Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior)
Bureau of Reclamation
Posted: October 10, 2025 (97 days ago)
Added to FreshGovJobs: January 15, 2026 (0 days ago)
This job has been posted for over a month. It may already be filled.
City of Seattle
Seattle City Light
Location
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Salary
$59.92 - $66.52
per hour
Type
Full Time
More Production & Operations jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves maintaining and repairing equipment at hydroelectric power facilities, such as generators, turbines, and related machinery, using machine shop tools to fabricate parts and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Workers will also handle inspections, rigging heavy equipment, and working on-site at remote locations in various weather conditions.
It's a great fit for experienced machinists who enjoy hands-on technical work, can collaborate in a team, and are comfortable with physically demanding tasks in a utility setting.
Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.
Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound.
Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Seattle City Light is looking for skilled journey level Machinists to join the team at our South Service Center in Seattle.
These Machinists will perform maintenance and repair hydroelectric generation and distribution equipment.
Advanced knowledge of machinist skills is required as well as the ability to interpret blueprints and schematics.
These roles will also fabricate and design parts, equipment and or machinery according to National Electric Code and NEMA Standards using lathes, mills, radial drill presses, sharpers and other machine shop equipment.
Assignments at remote facilities conduct preventative maintenance, overhauls, and capital improvement projects of hydro-generators, turbines, and associated machinery at hydroelectric facilities.
This position reports to the Hydroelectric Maintenance Machinist Crew Chief.
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:
Requires a minimum of two (2) years previous journey-level machinist experience or four (4) years of machine work experience under the supervision of a journey-level machinist (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
Work Environment/Physical Demands: •Required to be on call 24 hour/day. •Required to lift materials in excess of 50 pounds. •Required to work in confined areas.
•Require working around high voltage equipment. •Required to work in all types of weather. Certification/License: Current Washington State Driver’s License.
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:
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.
The full salary range for this position is hourly rate $59.92 to hourly rate $66.52.
Application Process
It is preferred that you please submit the following with your online application:
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences.
Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
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 Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3(Download PDF reader).
A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: www.seattle.gov/city-light.Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes