Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hydro Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hydro Engineer, you are the cornerstone of our renewable energy operations. You will apply your deep expertise in hydraulics, hydrology, and civil engineering to design, analyze, manage, and maintain critical hydropower infrastructure. This role involves everything from conducting complex dam safety assessments and hydrologic modeling to managing large-scale rehabilitation projects. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of our power generation assets, directly contributing to a sustainable energy future and the protection of downstream communities. This is a highly visible position that requires a blend of technical mastery, project management acumen, and effective communication with regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Civil or Water Resources Engineer
Graduate Engineer (EIT) with a focus on hydraulics
Environmental Engineer with a strong quantitative background

Advancement To:

Senior Hydro Engineer / Lead Hydropower Engineer
Project Manager, Hydropower & Dams
Dam Safety Program Manager or Chief Dam Safety Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Water Resources Manager
Renewable Energy Development Consultant
Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses for dams, spillways, penstocks, and appurtenant structures to assess performance under various flow conditions.
Develop and run complex one- and two-dimensional computer models (e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, FLO-2D) to simulate river systems, probable maximum floods, and potential dam break scenarios.
Conduct comprehensive dam safety inspections and evaluations in strict accordance with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and state-level regulatory guidelines, producing detailed reports of findings.
Prepare, lead, and review Potential Failure Mode Analyses (PFMA) and facilitate risk analysis workshops to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in dam structures.
Develop and manage Supporting Technical Information Documents (STID) for high-hazard potential dams, ensuring all technical data is accurate and defensible.
Design and oversee the implementation of dam safety modifications, repairs, and major rehabilitation projects, including spillway enhancements and outlet works upgrades.
Manage all lifecycle phases of hydropower projects, from initial feasibility studies and conceptual design through to final construction, commissioning, and operational handover.
Develop detailed engineering drawings, technical specifications, bid documents, and construction cost estimates for civil works related to hydropower facilities.
Serve as the primary technical liaison for interactions with regulatory agencies, preparing persuasive formal responses, complex permit applications, and robust compliance documentation.
Perform and review geotechnical investigations and stability analyses for earth-fill and concrete dams, abutment slopes, and critical foundations.
Coordinate and manage multi-disciplinary project teams including civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as environmental scientists and surveyors.
Prepare and present technical findings, project status updates, and detailed risk assessments to senior management, clients, and public stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
Develop, implement, and maintain instrumentation and monitoring plans (e.g., piezometers, inclinometers) to evaluate the long-term performance and safety of dams.
Conduct detailed power and energy studies to assess the economic viability and generation potential of new or upgraded hydropower projects.
Provide on-site construction support and resident engineering oversight to ensure projects are executed according to design specifications, budget, schedule, and stringent safety standards.
Author comprehensive engineering reports, in-depth feasibility studies, and Part 12D inspection reports that are clear, concise, and technically unimpeachable.
Develop and rigorously manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation using project management software to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
Evaluate the condition and operational performance of hydraulic turbines, gates, valves, and other mechanical equipment integral to hydropower generation and water conveyance.
Mentor junior engineers and technical staff, providing technical guidance on complex analyses, industry best practices, and long-term professional development.
Support emergency preparedness and response planning by developing, updating, and conducting tabletop exercises for facility Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform operational decisions and strategic planning.
Contribute to the organization's long-term data strategy, asset management roadmap, and capital improvement planning.
Collaborate with business units and operations teams to translate their data and operational needs into actionable engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the broader engineering and project management teams.
Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and technical committees to stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Hydrologic & Hydraulic Modeling: High-level proficiency in industry-standard software such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, GeoStudio (SEEP/W, SLOPE/W), and/or FLAC for complex analysis.
Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations, particularly engineering guidelines for the evaluation of hydropower projects, and state dam safety requirements.
Geotechnical Analysis: Strong experience in conducting slope stability, seepage, and foundation analyses for earth and concrete dam structures.
Civil/Structural Design: Proven ability to design hydraulic structures, including concrete, steel, and earthworks, and proficiency in reviewing detailed engineering drawings.
CAD & GIS Proficiency: Competency with design and mapping software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and ArcGIS for site layout, analysis, and inundation mapping.
Dam Safety Inspection & PFMA: Certified or highly experienced in conducting formal dam safety inspections and facilitating Potential Failure Mode Analyses (PFMA).
Construction Management: Experience with construction administration, contractor oversight, and review of construction submittals for heavy civil projects.

Soft Skills

Project Management: Exceptional ability to manage complex projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk, from conception to completion.
Technical Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical information for non-technical stakeholders, regulators, and executive leadership.
Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and critical thinking abilities to diagnose issues, evaluate multiple solutions, and make sound engineering judgments under pressure.
Collaboration & Team Leadership: A collaborative mindset with a proven ability to lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior staff effectively.
Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at building consensus and negotiating with regulatory agencies, contractors, and internal business units to achieve project goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil, Environmental, or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or Geotechnical Engineering.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain one within one year of employment.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering
Water Resources Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-12 years of progressive experience in the analysis, design, and/or management of hydropower projects or dam safety programs.

Preferred: Direct experience working on FERC-regulated projects, conducting Part 12D safety inspections, performing dam break analysis, and managing large-scale civil works construction projects.