High School

Classes that provide a good foundation for a career in hydroelectric production management include mathematics, physics, computer science, business, and shop. Leadership skills are needed in this job and strong communications skills are essential for managing and motivating employees. English and speech classes and participation in clubs and sports teams will help you to develop these skills.

Postsecondary Education

Most hydroelectric production managers have a bachelors degree, which may be in industrial engineering, business administration, or another related field. Some companies require a masters degree or a graduate degree in industrial management. Some colleges offer education programs in renewable energy. Some aspiring hydroelectric production managers train for the field by participating in apprenticeship programs.

Certification

Certain programs are short-term educational opportunities that students enroll in to obtain a general introduction to a field or learn about specific topics (e.g., emerging technologies, new management or operational practices). They are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats, and they typically last six months to a year. Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in renewable energy, industrial production, and related topics. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Hydroelectric production managers continue their education throughout their careers because they must keep up with the current technologies and standard practices that are used in the industry. They take classes and attend conferences and meetings offered by groups such as the National Hydropower Association (which offers a Hydro Academy), International Hydropower Association, Association of Energy Engineers, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, National Society of Professional Engineers, and Waterpower Canada. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Hydroelectric production managers may earn several certification credentials from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), such as certified energy manager and certified industrial energy professional. Learn more at https://www.aeecenter.org. The AEE says that those who become certified "report career improvements in the form of salary and responsibility increases and matching benefits for their organization."

The American Society of Quality (https://asq.org/cert/catalog) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (https://www.nicet.org) also have certification programs. Eligibility requirements for certification vary but generally include a specified amount of job-related experience and passing a certification examination.

The National Hydropower Association (NHA) offers a Hydro Academy, which "brings to the water power community a variety of courses and workshops to aid in continuing education and professional development." The Hydropower System Principles Program is the academys signature learning program. Students have the option to complete an eight-hour or 40-hour course. Those who complete the 40-hour course receive the NHA systems principles certification credential. Visit https://www.hydro.org/hydropower-system-principles-course for more information.

Hydroelectric production managers have a bachelors degree or three or four years of apprenticeship training, as well as several years of work-related experience in lower-level positions. This is not an entry-level position because production managers must have advanced knowledge of hydroelectric production equipment and processes, engineering principles, technology, business and management principles, and industry and government standards and regulations.

Successful production managers are organized, have strong communication skills, and are able to identify problems and come up with appropriate decisions that fit within facilities budgets and meet industry regulations. They must have good listening skills in order to gather information from employees and listen to their concerns and ideas. They are able to work well with others, as well as independently. Attention to detail is essential and the ability to plan and prioritize work helps accomplish work goals. Dependable people who are analytical thinkers, have integrity, and are willing to take charge and offer direction and guidance to others do best in this type of work. The willingness to continually learn is also important in this job.