Government Jobs in Colorado with H-1B Sponsorship

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

April 17, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range
91,977.60 - 136,635.20
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under limited supervision, the Hydroelectric Plant Supervisor leads the hydroelectric team in operating and maintaining hydroelectric facilities and managing the hydroelectric program in a manner that integrates hydroelectric operations with raw water and treated water operations. This position also functions as a member of the Utilities supervisor team and is responsible for supporting a culture of efficient and effective service delivery based on a foundation of trust, teamwork and support at all staff levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Manages daily operation, inspection, and maintenance of hydroelectric facilities and associated systems and buildings to make optimal use of available water for power generation and maximize hydroelectric revenue. Ensures compliance with regulations and power purchase and interconnection agreements.
- Manages and supervises hydroelectric technicians and operators, fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration and accountability. Provides hands-on support to hydroelectric technicians and water treatment operators to maintain power generation operations. Conducts performance evaluations and provides coaching, mentoring, and clear, constructive feedback.
- Develops and implements the annual hydroelectric program work plan including facility inspection and operation schedules, and capital improvement and maintenance project priorities to align with municipal water supply operations. Establishes preventative and corrective maintenance schedules to ensure safe and continuous system performance.
- Supervises specialized maintenance of water supply and hydroelectric facilities such as turbines, generators, pumps, motors, bearings, exciters, valves, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, programmable logic controllers, electrical protection and transmission equipment, pipelines, measurement structures, and hydroelectric facility buildings.
- Implements an asset management program for hydroelectric facilities and associated buildings.
- Monitors SCADA systems for hydroelectric facility performance.
- Analyzes, interprets and implements power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements, and coordinates with power purchasing entities as required for hydroelectric operations, metering and billing.
- Manages small maintenance contracts and studies, including determining scope of work, preparing and administering contract documents, selecting contractors and consultants, directing contractor and consultant work efforts, and performing measurements and payments.
- Prepares and monitors hydroelectric program operating budget and analyzes and allocates expenditures. Forecasts resource needs including personnel, materials and equipment. Tracks, orders and purchases hydroelectric facility supplies and equipment.
- Develops and implements operational and safety practices, including regular site inspections, safety programs, asset preservation initiatives, facility security and emergency response planning.
- Manages and maintains inspection, operations and maintenance records.
- Provides technical input and recommendations to engineering staff for capital improvement program prioritization, planning, design, construction and repair of hydroelectric facilities.
- Prepares reports, standard operating procedures, agreement documentation and correspondence with regulatory or contract entities.
- Coordinates with Water Resources Senior Manager and engineering staff to develop and manage capital improvement plan and budgets.
- Takes an active role in networking and promoting the city’s hydroelectric program, including participating in conferences, leading facility tours, and maintaining program materials and website content.
- Stays current with evolving standards, legislation, and best practices in hydropower operations and facility design.
- Identifies process improvements and emerging technologies and practices to improve project and program reliability, efficiency and sustainability.
- Takes lead role in negotiating power purchase agreements, interconnection agreements and other necessary agreements with power purchasing entities, in coordination with the Water Resources Senior Manager, City Attorney’s Office and consultants.
- Provides technical assistance and information to other city departments, outside organizations, agencies, private contractors and the general public.
- Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
- Maintains a high level of professionalism and integrity, provides excellent customer services to internal and external customers, listens to questions and concerns, evaluates issues and possible solutions, works collaboratively with other city teams to find solutions to challenges that arise, inspires confidence and respect and uses feedback from others to grow and develop.
- Upholds and actively supports the city’s stated mission and values.
- Knows and complies with all city and department policies and participates in professional trainings and development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Ability to be an effective team leader. Leads with emotional intelligence and works to build a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Demonstrates commitment to mentoring, answering questions and providing a safe space to learn. Thinks strategically about long-term effects of program and project development and implementation and anticipates future consequences of current approaches and decisions. Inspires confidence and respect.
- Ability to be flexible and creative. Is adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities. Ability to identify and suggest creative solutions to unique problems.
- Ability to build relationships. Actively listens to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues, city leadership and community members. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees, community members and external partners.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication and ability to gracefully set boundaries. Is patient with people and processes and models professional maturity in dealing with all people.
- Ability to maintain high level of professionalism and integrity. Ability to accept and apply feedback from others to continuously learn, grow, and enhance performance.
- Ability to proactively and effectively plan, prioritize and execute work in a timely fashion and meet deadlines. Has attention to detail and can map out processes and effectively track progress.
- Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents including use of all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations, policies, procedures and reporting requirements.
- Knowledge and highly skilled in hydroelectric or pumping facility operations, maintenance, and practices.
- Knowledge of budgetary systems.
- Skill and experience with data analysis and use of spreadsheets and databases.
- Skill and proficient use of computers and associated software.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
- Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Knowledge and experience with municipal water supply systems.
- Hydroelectric Operator Certification.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor’s degree in physical science, engineering or technology or related field; or equivalent of eight (8) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- Six (6) years progressively responsible experience in hydroelectric, pumping facilities or industrial operations or management.
- Two (2) years supervisory or lead operator/technician experience.
- First Aid and CPR Certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year. Must maintain certification.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Water Resources Senior Manager
Supervision Exercised: Hydroelectric Plant Operator

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to work in office and industrial environments. Ability to work in and around tight and confined spaces, elevated areas, ladders, and facilities with noise, heat, and uneven terrain, requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling. Must have sufficient mobility, vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to perform inspections, operate equipment, and use computers and communication devices.

Work Environment: Work occurs in both office settings and industrial environments with exposure to noise, mechanical or electrical equipment, chemicals, open water, pressurized liquids, uneven terrain and construction conditions. May require work in confined spaces or areas requiring specialized safety precautions. Occasionally works irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and in emergency conditions.

Machines and Equipment Used: Hydroelectric turbines and generators, electrical and mechanical equipment, computers, test meters, radios, hand and power tools, water and electrical measurement devices, motor vehicles and all-terrain off-road vehicles.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: October 2025
The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.