New

HYDRO OPERATOR SPECIALIST

Consumers Energy
parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Michigan, Lyons
Mar 20, 2026
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: This position is onsite at the Webber Hydro Plant located in Lyons, MI The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify). Position Summary The Hydro Specialist performs a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and fieldoperations tasks that support hydroelectric station equipment, plant maintenance, and system reliability. This role requires handson technical work, coordination with internal teams, and occasional collaboration with external agencies. 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. Key Responsibilities As a Hydro Specialist, you will perform duties including, but not limited to: Operating machine tools such as lathes, shapers, and drill presses for routine, nonprecision work. Repairing switchboard wiring and performing basic electrical repairs. Repairing high and lowvoltage bushings, replacing insulators, and applying grounds on equipment up to 600 volts. Installing and maintaining less complex power and control wiring. Performing semiskilled acetylene and arc welding, cutting, brazing, and silver soldering. Repairing or replacing lightning arresters. Assisting with dismantling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling hydroturbines and generators. Operating power winches, gantry cranes, forklifts, boats, heavy equipment, and supporting rigging activities. Maintaining motors, rheostats, starters, relays, solenoids, and related components. Repairing or replacing control circuit transformers. Troubleshooting and repairing faults on auxiliary and control cables. Installing and maintaining insulation, including performing Class III and IV asbestos work as directed. Operating brushclearing and treeclearing equipment. Lubricating, cleaning, and performing minor repairs to auxiliary equipment, structures, windows, and grounds, including rough carpentry. Repairing and replacing piping valves (150 PSI), plumbing, drains, and supply lines using threading, gluing, soldering, and hanging techniques. Taking and recording depth readings. Interfacing with outside agencies requiring operational assistance. Performing other similar or related work as assigned to support safe and reliable hydro operations. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Successful candidates will demonstrate: Ability to successfully advance through training to the next classification level. Understanding of moderately complex electromechanical apparatus, switchboards, control circuits, relays, machine shop tools, and precision measuring instruments. Familiarity with small engines, sandblasting equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, and general mechanical practices. Thorough knowledge of plants, substations, and equipment within the assigned hydro territory. Ability to read and work from blueprints and technical drawings. Strong understanding and correct application of Consumers Energy mechanical and electrical tagging rules. Familiarity with protective apparatus used when working on or near energized equipment. Ability to qualify for and maintain a valid automobile operator's license and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including demonstrated safe driving capability. Strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, and problemsolving capabilities. Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and attention to detail in field and plant environments. Minimum Education & Experience Requirements Candidates must meet one of the following pathways: Bachelor's degree in a Technical field AND 2+ years of relevant experience, OR Associate's degree in a Technical field AND 4+ years of relevant experience, OR High School diploma AND 6+ years of relevant experience Why should you join our team? At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service. What we offer: Competitive compensation packages Medical, Dental and Vision 401k with company match Paid parental leave Up to 13 paid Holidays Paid time off Educational Assistance Program Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership. All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.