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Hydro Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Norsk Hydro

Production Operator

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$25.58/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING As a Production Operator at Hydro Cassopolis , you will be part of a team ...

Norsk Hydro

Production Operator

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$25.58/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING As a Production Operator at Hydro Cassopolis , you will be part of a team ...

Norsk Hydro

Production Operator (21080)

Cassopolis, MI

$25.58/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING As a Production Operator at Hydro Cassopolis , you will be part of a team ...

Norsk Hydro

Production Operator (22266)

Cassopolis, MI

$25.58/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING As a Production Operator at Hydro Cassopolis , you will be part of a team ...

Norsk Hydro

Maintenance Technician

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... Excellent communication and interaction skills for dealing with operators, shift leader ...

Norsk Hydro

Maintenance Technician

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable ... Excellent communication and interaction skills for dealing with operators, shift leader ...

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All JobsHydro Operator JobsHydro Operator Jobs in Michigan

Hydro Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$18

$39

How much do hydro operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro operator in Michigan is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydro Operator vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectHydro OperatorWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsHydropower plant certifications, safety trainingWater treatment certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dams, hydroelectric facilitiesWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, renewable resourcesPublic health, municipal services, environmental management

While both roles involve operating water-related systems, a Hydro Operator primarily manages hydroelectric power facilities, focusing on energy production and dam operations. In contrast, a Water Treatment Operator handles water purification processes for municipal or industrial water supplies. Both roles require safety certifications and technical skills but serve different industry needs and environments.

What is the highest paying operator job?

The highest paying operator jobs are often in specialized fields such as offshore oil and gas platform operators, nuclear power plant operators, or industrial plant operators with advanced certifications. These roles typically require extensive experience, technical skills, and sometimes hazardous environment training, leading to higher salaries compared to standard operator positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydro Operators in their daily work?

Hydro Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to changes in water flow and demand, troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues with turbines and generators, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. They must remain vigilant to ensure the safe and efficient operation of hydroelectric equipment, especially during periods of extreme weather or peak energy demand. Collaborating effectively with maintenance teams and control room staff is essential to address unexpected issues and prevent downtime.

What Is the Job of a Hydro Operator?

A hydro or hydro-vac operator performs non-destructive excavation around sensitive components, such as utility cables and pipelines. In this career, your duties are to excavate using high pressure water blasting equipment and excavate debris using a special vacuum. Your responsibilities as a hydro operator also include maintaining paperwork to document your hydro-vac jobs, conducting regular inspections of your truck and vacuum, and performing routine maintenance and any needed repairs on your hydro-vac equipment. You must be safety conscious to avoid injury to yourself or others, as the equipment you operate can be dangerous.

How to become a hydroelectric operator?

To become a hydroelectric operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in fields like electrical, mechanical, or industrial technology. Relevant experience in power plant operations, knowledge of control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are often required; some positions may also require a state license or certification. On-the-job training is common, and strong problem-solving skills are essential for maintaining and operating hydroelectric equipment safely and efficiently.

What are Hydro Operators?

Hydro Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of hydroelectric power plants. They manage the flow of water through turbines to generate electricity efficiently and safely, making adjustments based on demand and environmental conditions. Hydro Operators also perform regular inspections, maintain equipment, and respond to emergencies or system malfunctions to ensure continuous and reliable power generation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, knowledge of power plant operations, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the reliable and safe operation of hydroelectric plants, supporting energy production and environmental standards.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Hydro operators can potentially earn around $10,000 per month with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industrial or energy sectors. These roles often require technical skills, safety training, and sometimes union membership, but they do not always require a college degree. High-paying positions in skilled trades or specialized fields may also reach this income level without a degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Hydro Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with specialized roles like offshore drilling managers, senior engineers, or consultants in high-demand industries. These positions often require extensive experience, certifications, and working in challenging environments, and they may involve long shifts or offshore work.
More about Hydro Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Hydro Operator jobs in Michigan? For Hydro Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydro Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Hydro Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydro Operator jobs in MI? For Hydro Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hydro Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro Operator job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 49% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,728 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Production Operator

Norsk Hydro

Cassopolis, MI • On-site

$25.58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Hydro Aluminum Metals is a great place to build a career if you're looking to work for a stable, global company that values innovation, sustainability, and its people. Employees contribute to meaningful, real-world products while working with modern technology in a safe, team-oriented environment. With competitive pay, strong benefits, and opportunities for growth and advancement, Hydro offers more than just a job, it offers a place where your work matters and your career can grow.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
As a Production Operator at Hydro Cassopolis, you will be part of a team that safely produces high-quality aluminum products. This is an entry-level position, and on-the-job training is provided to help you learn and succeed.
  • Follow safety rules, housekeeping standards, and Hydro's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) values at all times.
  • Work safely in a heavy-industrial environment, including exposure to heat in summer and cold in winter.
  • Learn to operate industrial equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and other production machinery (training provided).
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and Lock/Tag/Try procedures.
  • Perform basic first-line maintenance and report equipment issues, hazards, or concerns to your supervisor.
  • Learn to record production and quality information using company systems (training provided).
  • Support quality and environmental requirements by following proper procedures and documentation.
  • Be flexible and willing to help in other production areas as needed.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL
We are looking for reliable, safety-focused individuals who are eager to learn and grow in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong attendance and a commitment to working safely.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and follow instructions.
  • Ability to work well with teammates, supervisors, and plant leadership.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude or interest in learning how industrial equipment works (no prior experience required).
  • Ability to read and follow written and verbal work instructions.
  • Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts (days and nights).
  • Ability to pass required assessments in basic math and mechanical comprehension.
  • Must be at least 18 years old and able to perform light industrial physical tasks.
  • Must pass a drug screen and background check.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Hydro offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities to build a long-term career.
  • Clean, safety-focused facility with a supportive, team-oriented culture
  • Starting pay: $25.58 per hour
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting on your first day of employment
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% company match
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Stable, full-time employment with a global manufacturing company
  • Paid training and opportunities for skill development and internal advancement

Hydro values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.
Questions? Contact:
Recruiter:
Craig Smith
Craig.Smith@hydro.com
Production Operator
Location:

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