The Future of Canadian Hydropower Starts With You
Explore stable, sustainable and meaningful careers in one of
Canada’s most important clean energy sectors.
The Future of Canadian Hydropower Starts With You
Explore stable, sustainable and meaningful careers in one of
Canada’s most important clean energy sectors.
Be Part of a Sector That’s Powering Canada’s Clean Energy Future
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Meet the Future
of Hydro
YOUR FUTURE
Why Choose Hydro?
Our infographics break down the facts about Canadian hydropower: where it’s generated, how it supports communities, and the wide range of career opportunities it creates. These visuals make it easy to understand why hydro is such a vital part of Canada’s clean energy future.
CANADA’S CLEAN POWERHOUSE
Hydropower is Canada’s Largest Source of Renewable Energy
0
%+
of Canada’s electricity
comes from hydropower.
Fact #1
600+ hydro facilities nationwide power homes and businesses 24/7.
Fact #2
Equivalent to offsetting ~130 million tonnes of CO2 each year.
Fact #3
Hydro supplies reliable baseload power in every province and territory.
Fact #4
Hydropower promotes clean water, clean energy, and a clean future.
HYDROPOWER CAREERS
Top 5 Reasons to Work in Hydro
Where purpose and opportunity flow together.
Clean Impact
Contribute to Canada’s net-zero future every day.
Stability
Long-term careers in a growing sector that powers our country 24/7.
Community Connection
Support local economies and Indigenous partnerships.
Innovation & Technology
Smart grids, AI monitoring, modern dam design.
Growth & Mobility
Opportunities from apprenticeships to executive leadership.
View Featured Job Opportunities
Visit our job board to view available opportunities across Canada.
HYDROPOWER’S NATIONAL FOOTPRINT
British Columbia
Canada’s second-largest hydropower producer, with nearly 8,000 employees at BC Hydro. Hydropower supplies the majority of the province’s electricity.
Quebec
Largest hydropower producer in North America, generating more than 175 TWh annually.
Manitoba
Exports clean, renewable electricity across North America.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Home to Churchill Falls and Muskrat Falls, major assets in Atlantic Canada’s electricity system.
North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
New and expanding community projects developed in partnership with Indigenous nations.
Alberta
Hydropower plays a smaller but established role in Alberta’s generation mix, including large and run-of-river facilities that contribute to grid diversity.
Saskatchewan
Hydropower contributes to the province’s electricity supply through long-standing generating stations and supports decarbonization efforts.
Ontario
Home to Canada’s first hydroelectric developments and the country’s oldest operating hydroelectric generating station. Hydropower remains a foundational component of Ontario’s electricity system.
New Brunswick
The 672 MW Mactaquac Generating Station near Fredericton produces approximately 12 percent of the province’s electricity, delivering clean, renewable power to the provincial grid.
Nova Scotia
With approximately 400 MW of installed capacity across 33 hydro stations, Nova Scotia also imports renewable electricity from Muskrat Falls via the Maritime Link to support its renewable energy targets.
Prince Edward Island
PEI does not have large-scale hydropower generation but benefits from regional grid interconnections that include hydropower imports from neighbouring provinces.
Hydropower Across Canada
0
+
People employed in hydropower-related fields.
British Columbia
Canada’s second-largest hydropower producer, with nearly 8,000 employees at BC Hydro. Hydropower supplies the majority of the province’s electricity.
Quebec
Largest hydropower producer in North America, generating more than 175 TWh annually.
Manitoba
Exports clean, renewable electricity across North America.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Home to Churchill Falls and Muskrat Falls, major assets in Atlantic Canada’s electricity system.
North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
New and expanding community projects developed in partnership with Indigenous nations.
Alberta
Hydropower plays a smaller but established role in Alberta’s generation mix, including large and run-of-river facilities that contribute to grid diversity.
Saskatchewan
Hydropower contributes to the province’s electricity supply through long-standing generating stations and supports decarbonization efforts.
Ontario
Home to Canada’s first hydroelectric developments and the country’s oldest operating hydroelectric generating station. Hydropower remains a foundational component of Ontario’s electricity system.
New Brunswick
The 672 MW Mactaquac Generating Station near Fredericton produces approximately 12 percent of the province’s electricity, delivering clean, renewable power to the provincial grid.
Nova Scotia
With approximately 400 MW of installed capacity across 33 hydro stations, Nova Scotia also imports renewable electricity from Muskrat Falls via the Maritime Link to support its renewable energy targets.
