Hydro Operator

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
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This position is located at our Croton Dam located in Newaygo, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance from the assigned location(s) or willing to relocate.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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…