HYDRO OPERATOR SPECIALIST

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.  

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This position is onsite at the Webber Hydro Plant located in Lyons, MI.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate.

Position Summary

The Hydro Specialist supports hydroelectric generating operations by participating in the Hydro Operator Training Program and performing electrical, mechanical, and general repair duties under directive supervision. This role assists with maintaining, repairing, and operating equipment in hydroelectric generating plants and associated facilities.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate and advance in the Hydro Operator Training Program to achieve Hydro Operator certification.
• Perform duties in accordance with directive supervision to support plant operations and maintenance.
• Operate machine tools including lathes, shapers, and drill presses for non-precision work.
• Repair switchboard wiring and replace high- and low-voltage components, including insulators and bushings up to 600 volts.
• Install and maintain basic power and control wiring systems.
• Perform semi-skilled acetylene and arc welding, cutting, brazing, and silver soldering.
• Repair or replace lightning arresters and control circuit transformers.
• Assist in dismantling, inspecting, repairing, and assembling hydro turbines and generators.
• Operate equipment such as power winches, gantry cranes, forklifts, boats, and heavy equipment.
• Maintain motors, rheostats, starters, relays, and solenoids.
• Repair faults in auxiliary and control cables.
• Install and maintain insulation and perform Class III and IV asbestos work as directed.
• Operate brush and tree clearing equipment.
• Lubricate, clean, and make minor repairs to auxiliary equipment and facility structures.
• Repair or replace piping valves (up to 150 PSI), plumbing, drains, and supply lines.
• Take and record depth readings.
• Assist outside agencies as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to advance through the Hydro Operator Training Program to higher classifications.
• Understanding of moderately complex electrical and mechanical apparatus, switchboards, control circuits, and related systems.
• Knowledge of plant and substation equipment and operations within assigned territory.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Familiarity with company mechanical and electrical tagging rules and safe application.
• Knowledge of proper protective equipment for working near energized systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid automobile operator’s license and commercial driver’s license.

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.

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.