Hydro Operator - Cedar Falls Hydro Plant (Menomonie, WI)

Xcel Energy•Menomonie, WI

1d•$29 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

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 Cedar Falls and Menomonie Hydro Plants in Menomonie, WI. The minimum starting (Step 1 – 60%) rate of pay for this position is $28.56 hourly (2025 rate). (The base Journeyman rate is $47.60 hourly.) The position will be posted for 15 Working Days from January 8, 2026, to January 29, 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 Cedar Falls and Menomonie Hydro Plants in Menomonie, 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. 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 [email protected]. At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You’re not waiting for change – you’re creating it. You’re driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We’re using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We’re providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do. We’re committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can provide carbon-free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we’re building a better tomorrow.

Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent.
Must successfully pass the EEl Plant Personnel Test.
Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
Must reside within 20 mi of the Cedar Falls Hydro Plant within the first 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.

Responsibilities

The duties of this position will primarily be at the Cedar Falls and Menomonie Hydro Plants in Menomonie, WI.
Periodic operation, inspections, and maintenance activities at other plants and reservoirs will be required.

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.