CERT HYDRO OPER SPEC A

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

Location: This position is onsite at the Allegan Hydro headquarter, located in Allegan, MI.

On September 9, 2025 Consumers Energy announced it had signed a purchase agreement to sell their thirteen (13) River Hydro Generation Stations to Confluence Hydro, LLC.  There is approximately an eighteen (18) month transition period until the FERC license transfers from Consumers Energy to Confluence Hydro LLC.  This position will be hired as a Consumers Energy employee, however, there are no transfer or placement rights for this position under the current Working Agreement within Consumers Energy.  This position will transfer to Confluence Hydro, LLC as part of the sale.

General Summary

Under general supervision, the Certified Hydro Operator Specialist A operates and maintains hydroelectric generating units and associated high- and low-voltage equipment. This role ensures compliance with operating licenses, protects public and environmental safety, and directs up to three repair workers in performing complex electrical and mechanical repairs at hydro plant locations.

Essential Functions

• Operate and test hydro, emergency, and auxiliary equipment using approved procedures; respond to abnormal conditions and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform switching and tagging operations as the operating authority per clearance procedures.
• Maintain Plant Operations Certification, assist in procedure development and review.
• Conduct inspections and rounds of hydro plant equipment, civil structures, and substations, including dam safety checks and oil level monitoring.
• Perform cleaning, painting, and grounds maintenance within plant and substation property lines.
• Operate business and HCMS computers for work-related tasks.
• Assist in audits, inspections, and tours; ensure plant site security.
• Maintain inventory of hazardous materials and waste oil.
• Dismantle, inspect, repair, and assemble hydro turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment.
• Install, troubleshoot, and maintain switches, cables, and apply grounds.
• Repair and test circuit breakers, air-break switches, transformers, and solid-state equipment.
• Perform welding, carpentry, precision measurements, and machining.
• Contact vendors for routine equipment information.
• Perform testing on portable grounds and switch sticks.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Strong understanding of hydroelectric plant operations and electrical/mechanical systems.
• Ability to interpret and follow operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and repairing complex electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in computer systems related to plant operations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for team coordination and audits.
• Physical ability to perform lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally), climbing ladders/stairs, and working in varied environments (indoor/outdoor, extreme temperatures).
• Mental acuity for problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization under stress.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience in hydroelectric plant operations or similar industrial environment.
• Ability to maintain Plant Operations Certification.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required for operating vehicles over 26,000 lbs.

Preferred

• Technical training in electrical or mechanical systems.

Why should you join our team? 

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer: 

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.