Salary: $59.15 - $62.40 Hourly
Location : Skagit, 500 Newhalem St., Rockport, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Seattle City Light
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Language Premium: No

Position Description
Generation Operations is recruiting Hydroelectric Operators for its Skagit Hydroelectric Project.

The Hydroelectric Operator will operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment and coordinates activities affecting the operation and safety of the hydroelectric plant, dams, waterways, and workers. You will need knowledge of generation, transmission and distribution systems, the operation of equipment used in these systems, emergency action plans, safety procedures, and the hazards of working in dams and powerhouses.
Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Operates and monitors electric, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment which includes valves, spill gates, generators, and other equipment related to operating a hydroelectric plant.
• Ensures worker safety when malfunctions occur.
• Safely operate a boats day or night and in poor weather conditions
• Receives switching orders, clearances, 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 when abnormal conditions exist or when equipment needs repairs, maintenance, and/or replacement.
• Inspects and operates high voltage equipment.
• Maintains logs pertaining to installation, maintenance activities, operations, metering, and instrumentation status activities.
• Prepares and updates reports such as the Daily Visual Dam Surveillance Report, National Weather Service Daily Observation Reports, and Powerhouse Inspection Reports.
• Participate and contribute to assigned special projects.
• Hydroelectric Operator II's train Hydroelectric Operator I's to operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment as well as coordinating activities affecting the operation and safety of the hydroelectric plant, dams, waterways, and workers.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Education/Experience:
Two years' experience in the electrical trade or as a Hydroelectric Operator (or a combination of education, and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
Certification/License/Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State Driver's License
• Obtain a boater safety card.
• Normal sense of smell, hearing and color vision
• In emergency situations, may be required to be on call 24 hours/day.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, holidays and/or rotating shifts.
• Required to stand, walk or bend for extended periods of time and work at heights in confined areas
• Required to lift objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds
• Required to handle or work with toxic/hazardous substances, operate and work around energized equipment
• Required to work outdoors in remote locations and travel in all types of weather
• Required to work in a noisy environment.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• 3-5 years' work experience as a journey-level Hydroelectric Operator or equivalent
• First-hand knowledge of electrical/utility industry
• Strong computer skills and the 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
• The ability to maintain high performance in stressful situations.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role-usually aligned with their regular duties-to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

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

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the , and the A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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 about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

01

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

02

Which below best describes your highest completed level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Vocational/Technical Certificate
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• Professional Degree
• Other

03

Are you aware that Skagit Hydroelectric Project is located approximately 125 miles northeast of Seattle, in Newhalem, WA, and are you willing to work there?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your experience working in a hydroelectric power plant:
Required Question