Employers

Approximately 72,400 people are currently employed in the U.S. hydropower industry, according to the National Hydropower Association (NHA).

Hydropower plants are found throughout the United States. Hydropower projects can be separated into two categories: large hydropower projects run by the federal electric utilities and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation (http://www.usbr.gov) and the Army Corps of Engineers (https://careers.hydro.org/jobseekers), and nonfederal hydropower dams (about 1,610 in the United States) licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the top 10 hydropower generating states are Washington, California, Oregon, New York, Alabama, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Starting Out

Your college’s career services office is an excellent starting point in your job search. Use its resources while you are still in school, as well as after graduation, to search for job leads. You can also find job leads via contacts you make during your internship, through professional associations, and at career fairs. The National Hydropower Association represents more than 300 companies in the North American hydropower industry, from small mom-and-pop companies to Fortune 500 corporations. According to its Web site its members "range from large power generators—the companies that produce hydroelectricity—to service and equipment providers that provide the goods and services used throughout the entire industry supply chain." Visit https://www.hydro.org/membership/members-directory for a list of members.

Advancement prospects vary by job title. Technicians, for example, can advance by receiving higher pay and managerial responsibilities. They can also earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees and become engineers or environmental scientists. Engineers and environmental scientists advance by taking on larger projects, working for larger firms, taking on managerial duties, opening their own consulting firms, writing textbooks about the field, or working as college professors. Clerical workers with drive and ambition might become office managers or supervisors.

Learn more about trends in the industry and potential employers by reading publications such as The International Journal on Hydropower & Dams (http://www.hydropower-dams.com) and International Water Power and Dam Construction (http://www.waterpowermagazine.com).

Visit https://careers.hydro.org/jobseekers and https://hydrofoundation.org/opportunities for job listings.

Join the National Hydropower Association (NHA), International Hydropower Association, and other professional associations to access training and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.

Attend the NHAs Annual Conference to network and interview for jobs.

Learn more about the National Hydropower Associations Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program (https://www.womeninhydropower.org) for help with career development.