Hydroelectric Production Managers

Career summary

Hydroelectric production managers make sure plant operations comply with prescribed operating limits, such as loads, voltages, lines, or equipment. They also make sure that daily operations comply with laws and regulations. They create voltage schedules. They create communication plans for power system emergencies.

Managers inspect all parts of the hydropower plant to make sure it works smoothly. They ensure that work, safety, and environmental standards are followed. They also monitor and inspect dams, generators, and control systems. In some instances, they direct cleanup efforts to prevent environmental damage.

Managers maintain records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Managers create or review budgets, annual plans, and operating procedures. They may also make contracts and set prices for public and private utilities. They may give technical advice to planners and workers. Managers respond to questions from customers, government offices, and researchers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Chemical Plant Operators
• Gas and Oil Plant Operators
• General and Operations Managers
• Geothermal Production Managers
• Industrial Engineers
• Industrial Production Managers
• Power Plant Operators
• Storage and Transportation Managers
• Supply Chain Managers
• Wind Energy Operations Managers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to hydroelectric production managers.

• Direct operations, maintenance, and repair of facilities.
• Identify and communicate power system emergencies.
• Maintain records of repairs and maintenance.
• Inspect equipment such as turbines, generators, and control systems.
• Direct containment or cleanup to prevent damage to the environment.
• Make sure equipment conforms to regulations and laws.
• Make sure daily operations do not exceed limits for temperature and voltage.
• Plan operations to make sure they meet customer demand.
• Develop projects that improve hydroelectric effectiveness.
• Supervise installations, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Develop and review budgets, plans, contracts, and engineering studies.

Common work activities

Hydroelectric production managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Get information needed to do the job
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Schedule work and activities
• Use computers
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Develop and build teams
• Monitor and control resources
• Process information
• Coach others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Analyze data or information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Develop goals and strategies
• Teach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform administrative tasks
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Think creatively
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Recruit, interview, or hire others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Control machines and processes
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, hydroelectric production managers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of contact during their work day. They communicate with technicians and other works daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Occasionally speak in front of large groups, such as during a tour of the facility.
• Sometimes write letters and memos.
• Work as part of a team.
• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are substantially responsible for the work done by technicians and other workers.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. Indoor conditions may not be temperature-controlled.
• May travel around the work place in an enclosed vehicle, such as a car or truck.
• May work physically close to others, such as when sharing an office or working on a piece of equipment.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment that require extra caution.
• Always wear protective or safety equipment, such as hard hats and life jackets.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when performing the job. Mistakes can be costly and impact the public.
• Daily make decisions that impact the company's performance and reputation.
• Make nearly all their decisions without consulting another first.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Work with processes that are sometimes automated.
• Set daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere.
• Must meet strict deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Work a set schedule.
• Often work overtime.

Physical demands

Hydroelectric production managers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for hydroelectric production managers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for hydroelectric production managers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

Skills and abilities

Hydroelectric production managers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
• Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.

Work with people

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Business Management and Administration
• Business, General
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Engineering and Industrial Management
• Engineering, General
• Operations Management

Other programs of study to consider

• Ocean Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

Training

To work as a hydroelectric production manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in a related field; and
• have 5 years or more of related work experience.

Education after high school

Hydroelectric production managers often have a bachelor's degree. Many earn a degree in engineering, hydrology, electrical science, industrial production, or business management. This prepares you to work with the various systems needed to manage hydroelectric power production.

Work experience

In general, employers prefer to hire people who have at least five years of experience in their industry. It helps if some of your time is spent as a supervisor.

On-the-job training

Some employers have management training programs for new college graduates. You receive training in the company's policies. You also learn about your job duties. Training may last several months up to a year; two to three months' of training is the most common.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Computer Applications
• Electricity
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Business
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for managers who have experience working with administration, electrical systems, public relations, industrial production, or hydrology. The skills needed to manage the work of others are vital.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Industrial Production Managers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for hydroelectric production managers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "industrial production managers." 

#Added these statements 11/1/16 cj.

Salaries vary greatly by employer and plant size. In addition to salary, hydroelectric production managers may receive bonuses for good job performance.

Hydroelectric production managers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for hydroelectric production managers. However, they are part of the larger group of "industrial production managers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Utility companies
• Local, state, and federal government-sponsored power plants

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change.

Opportunities will be best for those with experience and a degree in industrial management or business.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for hydroelectric production managers. However, they are part of the larger group of "industrial production managers."

Other resources

American Public Power Association 
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202
202.467.2900

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200

US Department of Energy 
(Renewable energy information - hydropower)

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Business Management and Administration

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Hydroelectric Production Managers (11-3051.06) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Powerhouse-mechanic Supervisor (631.131-010) 
• Superintendent of Generation (184.167-138) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Conventional/Realistic

COPSystem

• Business Professional