Hydroelectric Dam Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $139,032.00 - $208,548.00 Annually
Location : 1379 Falls Road, Randle, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00012
Department: Cowlitz Falls
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
About the Position
The Generation Superintendent supervises the operation and maintenance of the District's hydroelectric generation facilities. Schedules the work assignments of employees/contractors and implements District procurement, contracting, operating and maintenance procedures on all projects and improvements. Monitors and manages maintenance projects.
First review will be August 16, 2026. This is a non-remote position and has a 30 minute residency requirement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Direct and supervise the activities of personnel and contractors to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation and maintenance of the project.
• Assist and develop operating procedures and preventative maintenance programs.
• Supervise project activities to assume compliance with District policies and procedures, state and federal safety standards, FERC license requirements, permits and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with other departments, contractors, and stakeholders necessary to accomplish ongoing execution of operations and maintenance projects associated with hydroelectric facilities.
• Responsible for performing and/or overseeing engineering and project management activities for District generation facilities.
• Accountable for communication systems; to include the radio/pager equipment, telephone equipment, and connections to remote data.
• Manage control systems for the Project including SCADA.
• Administer security program to ensure regulatory requirements are met; reduce risk and optimize operations.
• Responsible for meeting NERC/WECC compliance for the Project, including performing required maintenance and testing, submitting data and reports, and providing required training.
• Perform dam inspections, evaluations, risk analysis, risk reduction measures.
• Assist in maintaining accurate recordkeeping systems, monitor hydroelectric O&M activities, inspect equipment, diagnose problems, perform tests, compile data and submit reports as necessary to provide for proper evaluation, control, reporting and documentations of hydro plant operations.
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring and management of the department budget.
• Assist in the preparation and dissemination of updates and reports.
• Plan, establish priorities, schedule tasks, make assignments, monitor and evaluate progress of department activities toward completion within required timeframes and approved budgets.
• Provide leadership, communicate clear work and performance expectations, and give direction, support and feedback to assigned employees.
• Available 24 hours each day to help facilitate troubleshooting and investigations into unplanned events.
• Must be onsite at hydroelectric facilities during adverse conditions including floods, fires, equipment failures and other critical events.

Position Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position will directly supervise up to 5 employees. This position is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department's plant improvement and upgrade projects. Also coordinates with plant operations and maintenance staff and supervisors. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, and developing employees; planning, assigning and directing work; monitoring performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and/or training and education in power plant operations and maintenance at a craft journey level. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in hydroelectric generation operation and/or maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have two (2) years of supervisor experience. Ability to read and understand electrical, civil and mechanical maintenance drawings, principles and practices pertaining to hydroelectric plants. Must have demonstrated project management experience involving complex projects with multiple parties such as engineers, staff, consultants, suppliers, contractors and fabricators. Must have knowledge of federal, state and local standards for hydroelectric projects, including OSHA safety regulations as well as environmental, wildlife, fish and recreational regulations and licensing requirements for the hydroelectric projects.
Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations:
Professional Engineer (P.E.), Project Management Professional (PMP), or licensed journeyman is desirable.

• Must have a valid Driver's license, preferred Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Must have or able to be certified in First Aid/CPR upon hire.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in MS Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to walk, climb stairs, bend, reach, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and sit for extended periods of time. Frequently climbs stairs and ladders in excess of 100 feet. Often required to wear and work in different types of personal protective equipment (PPE); work around and over water, in dirty conditions and from heights. Occasionally required to work in elevated positions, work from a suspended man-basket, and work in confined spaces. Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and carry up to 40 pounds. Required to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the telephone and in person. Must be physically able to enter, exit, and operate a boat, walk along shoreline, and/or safely wade into water to collect samples or read and inspect monitoring equipment.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to indoor and outdoor environments. Employee risks physical hazard from energized equipment, rotating machinery, falling from heights, working around water and other hazards associated with dams and powerhouses. Work may be performed in wet, dirty, greasy and oily conditions when working around equipment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. This position may be required to work all hours of a day, on holidays, and/or weekends as work or emergency conditions dictate.
Supplemental Information
Department: Cowlitz Falls
Job Code: CF0014
Location: Cowlitz Falls
FLSA Status: Exempt
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union; this position may require access to confidential information that could be used in labor relations and/or collective bargaining.
Travel: Local travel up to 30%; Occasional travel and attendance at meetings, training, or District offices.
Reports to: Generation Manager
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Lewis County PUD believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the company.
This position is regarded as a safety sensitive position under RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening including cannabis.
About our benefits:
At Lewis County PUD we believe part of having a rewarding workplace is to have a healthy work environment. You will find that we offer a full benefits package that fits all the needs of work/life balance.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time eligible employees. Actual benefits may vary by position type, check with Human Resources for specific benefit information.
All provisions in this summary are subject to change.
Insurance Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision
Lewis County PUD offers medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to eligible employees and their dependents. This coverage begins the first of the month after the month hired. These benefits are 100% paid by the Disritct.
Retiree Coverage
We also offer retiree medical, dental and vision benefits for those eligible.
HRA VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) Plan
HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) which employees are enrolled into upon their hire date. Employees contribute, through payroll deduction, tax-free contributions based on specific groups as outlined below. The District matches 1% of bi-weekly gross pay.

• Union Groups:
  • Age 35 years & Under : $40 per pay period
  • Age 36 years thru 49 years: $60 per pay period
  • Age 50 years & Older: $100 per pay period
• Non-union Group:
  • 2% of bi-weekly gross pay

Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment (AD&D) Benefits

• Group Coverage - District Paid
  • $75,000 life and AD&D for eligible employees
  • $1,000 life for eligible dependents
• Supplemental Life and AD&D is available for individual purchase.

Short-term Disability Benefit
Lewis County PUD provides short-term disability coverage to replace a portion of income while on an approved, non-work-related illness or injury. This benefit pays 70% of the employee's regular wages while on approved leave.
Long-term Disability Benefits
Base Coverage - District Paid

• 66 2/3% of base monthly salary earnings

Retirement Benefits
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis.
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Other Benefits
Person Leave (PL)
The District affords eligible employee's personal leave. The leave can be used for vacation, illness, or any other absence needed from work, as requested. PL is accrued bi-weekly as outlined below:
Holidays
Eligible employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day
• 3 Floating Holidays (two paid, one unpaid)

01
Do you have five or more years of experience working in generation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question