successful completion of electrical or mechanical craft apprenticeship under the leadership of a craft member union of the Trades and Labor Council.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace

All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace . TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

How To Claim Vet Preference

If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.

How To Submit Documentation

• Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
• Email documents to [email protected]
  
  

More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference . If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email [email protected] .