Hydroelectric Plant Operator

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy • Menominee, MI

4d

About The Position

The Hydroelectric Plant Operator performs duties related to operating hydroelectric powerhouse and dam equipment in accordance with plant procedures, operating instructions, safety regulations, and industry practices. The operator assists employees and contractors, instructs and directs them in duties for which the operator is qualified, performs work of a lower classification, and completes other assigned work. The role calls for extensive experience repairing and maintaining basic industrial equipment, particularly mechanical and hydraulic systems, as well as basic metal fabrication and welding abilities.

The operator directs and performs powerhouse and dam operations, places equipment in and out of service, and releases equipment for maintenance. The position also involves troubleshooting and corrective maintenance on low- to mid-voltage electrical systems, inspecting plant conditions and records, training and advising employees, diagnosing equipment failures, repairing mechanical equipment, assisting with electrical repairs, maintaining shift records, using the company email system, and performing and helping develop lockout/tagout procedures. The role requires a rotating schedule that covers weekends and holidays, and on-call availability in certain situations.

The work may involve hot, noisy, dark, confined, or isolated areas; work at heights and around water; and wearing respiratory protection. The hourly pay range is $23–$27. Eagle Creek offers a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility subject to employment status, position, length of service, and plan requirements.

Requirements

• Extensive experience repairing and maintaining basic industrial equipment, with specialization in mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Basic metal fabrication and welding abilities.
• Knowledge of the proper and safe use of hand and power tools, including drills, drill presses, grinders, bandsaws, and die grinders.
• Knowledge and experience with basic industrial maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and piping systems.
• Knowledge of measuring tools such as rulers, scales, squares, protractors, micrometers, and calipers, and ability to perform simple layout procedures on flat surfaces.
• Experience with lifting and rigging procedures.
• Ability to calculate weight and center of gravity for rigging and moving plant equipment or heavy objects, and to use basic mathematical concepts to calculate areas, volumes, and weights.
• Ability to work a rotating schedule covering weekends and holidays and to be on call in certain situations.
• Ability to operate hand and power tools and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend and maneuver in tight, cramped quarters; work in hot, noisy, dark environments, sometimes alone and in isolation; work at heights and around water; and use respiratory protection.
• Ability to reach above shoulder level and at shoulder level, and to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods.
• Ability to grip and manually manipulate items, including hand tools and machine parts, often repetitively.
• Ability to read and identify labels, gauges, dials, and indicators encountered in the work.
• Clear and effective verbal communication in all circumstances, including emergencies and radio instructions.

Responsibilities

• Direct and perform duties required to operate the powerhouse and dam according to system or plant operating orders, changing operations as necessary.
• Direct and perform duties to place equipment in service, remove it from service, and release it for maintenance work.
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective maintenance on low- to mid-voltage electrical systems, using electrical test instruments and schematics to diagnose and resolve faults.
• Inspect the powerhouse and dam, including conditions, gauges, and records, to verify satisfactory performance.
• Instruct and train employees in operations duties and provide assistance and advice to support safety and efficient operation.
• Determine causes of unusual operating conditions or equipment failures, take corrective or repair actions, and help prevent recurrence.
• Repair mechanical equipment and assist with electrical equipment repairs.
• Maintain records of operating conditions and changes during a shift.
• Use the company email system.
• Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and assist with developing new LOTO procedures.
• Assist employees and contractors, direct them in duties for which qualified, perform lower-classification work, and complete other assigned work.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Commuter benefits
• Voluntary life insurance
• 401(k) match
• Competitive holiday and paid time off schedule, including time off for community volunteering

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed