Union Power Plant Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $28.05 - $34.17 Hourly
Location : City of Muskegon, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-02757-02
Department: City of Muskegon
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Description of Work
Note: This posting is for a role with the City of Muskegon.
If you are a current City of Muskegon employee but not a member of SEIU, Local 517M, Unit 2 - please use this post to apply.
Under the direct supervision of the Water Plant Superintendent, operates and maintains the City's water filtration plant to provide safe drinking water to City residents and other system customers. Assists with other Water Plant tasks as required by operational demands.
Required Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• High school diploma or the equivalent is required. Additional specialist training in water systems operations or related field preferred.
• One or more years of experience in water system operations and maintenance.
• Possess a valid US vehicle operator's license and a satisfactory driving record is required; must obtain a Michigan driver's license by end of probation period (six months) and be able to maintain one throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain State of Michigan EGLE F-4 within 24 months of hire, and remain certified throughout employment.

Physical Conditions / Work Location
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
NOTE: This role is with the City of Muskegon. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a water treatment plant or in the field completing hands-on operations and maintenance work. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, adverse weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of moderate to heavy weight.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to treacherous terrain, requiring the employee to traverse uneven ground, climb up or crawl down to access the site, and may be exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals or other hazardous materials, loud machinery and equipment, and other dangers associated with maintenance activities or plant operations. An employee in this position must have the strength, stamina and physical coordination needed to gain access to the work sites described above, observe and inspect work in progress, and operate hand and power tools. The employee is occasionally exposed to loud noises, moving mechanical parts, dust or airborne particles, and fumes. The noise level in the work environment is moderate, and can occasionally be very loud.
Additional Information
EVALUATION CONTENTOral Exam = 100%
Please note: Employee in this position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 517M
Unit 2.
The selected candidate must take a post-offer medical examination (including back screen and complete physical) and drug screening test given by a City appointed physician before the first day of employment. Anyone offered employment as a Water Plant Operator with the City must pass a mandatory psychological evaluation. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for City employment may be subject to a post-offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.
APPLICANT REVIEW PROCEDUREAny applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the City regarding the applicant's employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the Muskegon County Human Resources Department.
PURPOSEThe purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the City system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for up to one year unless exhausted or extended.
The full job description can be found here
THE CITY OF MUSKEGON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
THE CITY OF MUSKEGON HAS ADOPTED A VETERANS PREFERENCE POLICY THATRECOGNIZES QUALIFYING MILITARY SERVICE
Defined Contribution Plan - MERS (DC Plan)
The defined contribution plan (referred to as the "DC Plan") is a retirement savings plan that is becomes 100% employee owned after 5 years during a graduated vesting process of 20% per year.
Under this mandatory plan, the City will contribute the equivalent of 6% of your wages into the plan. You may make a one-time choice to contribute an additional 2% of wages of your own wages into the plan, and the city will then match that 2% in addition to the first 6%, for a total 8% city funded contribution, for a combined total 10% contribution.
Choices are

• Employee 0%, City 6% = 6% Total
• OR
• Employee 2%, City 8% = 10% Total

For a more details, see the Defined Contribution Plan Participant Handbook.
Health Care Savings Plan - MERS (HCSP)
The health care savings plan is a retirement savings plan for health care costs after retirement. This is a mandatory plan with a 2% employee contribution and a 2% employer contribution, for a combined total 4% contribution.
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
The city offers three different providers. MERS, Mission Square & Empower.
These plans are optional, and the employee can choose none, one or all three providers. Information packets about each provider should be located inside your employee packet.
Leave Time

• 10 Vacation days after the first year. (80 hours)
• 12 Sick days per year (earned 3.7 hours per pay)
• 5 Personal leave days.
• 9 Paid holidays

Insurance

• Medical, Dental and Vision provided through Priority Health and Delta Dental.
  1. $40.08 per pay for single, $79.05 per pay for double, or $93.07 per pay for family.
• Life insurance equal to the annual salary.
• Long-term disability insurance.