Hydroelectric Production Managers

Employers

Approximately 72,400 people employed are in the U.S. hydropower industry, according to the National Hydropower Association (NHA). Hydroelectric production managers work in hydropower plants that are located throughout the United States. The Energy Information Administration reports that the states with the largest hydroelectric generation are Washington, California, Oregon, New York, Alabama, and Montana. Hydropower projects include large hydropower projects run by the federal electric utilities and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation (https://www.usbr.gov) and the Army Corps of Engineers (https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/hydropower), and nonfederal hydropower dams licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Starting Out

Hydroelectric production managers often get started in their careers by participating in an internship program while in college or an apprenticeship program. They gain valuable work experience as well as the opportunity to receive a job offer upon graduation. Ask your school's career services office for information on apprenticeships or internships in hydroelectric power generation facilities. Search companies' Web sites for job listings in their career sections, and also search employment Web sites such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, LinkedIn.com, and LinkedIn.com, among others, for job openings. Professional associations such as the National Hydropower Association (https://careers.hydro.org/jobseekers) offer helpful job-search resources.