Hydro Power Station Operator — Drive Clean Energy

Position Detail

We currently have an opening for an experienced Assistant Station Operator at our Northfield and Turners Falls, MA locations.

The Assistant Station Operator reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for the safe and economic operation of all Northfield and Turners Falls Project assets including the Turners Falls Fishways and dam facilities. The role involves operating and monitoring hydraulic turbines and associated equipment for safe and efficient operation, following reservoir and river flow management procedures, maintaining accurate operational records, and communicating observations to plant personnel.

This role does not have a standard home base; travel to Northfield Mountain and/or Turners Falls Projects will be regular and travel compensation does not apply. Work location will be directed by the supervisor.

Our ideal candidate possesses the experience, passion, and energy to be a driving force in First Light’s continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid.

The compensation for this position falls between $33.67 and $38.70 per hour. The final compensation offered will depend on several factors, including relevant experience, industry-specific experience, education/certifications, and geographic location.

Our total compensation package also includes a competitive bonus and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings with company match, life insurance, disability benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, health and wellness reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, scholarship program, employee referral bonus, volunteer time off benefit, charitable gift match program, and more.

• Operation and monitoring of pumped storage and conventional hydroelectric power generating equipment, including troubleshooting and minor maintenance and repair work.
• River management via operation and monitoring of flow control gates, downstream conventional hydroelectric power stations, and fishway equipment in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Routinely inspect plant equipment, calibrate devices, coordinate planning and set‑up of work activities, and support facilities maintenance.
• Assist the Shift Supervisor in the operation and monitoring of hydro‑turbine generators and auxiliary equipment, including high‑voltage switchyards and solar array.
• Maintain hourly and daily operational records and maintenance history of equipment.
• Monitor and enforce station security and control access through security gates.
• Investigate and report abnormal conditions observed during shift.
• Understand and implement lockout/tagout procedures to safely isolate equipment in accordance with company policies.
• Communicate with external parties including ISO‑NE and CONVEX.
• Perform preventative maintenance and other basic station upkeep, including cleaning and painting.
• Read and understand engineering prints, mechanical drawings, and schematics.
• Use industry standards, procedures and best practices to achieve results.
• Perform duties in accordance with company HS&E and/or regulatory policies.
• Operate the generating units (start, stop and load adjustment) and perform switching/tagging and energy isolation responsibilities.
• Lay out and set‑up work activities and facilities maintenance support.
• Collaborate with other departments such as Engineering, Mechanics, and Safety to ensure efficient and safe operation and maintenance of the facilities.
• Act as a team member with all First Light employees.
• Maintain all licenses required for the position.
• Respond to emergencies or unanticipated needs outside of normal working hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Comply with all First Light policies and procedures.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology or a similar discipline is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a power plant or related industrial role.
• Industrial operations experience with PLCs, SCADA or similar controls, preferred.
• LOTO procedural experience, preferred.
• Experience interpreting data, drawings,…