Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

You can find useful information about hydropower on the National Hydropower Association’s Web site, https://www.hydro.org, which features an overview of hydropower technologies, statistical data, upcoming hydropower industry events, a job board, and much more. Other good sources of information about hydropower and other renewable energy sources include the Water Power Technologies Office, https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-basics, and the U.S Energy Information Administration, https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained. You can also learn about hydropower basics by visiting this Web site: https://www.eia.gov/kids/energy-sources/hydropower.

Another great way to explore a career in hydropower is by talking to hydroelectric plant workers. Ask your school's career services office for help with setting up an information interview and be sure to create a list of questions to prepare for your talk. Here are few interview questions suggestions: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a technician to learn even more about the field.