Fish Lift Operator

About the role: The main responsibility of the Fish Lift Operator is to serve as a liaison between Eagle Creek Hydro Operations, LLC. and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This includes the operation and maintenance of essential equipment related to the "fish lift operation”. This equipment encompasses a range of items, but not limited to, Jet pumps, hydraulic actuating gates, transporting fish, fish elevator, and other necessary equipment associated with the fish lift operation. They will also be working with the operating staff at both the Menominee and Parkmill hydroelectric facilities.
The fish lift operator must take the appropriate actions to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation for the fish lift operation, while performing all work in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and safety and environmental regulations.

Fish Passage Operations – Schedule and Shifts:

• Spring Operations: April 15th-May 20th
• Weekly: Wednesday – Sunday: 5pm – 12am for the Spring and Fall seasons. Days may vary depending on staffing and demands.

What you’ll do:

• Operate equipment at the Menominee dam, including flow attractant gate, fish elevator, water pumps, and fish hauling trailer.
• Sort and measure lake sturgeon and bycatch fish.
• Load lake sturgeon into hauling trailer and transport to release location.
• Attend all fish implementation team meetings as scheduled, via virtual meetings if available.
• Coordinate purchase of supplies, maintenance, and setup of fish elevator equipment with ECRE staff as needed.
• Maintain security measures at all facilities, including closing and locking of all access gates and buildings.
• Comply and enforce all applicable company standards, practices, and policies.
• Coordinate and record all facility related events as necessary.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Operations management and stay informed of all unusual conditions that might affect the dam, safety, dam safety, plant operations and license requirements.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to perform manual tasks including but not limited to:
  • The operation of hand and power tools and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
  • Being able to bend and maneuver in tight, cramped quarters.
  • Ability to work in hot, noisy, and dark environments, often alone and isolated.
  • Comfortability working at heights and around water.
  • Ability to work with and wear respiratory protection.
  • Reach with hands and arms above shoulder level and at shoulder level.
  • Walk, stand, stoop, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods of time.
  • Grip and manually manipulate, often in repetitive motion, items such as but not limited to hand tools and machine parts.
  • Read and identify labels, gauges, dials, and indicators typically encountered in performing job duties.
• Possess clear and effective verbal communication in all circumstances, including emergency situations and giving/receiving instructions over a radio.