Hydroelectric Operator (Skagit)

About the Role

Seattle City Light’s Generation Operations is recruiting Hydroelectric Operators for the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. The Hydroelectric Operator will operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment and coordinate activities affecting the operation and safety of the plant, dams, waterways, and workers. Knowledge of generation, transmission and distribution systems, equipment operation, emergency action plans, safety procedures, and dam and powerhouse hazards is required.

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors electric, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, including valves, spill gates, generators, and other plant equipment.
• Ensures worker safety when malfunctions occur.
• Safely operates a boat day or night and in poor weather conditions.
• Receives switching orders, clearances, and maintains “keep opens” and “hold opens” for generators, high‑voltage transmission systems, and local distribution systems.
• Recommends when plant equipment may be taken out of service.
• Receives instructions for power plant operations from dispatchers at the System Operations Center in Seattle, WA.
• Inspects powerhouses, dams, switchyards, and equipment; notifies appropriate personnel of abnormal conditions or needed repairs, maintenance, or replacement.
• Inspects and operates high‑voltage equipment.
• Maintains logs pertaining to installation, maintenance activities, operations, metering, and instrumentation status.
• Prepares and updates reports such as the Daily Visual Dam Surveillance Report, National Weather Service Daily Observation Reports, and Powerhouse Inspection Reports.
• Participates in and contributes to assigned special projects.
• Trains Hydroelectric Operator I’s and coordinates activities affecting plant, dam, waterway, and worker safety.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience in the electrical trade or as a Hydroelectric Operator (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Current Washington State driver’s license.
• Boater safety card (must be obtained).
• Normal sense of smell, hearing, and color vision.
• May be required to be on call 24 hours/day in emergencies.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or rotating shifts.
• Must be able to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods and work at heights in confined areas.
• Must be able to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Must handle or work with toxic/hazardous substances and operate around energized equipment.
• Must work outdoors in remote locations and travel in all weather conditions.
• Must work in a noisy environment.

Desired Qualifications

• 3–5 years of work experience as a journey‑level Hydroelectric Operator or equivalent.
• First‑hand knowledge of the electrical/utility industry.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software.
• Experience operating a hydroelectric power plant.
• Familiarity with WECC, FERC, and NERC standards.
• Team‑focused with problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to maintain high performance in stressful situations.

Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through the Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with regular duties—to support emergency operations. Participation is required and vital to keeping the utility prepared and serving the community when it matters most.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $67.39 to $79.09 per hour.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information is available on the City’s website.