HYDRO OPERATOR (2 positions)

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 {SERVICE CENTER} located in {City, State}.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify). 

Position Summary

Consumers Energy is looking for a dedicated Hydro Operator to join our Hydro Generation team. In this role, you will ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of hydroelectric generating plants and associated substation equipment. You will support plant operations, emergency response, environmental compliance, and routine maintenance activities that keep our energy system running smoothly for the communities we serve.This position requires strong technical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic operating environment.

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

The Hydro Operator will be responsible for:

Hydro Plant & Auxiliary Equipment Operation

• Starting, placing in service, shutting down, and testing hydro units and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Maintaining frequency and voltage when operating isolated from the electric system.

Substation Switching & Tagging

• Performing high- and low‑voltage substation switching and tagging on transmission and subtransmission lines, transformer banks, distribution circuits, and station power systems.
• Preparing switching/tagging orders and issuing clearances.
• Authorizing switching and tagging orders when required.

Plant Inspections & Testing

• Conducting periodic inspections, adjustments, and documentation of hydro plant and substation equipment.
• Changing charts, computer disks, and magnetic tapes on graphic instrumentation.
• Testing alarm systems and performing oil testing.
• Operating spillway systems and performing dike inspections.
• Reading/testing piezometers, weirs, and similar instrumentation.

Environmental & Regulatory Monitoring

• Monitoring, recording, and interpreting data related to dikes, river flow restrictions, water quality, and other environmental parameters.
• Computing river flows and ensuring compliance with required headwater and tailwater levels.
• Taking action to ensure compliance with governmental and Company requirements.

Maintenance & Repair Support

• Performing cleaning, groundskeeping, and painting of plant and substation areas.
• Cleaning trash racks and removing debris from intake areas.
• Making minor repairs and assisting maintenance personnel in turbine inspections and other repair activities.

Emergency & Alarm Response

• Responding to, analyzing, and initiating corrective action for plant alarms and emergency conditions such as dike failure, oil spills, bomb threats, and other critical events.

Technical & Administrative Support

• Operating and using computers related to plant operations, including SCADA systems.
• Assisting in piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) development and review.
• Writing and reviewing plant procedures.
• Supporting audits, inspections, and facility tours.
• Providing plant site security and monitoring access.
• Conducting and participating in on‑the‑job training for other employees.

Safety & Compliance

• Properly maintaining hazardous material inventories and waste oil associated with site operations.
• Performing other similar or related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in power plant operations, utility operations, electrical or mechanical systems, or related fields.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and respond to emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience within the company or equivalent experience in hydroelectric or utility operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical tagging rules, with ability to correctly apply them in operational settings.
• Solid understanding of substation procedures and operational protocols.
• Valid driver’s license and demonstrated ability to operate vehicles safely.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical or vocational training in electrical, mechanical, or power generation disciplines.
• Experience with hydroelectric operations or high-voltage switching.
• Experience with SCADA or industrial control 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.