HYDRO OPERATOR

Important Position Information

On September 9, 2025, Consumers Energy announced it had entered into an agreement to sell its thirteen (13) river hydro generation stations to Confluence Hydro, LLC. The anticipated transition period is approximately eighteen (18) months while Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approvals and license transfers are completed.

The successful candidate will initially be hired as a Consumers Energy employee. Upon completion of the sale and transfer of operations, this position is expected to transfer to Confluence Hydro, LLC. Under the current Working Agreement, this position does not include transfer or placement rights within Consumers Energy.

Position Summary

Consumers Energy is seeking a dedicated Hydro Operator to join our Hydro Generation team. In this role, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of hydroelectric generating facilities and associated substation equipment. Hydro Operators play a critical role in maintaining electrical generation assets, ensuring environmental compliance, responding to system events, and supporting routine maintenance activities that help deliver safe and reliable energy to the communities we serve.

This position requires strong technical aptitude, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic operating environment.

What You'll Do

Hydro Plant & Auxiliary Equipment Operations

• Start, place in service, operate, test, and shut down hydroelectric generating units and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor and control generating equipment to maintain reliable plant operations.
• Maintain system frequency and voltage when operating independently from the electric grid.

Substation Switching & Tagging

• Perform high- and low-voltage switching and tagging activities on transmission, subtransmission, distribution, and station power equipment.
• Prepare switching and tagging orders and issue clearances as required.
• Authorize switching and tagging orders in accordance with company procedures.

Plant Inspections & Testing

• Conduct routine inspections, testing, adjustments, and documentation of hydro plant and substation equipment.
• Test alarm systems and perform oil testing activities.
• Operate spillway systems and conduct dike inspections.
• Read and test piezometers, weirs, and other monitoring instrumentation.
• Maintain required operational records and logs.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor, record, and evaluate environmental and operational data, including water quality, river flow restrictions, and dike conditions.
• Calculate river flows and maintain required headwater and tailwater elevations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and company operating requirements.
• Initiate corrective actions when operating conditions require attention.

Maintenance & Repair Support

• Perform housekeeping, grounds maintenance, painting, and cleaning activities throughout plant and substation facilities.
• Clean trash racks and remove debris from water intake areas.
• Complete minor repairs and assist maintenance personnel during inspections and equipment outages.

Emergency Response

• Respond to plant alarms, abnormal operating conditions, and emergency situations.
• Analyze events and implement corrective actions during incidents such as equipment failures, oil spills, dike concerns, security threats, and other emergency conditions.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities.

Technical & Administrative Support

• Utilize plant operational software, SCADA systems, and computer-based monitoring tools.
• Assist with development and review of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Write, review, and maintain operating procedures.
• Support audits, inspections, and facility tours.
• Maintain site security and monitor facility access.
• Participate in and deliver on-the-job training for employees and contractors.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety rules, operating procedures, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain hazardous material inventories and waste management records.
• Perform all assigned work in a safe, efficient, and compliant manner.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience within the company or equivalent experience in hydroelectric generation, utility operations, power plant operations, or related industrial environments.
• Experience working with electrical systems, mechanical systems, power generation equipment, or utility operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical tagging rules and the ability to correctly apply them in operational settings.
• Understanding of substation operating procedures and switching practices.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency callouts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or vocational training in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, or power generation disciplines.
• Experience operating hydroelectric generating facilities.
• Experience performing high-voltage switching activities.
• Experience using SCADA, industrial control systems, or other plant monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance requirements applicable to hydroelectric operations.
• Military power generation, electrical, mechanical, or operations experience.