Hydroelectric Production Managers

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for industrial production managers in "other electric power generation (excluding fossil fuel, nuclear, and biomass)," will grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2033. Opportunities will not be as favorable in hydropower as they will be in other alternative energy sectors. Many production facilities are reducing costs by adapting leaner production models that are more dependent on robotics, advanced artificial intelligence, and other technologies, which reduces the numbers of workers and managers needed. But there will continue to be employment opportunities for hydroelectric production managers. Competition for jobs will be keen, however, as there is not frequent turnover in this position. Those with advanced degrees, three or four years of experience, and strong knowledge of hydropower production equipment and technologies will have the best job prospects.

Hydropower is an abundant resource and its ability to produce electricity inexpensively without harmful emissions makes it an important renewable energy source, but the industry is in transition. "This is a time of change for the hydropower industry," according to the U.S. Hydropower Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities. The report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory goes on to say that "with more than a quarter of the domestic hydropower workforce over the age of 55 retiring in the coming decade, the need to build a strong workforce pipeline has never been more critical. The number of hydropower workers aging and leaving the workforce is increasing, leading to a higher risk of knowledge loss as more experienced workers in the industry retire. To be successful, the industry needs new, diverse talent to fill jobs across many different occupations, spur innovation, and support the evolving role of hydropower in the U.S. electrical grid."

If the U.S. government establishes a renewable electricity standard, mandating energy production from renewable energy resources like hydropower and wind and solar energy, employment in the industry will grow. There are about 30 states with a renewable electricity standard, but there is no federal standard. Experts believe that many new jobs could be created in hydropower if a national renewable electricity standard and other industry-friendly policies, such as federal production and investment tax credits for new hydropower projects, are implemented.