Hydroelectric Plant Operator

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC; Menominee (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC seeks a Hydroelectric Plant Operator to operate and maintain hydroelectric powerhouse and dam equipment, following procedures and safety rules. You will supervise, train, and assist contractors, with focus on mechanical and hydraulic system maintenance.

The role requires hands-on skills with welding, fabrication, and rigging, ability to work rotating weekends and on-call, and strong problem-solving to diagnose electrical and mechanical faults.

Qualifications

• Experience in repair and maintenance of basic industrial equipment.
• Specialization in mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Basic metal fabrication and welding abilities.
• Ability to train and direct other employees.

Responsibilities

• Direct and perform duties to operate powerhouse and dam per orders.
• Place equipment in service or release for maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and repair low- to mid-voltage electrical systems.
• Inspect powerhouse and dam condition, gauges and records.
• Instruct and train employees in operations and safety.
• Identify causes of abnormal conditions and take corrective actions.
• Repair mechanical equipment and assist with electrical repairs.
• Maintain shift records and use company email.
• Perform and assist with LOTO procedures.

Skills

Hand/power tools

Industrial maintenance

Welding & fabrication

Hydraulic systems

Measuring tools (calipers, micrometers

Rigging & lifting safety

On-call / rotating schedule

Tool handling safety

Tools

LOTO procedures

Job description

About the role:

The Hydroelectric Plant Operator performs duties in connection with the operation of hydroelectric powerhouse/dam equipment in accordance with plant procedures, operating instructions, safety regulations and industry practices. Effectively assists other employees and contractors in the performance of such duties; instructs and effectively directs other employees and contractors in the performance of any duties for which qualified; performs work of a lower classification; and performs other work as assigned. The operator in this position is expected to have extensive experience with the repair and maintenance of basic industrial equipment with a specialization in mechanical and hydraulic systems and basic metal fabrication and welding abilities.

What You'll Do:

• Direct and perform any duties required in the operation of the powerhouse and dam according to general system or plant operating orders or making changes in operations as necessary
• Direct and perform duties required to place equipment in service, remove from service and properly release equipment for maintenance work
• Perform troubleshooting and corrective maintenance on low- to mid-voltage electrical systems, using electrical test instruments (e.g., voltmeters) to measure AC/DC voltage, diagnose issues, and interpret electrical schematics to safely and effectively resolve electrical faults
• Make inspection tours to check powerhouse and dam condition, gauges, and records for satisfactory performance
• Instruct and/or train employees in operations job duties. Give assistance and advice to employees in order to maintain safety and maximum efficient operation
• Determine causes of unusual or improper operating conditions or equipment failure and take necessary actions to correct or repair and prevent reoccurrence
• Repair mechanical equipment and assist with the repair of electrical equipment
• Maintain records of all operating conditions and changes during a shift. Be proficient in use of the company e-mail system
• Perform LOTO procedures. Assist with the development of new LOTO procedures

What Skills & Experience You’ll need:

• Knowledge of proper and safe use of hand/power tools such as drills/drill press/ grinders/ bandsaws/ die grinders
• Knowledge and experience with basic industrial maintenance activities
• Basic Welding/Cutting/Fabrication skills
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and piping systems
• Knowledge of measuring tools such as but not limited to rulers/ scales/ squares/ protractors/ micrometers/ calipers and the ability to perform simple layout procedures on flat surfaces
• Experience with lifting and rigging procedures
• The ability to perform calculations to determine weight and center of gravity to ensure accurate rigging and lifting/movement of plant equipment or heavy objects
• Utilize basic mathematical concepts to calculate areas, volumes, weights, etc
• The ability to work a rotating schedule to cover weekends/holidays, as well be on call in certain situations

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform manual tasks including but not limited to:
  • The operation of hand and power tools and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs
  • Being able to bend and maneuver in tight, cramped quarters
  • Ability to work in hot, noisy, and dark environments, often alone and isolated
  • Comfortability working at heights and around water
  • Ability to work with and wear respiratory protection
  • Reach with hands and arms above shoulder level and at shoulder level
  • Walk, stand, stoop, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods of time
  • Grip and manually manipulate, often with repetitive motion, items such as, but not limited to, hand tools and machine parts
  • Read and readily identify the labels, gauges, dials, and indicators typically encountered in performing job duties
• Possess clear and effective verbal communication in all circumstances, including emergency situations and giving/receiving instructions over a radio

Benefits

Eagle Creek offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our employees. Benefits may include: Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Commuter benefits, Voluntary Life, 401(k) match Competitive holiday & PTO schedule, including time off for community volunteering. Benefits eligibility may vary based on employment status, position, length of service, and applicable plan requirements.

Salary disclosure:

The range for the hourly rate for this role is $23-27. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and work location. We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices in compliance with all applicable state and local pay transparency laws