Prince Edward Island
PEI does not have large-scale hydropower generation but benefits from regional grid interconnections that include hydropower imports from neighbouring provinces.
0
+
People employed in hydropower-related fields.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Find Your Place in the Hydro Sector
From engineering and skilled trades to operations, environmental stewardship, and leadership, discover the diverse roles that drive Canada’s hydropower sector. See how your interests and skills can connect to a meaningful career in clean energy.
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Designing, building, and maintaining hydroelectric facilities from concept to operation.
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree or diploma in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering; technologist certification
Example Roles: Junior engineer, design technologist, field engineer
Career Growth & Specializations: Learn core design principles, site safety, and system integration
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Designing, building, and maintaining hydroelectric facilities from concept to operation.
Education/Training: P.Eng. or equivalent; on-site or project experience
Example Roles: Project engineer, hydrologist, instrumentation specialist
Career Growth & Specializations: Lead small projects, refine expertise in hydro design or modeling
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Designing, building, and maintaining hydroelectric facilities from concept to operation.
Education/Training: Specialized training (dam safety, PMP, renewable systems)
Example Roles: Senior engineer, systems integration lead, dam safety engineer
Career Growth & Specializations: Manage teams, coordinate multi-discipline projects, mentor juniors
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Designing, building, and maintaining hydroelectric facilities from concept to operation.
Education/Training: MBA, MSc, or leadership certification
Example Roles: Chief engineer, project manager, design director
Career Growth & Specializations: Oversee large projects, regulatory compliance, modernization strategy
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Maintaining and repairing the physical systems that keep hydropower plants running.
Education/Training: Apprenticeship or trade certification (electrician, millwright, welder, powerline technician)
Example Roles: Apprentice, maintenance helper
Career Growth & Specializations: Learn plant safety, tools, and technical systems
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Maintaining and repairing the physical systems that keep hydropower plants running.
Education/Training: Journeyperson certification
Example Roles: Powerline technician, maintenance mechanic, welder
Career Growth & Specializations: Take on independent maintenance tasks and small upgrades
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Maintaining and repairing the physical systems that keep hydropower plants running.
Education/Training: Advanced electrical/mechanical training
Example Roles: Lead hand, maintenance planner, turbine mechanic
Career Growth & Specializations: Supervise crews, inspect major equipment, train apprentices
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Maintaining and repairing the physical systems that keep hydropower plants running.
Education/Training: Supervisory or management training
Example Roles: Maintenance supervisor, operations manager
Career Growth & Specializations: Manage teams, budgets, and long-term asset reliability plans
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Operating and monitoring hydropower plants to deliver reliable electricity around the clock.
Education/Training: College diploma or technical certificate in power engineering, instrumentation, or process control
Example Roles: Operator trainee, control room assistant
Career Growth & Specializations: Learn plant operations, safety procedures, and monitoring systems
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Operating and monitoring hydropower plants to deliver reliable electricity around the clock.
Education/Training: TSSA or equivalent certification
Example Roles: Control room technician, shift operator
Career Growth & Specializations: Operate turbines and generators, ensure safety and compliance
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Operating and monitoring hydropower plants to deliver reliable electricity around the clock.
Education/Training: Advanced operations or leadership training
Example Roles: Senior operator, plant foreperson, operations planner
Career Growth & Specializations: Manage operations teams, schedule maintenance, optimize efficiency
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Operating and monitoring hydropower plants to deliver reliable electricity around the clock.
Education/Training: Management or engineering degree
Example Roles: Plant manager, operations superintendent
Career Growth & Specializations: Oversee multi-site operations and performance metrics
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Managing the digital systems, data, and power analytics that support modern hydropower operations.
Education/Training: Degree/diploma in IT, computer science, electrical engineering, or data systems
Example Roles: IT analyst, SCADA technician, junior systems engineer
Career Growth & Specializations: Learn plant systems, data flows, and operational technology
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Managing the digital systems, data, and power analytics that support modern hydropower operations.
Education/Training: Cybersecurity, automation, or systems certification
Example Roles: SCADA specialist, automation technologist, asset analyst
Career Growth & Specializations: Support system optimization, monitoring, and security
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Managing the digital systems, data, and power analytics that support modern hydropower operations.
Education/Training: Advanced training in power systems or analytics
Example Roles: Power systems engineer, reliability engineer
Career Growth & Specializations: Design digital architectures, manage asset performance
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Managing the digital systems, data, and power analytics that support modern hydropower operations.
