Job Description

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 Au Sable River-5 Channels Dam located in Oscoda, MI The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate.

The Certified Hydro Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of hydroelectric generating units, substations, and associated auxiliary systems. This role ensures all equipment is operated in accordance with regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and company procedures. The operator performs routine inspections, responds to system alarms, maintains accurate documentation, and supports both operational continuity and site safety.

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

• Start, operate, test, and shut down hydroelectric generating equipment, emergency systems, and auxiliary apparatus.
• Perform high- and low-voltage substation switching, tagging, and related procedures following company safety standards.
• Conduct scheduled inspections, adjustments, and documentation of hydro plant and substation equipment, including instrumentation logs and environmental readings.
• Maintain plant and substation sites, including cleaning, painting, yard upkeep, and debris removal at intake areas.
• Monitor and interpret operational, environmental, and system data to ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Perform minor repairs and assist maintenance personnel during turbine inspections and other equipment repairs.
• Prepare and issue switching/tagging orders and clearances in accordance with established procedures.
• Respond promptly to alarms, abnormal conditions, and emergency situations such as dike issues, oil spills, or security threats.
• Operate computers, system controls, and SCADA equipment required for plant operations.
• Assist with piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) development, updates, and procedure reviews.
• Support audits, inspections, facility tours, and general site security measures.
• Conduct on-the-job training for new or developing operators.
• Manage inventories of hazardous materials and waste oil, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience within the company or equivalent experience in hydroelectric or utility operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical tagging rules, with ability to correctly apply them in operational settings.
• Solid understanding of substation procedures and operational protocols.
• Valid driver’s license and demonstrated ability to operate vehicles safely.
• Successful completion of the Hydro Operator Certification Training Program.

Additional Notes

Operators at the Webber and Allegan Dam facilities may be required to respond to the Morrow Combustion Turbine facility for alarm and chart‑change duties as needed.

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.

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.