Hydro Operator - Cedar Falls Hydro Plant (Menomonie, WI) at Xcel Energy in Menomonie, Wisconsin, United States | USD28-45 | Kablio

Role

Description

plant ops

inspection

maintenance

hydro plants

The role primarily involves operating, inspecting, and maintaining the Cedar Falls and Menomonie hydro plants, with periodic duties at other plants and reservoirs as required. Employees may be moved during the apprenticeship program and within 12 months of attaining journeyman status.

Operate, inspect, and maintain Cedar Falls and Menomonie hydro plants, plus occasional work at other facilities.

Requirements

high school

eel test

hydraulics

mechanical

industrial exp

cdl class a

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. We anticipate the need for one or more Apprentice Hydro Operator(s) at our Cedar Falls and Menomonie Hydro Plants in Menomonie, WI.

Meet required qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, pass the EEl Plant Personnel Test, and reside within 20 mi of the Cedar Falls plant for the first six months.
Desired education/experience: technical, vocational or associate’s degree in hydraulics, mechanics, or electrical fields; mechanical or electrical experience in an industrial setting; hydro or power plant experience.
Preferred: valid CDL Class A meeting FMCSR driver‑qualification standards; subject to DOT random drug and alcohol testing.

Benefits

The minimum starting rate for an apprentice is $28.56 hourly (Step 1 – 60% of the journeyman rate) with the base journeyman rate at $47.60 hourly. Pay steps increase from 60% to 95% as apprentices advance, and placement will follow union contract guidelines. The posting will be active for 15 working days from January 8 2026 to January 29 2026, after which successful candidates will be evaluated for appropriate step placement.

Advance through apprenticeship steps (60%‑95% of journeyman pay) according to union contract.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, fitness reimbursement, and various flexible spending accounts.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1909

Year Established

The company has a history spanning over a century, demonstrating its long-standing presence in the energy sector.

hidden炳 Renewable energy solutions, including wind and solar power.
hidden炳 Reducing carbon emissions and increasing clean energy generation.
hidden炳 Large-scale renewable projects like the Rush Creek Wind Project in Colorado.
hidden炳 Service offerings cover residential, commercial, and industrial energy needs with an emphasis on sustainability.
hidden炳 Leader in energy efficiency programs, helping customers reduce consumption and costs.
hidden炳 Innovates in the energy sector, balancing economic and environmental goals.

Culture + Values

90% Reduction

CO2 Emissions

Achieved a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through sustainable practices and energy efficiency initiatives.

20 Hours

Employee Training

Provides employees with 20 hours of annual training focused on professional development and personal growth opportunities.

Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity.
Encourages open communication and collaboration.
Values diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Supports community engagement and corporate social responsibility.

Environment + Sustainability

57% reduction

Carbon emissions from electricity

Achieved a 57% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels as of early 2025.

1.5 million EVs

Electric vehicles enabled by 2030

Plans to enable 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2030 as part of broader sustainability goals.

$45 billion investment

In renewable energy projects

Investing $45 billion in generation, transmission, and other clean energy projects over five years (2024–2029).

54% carbon-free energy

In 2023

Achieved a 54% share of carbon-free energy in 2023, contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

Plans for zero-carbon fleet and enhanced EV charging infrastructure by 2030/2035 include enabling 1.5 million electric vehicles and achieving $1/gallon equivalent fuel savings for customers.
Investing in 4,000 MW+ of new wind and solar capacity by 2032, with all coal plants retiring by 2030 and nuclear energy extended until 2040.
Developing battery storage technologies, such as a 10 MW iron-air battery, and piloting innovative solutions like hydrogen, RNG, heat pumps, and smart water heaters.
Built a network of ~750 high-speed public EV charging stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin by 2026, alongside a home charger installation program to support widespread EV adoption.

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Careers at Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy Innovation

Role

Description

plant ops

inspection

maintenance

hydro plants

Operate, inspect, and maintain Cedar Falls and Menomonie hydro plants, plus occasional work at other facilities.

Requirements

high school

eel test

hydraulics

mechanical

industrial exp

cdl class a

Meet required qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, pass the EEl Plant Personnel Test, and reside within 20 mi of the Cedar Falls plant for the first six months.
Desired education/experience: technical, vocational or associate’s degree in hydraulics, mechanics, or electrical fields; mechanical or electrical experience in an industrial setting; hydro or power plant experience.
Preferred: valid CDL Class A meeting FMCSR driver‑qualification standards; subject to DOT random drug and alcohol testing.

Benefits

Advance through apprenticeship steps (60%‑95% of journeyman pay) according to union contract.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, fitness reimbursement, and various flexible spending accounts.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1909

Year Established

The company has a history spanning over a century, demonstrating its long-standing presence in the energy sector.

hidden炳 Renewable energy solutions, including wind and solar power.
hidden炳 Reducing carbon emissions and increasing clean energy generation.
hidden炳 Large-scale renewable projects like the Rush Creek Wind Project in Colorado.
hidden炳 Service offerings cover residential, commercial, and industrial energy needs with an emphasis on sustainability.
hidden炳 Leader in energy efficiency programs, helping customers reduce consumption and costs.
hidden炳 Innovates in the energy sector, balancing economic and environmental goals.

Culture + Values

90% Reduction

CO2 Emissions

Achieved a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through sustainable practices and energy efficiency initiatives.

20 Hours

Employee Training

Provides employees with 20 hours of annual training focused on professional development and personal growth opportunities.

Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity.
Encourages open communication and collaboration.
Values diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Supports community engagement and corporate social responsibility.

Environment + Sustainability

57% reduction

Carbon emissions from electricity

Achieved a 57% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels as of early 2025.

1.5 million EVs

Electric vehicles enabled by 2030

Plans to enable 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2030 as part of broader sustainability goals.

$45 billion investment

In renewable energy projects

Investing $45 billion in generation, transmission, and other clean energy projects over five years (2024–2029).

54% carbon-free energy

In 2023

Achieved a 54% share of carbon-free energy in 2023, contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

Plans for zero-carbon fleet and enhanced EV charging infrastructure by 2030/2035 include enabling 1.5 million electric vehicles and achieving $1/gallon equivalent fuel savings for customers.
Investing in 4,000 MW+ of new wind and solar capacity by 2032, with all coal plants retiring by 2030 and nuclear energy extended until 2040.
Developing battery storage technologies, such as a 10 MW iron-air battery, and piloting innovative solutions like hydrogen, RNG, heat pumps, and smart water heaters.
Built a network of ~750 high-speed public EV charging stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin by 2026, alongside a home charger installation program to support widespread EV adoption.

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Careers at Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy Innovation