Hydro Operator Apprentice - Trego, WI

Xcel Energy; Town of Trego (WI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Pension

401(k)

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking an Apprentice Hydro Operator for the Trego Hydro Plant in Trego, WI. The role involves periodic operation, inspections, and maintenance, with the possibility of progression to Journeyman based on qualifications. The base pay steps range from 60% to 100% of Journeyman rates, within the union contract framework.

Candidates must reside within 20 miles of the plant within six months. The company offers a full benefits package and a path to career advancement via the

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• Technical/Associate degree in hydraulics, mechanics, or electrical related field is desired.
• Mechanical or electrical experience in an industrial setting is desired.
• Hydro or power plant experience is desired.
• Must successfully pass the Plant Personnel Test.
• Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
• Must reside within 20 mi of the assigned Hydro Plant within the first 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, and maintain at the Trego Hydro Plant.
• Assist in periodic operations and maintenance at other plants and reservoirs as needed.
• Position may be filled as Journeyman or Apprentice based on qualifications.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Technical/Associate degree in hydraulics, mechanics, or electrical field

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

We anticipate the need for one or more Apprentice Hydro Operator(s) at our Trego Hydro Plant in Trego, Wisconsin. The minimum starting (Step 1 – 60%) rate of pay for this position is $29.49 hourly. (The base Journeyman rate is $49.15 hourly.) The position will be posted for 15 Working Days from August 17, 2026, to September 4, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated and, in conformity to union contract, appropriate step placement will be offered to a successful candidate.

Pay May Also Be Adjusted In Conformity With Union Contract, But In No Case Will It Be Less Than The Negotiated Step Minimum.

Minimum Apprentice Pay Levels As a Percentage Of Base Journeyman Hydro Operator Pay

• Step 1: 60%
• Step 2: 65%
• Step 3: 70%
• Step 4: 75%
• Step 5: 80%
• Step 6: 85
• Step 7: 90%
• Step 8: 95

Summary

The duties of this position will primarily be at the Trego Hydro Plant in Trego, WI. Periodic operation, inspections, and maintenance activities at other plants and reservoirs will be required. The position will be filled either as a Journeyman or as an Apprentice based on the successful candidates' qualifications.

The company reserves the right to move employee during his/her apprenticeship program and within 12 months of attaining journeyman status.

Required

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Additional education, such as a technical, vocational or Associate's degree, in hydraulics, mechanics, or electrical related field is desired
• Mechanical or electrical experience in an industrial setting is desired
• Hydro or power plant experience is desired
• Must successfully pass the EEl Plant Personnel Test
• Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program
• Must reside within 20 mi of the assigned Hydro Plant within the first 6 months of hire

Preferred

• Meet driver qualification requirements as specified in FMCSR parts 382 and 391 and possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A
• CDL holders are subject to D.O.T. random drug and alcohol testing program

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at [e-mail].

Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $29.49 to $49.15 per hour.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Savings Account (HSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Additional days off
• Sick Time
• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 09/04/26

EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.