Education/Training: Leadership or specialized systems training
Example Roles: Digital systems manager, grid strategy lead
Career Growth & Specializations: Oversee enterprise systems, modernization, and cybersecurity
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Protecting ecosystems and fostering strong partnerships with local and Indigenous communities.
Education/Training: Degree/diploma in environmental science, biology, geography, or Indigenous studies
Example Roles: Field technician, community liaison
Career Growth & Specializations: Conduct environmental monitoring and data collection
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Protecting ecosystems and fostering strong partnerships with local and Indigenous communities.
Education/Training: Training in environmental assessment or community engagement
Example Roles: Environmental advisor, consultation coordinator
Career Growth & Specializations: Support impact assessments and engagement activities
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Protecting ecosystems and fostering strong partnerships with local and Indigenous communities.
Education/Training: GIS, policy, or Indigenous engagement training
Example Roles: Environmental scientist, community engagement lead
Career Growth & Specializations: Lead consultations, oversee field programs
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Protecting ecosystems and fostering strong partnerships with local and Indigenous communities.
Education/Training: Graduate studies or management training
Example Roles: Environmental manager, Indigenous relations director
Career Growth & Specializations: Direct long-term partnerships and sustainability programs
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Planning, coordinating, and delivering new hydropower projects.
Education/Training: Degree/diploma in engineering, project management, or construction technology
Example Roles: Project assistant, site coordinator
Career Growth & Specializations: Support planning, budgets, and logistics
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Planning, coordinating, and delivering new hydropower projects.
Education/Training: Project management training (PMP or equivalent)
Example Roles: Project coordinator, procurement specialist
Career Growth & Specializations: Manage contractors, materials, and schedules
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Planning, coordinating, and delivering new hydropower projects.
Education/Training: Specialized experience in large infrastructure
Example Roles: Construction manager, project engineer
Career Growth & Specializations: Oversee budgets, risk, and cross-disciplinary teams
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Planning, coordinating, and delivering new hydropower projects.
Education/Training: Leadership or MBA program
Example Roles: Project director, VP of capital projects
Career Growth & Specializations: Lead major builds and strategic investments
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Shaping the public policy, regulatory frameworks, and market rules that govern Canada’s hydropower sector.
Education/Training: Degree/diploma in public policy, political science, economics, law, or public administration
Example Roles: Policy analyst, regulatory assistant, government programs officer
Career Growth & Specializations: Learn regulatory processes, policy research, and stakeholder mapping
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Shaping the public policy, regulatory frameworks, and market rules that govern Canada’s hydropower sector.
Education/Training: Professional training in regulatory affairs or energy policy
Example Roles: Regulatory analyst, policy advisor, government relations associate
Career Growth & Specializations: Support consultations, draft submissions, analyze policy impacts
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Shaping the public policy, regulatory frameworks, and market rules that govern Canada’s hydropower sector.
Education/Training: Specialized training in energy systems, market design, or law
Example Roles: Senior policy advisor, government relations manager, market analyst
Career Growth & Specializations: Lead policy files, manage relationships with regulators and ministries
STAGE
Advanced (10+ Years)
Purpose: Shaping the public policy, regulatory frameworks, and market rules that govern Canada’s hydropower sector.
Education/Training: MBA, MPA, law degree, or executive education
Example Roles: Policy director, regulatory affairs director, VP public affairs
Career Growth & Specializations: Shape sector-wide strategy, influence legislation, lead advocacy agendas
STAGE
Entry Level
Purpose: Supporting the people, strategy, and storytelling behind Canada’s hydropower sector, from internal operations to public engagement and customer experience.
Education/Training: Degree/diploma in business, communications, finance, human resources, marketing, or administration
Example Roles: Communications assistant, HR coordinator, finance assistant, administrative officer
Career Growth & Specializations: Build foundational skills in writing, data management, and organizational operations
STAGE
Early (2-5 Years)
Purpose: Supporting the people, strategy, and storytelling behind Canada’s hydropower sector, from internal operations to public engagement and customer experience.
Education/Training: Professional training in communications, HR, finance, or stakeholder engagement
Example Roles: Communications advisor, HR advisor, financial analyst, procurement analyst
Career Growth & Specializations: Lead projects, manage internal programs, support organizational strategy
STAGE
Mid (5-10 Years)
Purpose: Supporting the people, strategy, and storytelling behind Canada’s hydropower sector, from internal operations to public engagement and customer experience.
Education/Training: Specialized training in leadership, media relations, finance, or organizational development
Example Roles: Senior communications advisor, corporate affairs manager, talent development manager
Career Growth & Specializations: Oversee teams, budgets, brand strategy, or workforce planning