Hydro Tasmania

What is your role and What do you do?

I am a graduate electrical engineer and am currently doing a rotation in the Primary and Transmission Engineering team. This team is part of Entura, the consulting arm of the Hydro Tasmania Group. As a consultant, the team works for a range of different clients who engage Entura to deliver detailed design packages, provide advice on complex issues and conduct earthing audits, just to name a few. Because the work the team undertakes is so broad, I’ve had many opportunities to experience many different aspects of primary engineering including design work and assisting with earthing audits. Every week in this team is different which gives graduates the opportunity to be exposed to many different areas of primary engineering.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

The breadth and depth of work the team undertakes is probably my favourite part of my current role. Being a graduate is all about being involved in as many different projects as you can, and this team definitely delivers. No two weeks of work are the same as there’s usually a new project that you can be involved with.

What has been your career highlight to date?

My career highlight to date is commissioning a new machine. Many of our machines are reaching end of life which means that we take them out of service and rebuild them from the ground up. Commissioning is the final step before the machine is returned to service and involves preparing a test procedure that ensures the generator meets all design and compliance requirements. This was a great hands-on learning opportunity, where I was able to learn more about hydro machines wholistically whilst also learning about the intricacies of their operation.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the hydro Graduate Program?

The graduate program at Hydro is very much choose your own adventure. It’s been great to have been given almost full ownership over my rotations, having the ability to pick and choose the teams I am interested in joining to further my technical development.

I’ve also been fortunate to travel to many remote parts of Tasmania during my time with Hydro, places I would probably never find myself in. Working outdoors and surrounded by Tasmania’s impressive wilderness is definitely something that is unique to Hydro.

What advice would you give to a new grade entering the program?

What you put into the program is what you get out of it. My advice is to get involved with as many different projects as possible as this is the best way to learn. This way you get to work with the many people in the business who have so much knowledge and experience to share. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone and trying out lots of different things is the best way to get the most out of the program.

What is your role and What do you do?

I entered Hydro Tasmania as a Graduate Business Analyst, beginning with the Community Engagement and Marketing teams. From here, I had the opportunity to undertake six-month rotations through Strategy and Civil Delivery. 

Currently, I am in the Strategy Delivery team. Here, I help to progress the initial identification and planning of projects. My role involves analysing commercial and strategic information, supporting stakeholder engagement activities, and contributing to executive and governance-level documentation. This has given me exposure to business case development, financial analysis and project governance.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

As a Graduate Business Analyst, I have enjoyed being able to take ownership of my own journey, supported by the flexibility of the graduate program. The breadth of work in each role has given me exposure to areas I never expected, from commercial strategy to business case development and project management.

What has been your career highlight to date?

A highlight has been being involved in the Tarraleah Gate 2 Business Case. This was a large piece of work and sitting with Strategy, I was able to have oversight over how the various areas of the business case are brought together in practice, giving me exposure to technical, commercial, regulatory, and public-interest considerations. This was a challenging piece of work, which made the experience all that more rewarding.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the hydro Graduate Program?

As a Graduate Business Analyst, I was able to express my keenness to experience project management. I was supported to undertake a rotation with the Civil Delivery team and progress my study in this area. Having the opportunity to spend six-months in the field, working on the demolition of a decommissioned asset, was an amazing opportunity and set me up to continue the development of my project management skills. 

What advice would you give to a new grade entering the program?

The Hydro Tasmania graduate program is an amazing opportunity due the breadth of experiences available. Try to get the best out of it by meeting as many people as you can and learning about the many areas of this large and diverse business. This can help you to identify the areas you want to pursue and how best you can contribute.

What is your role and What do you do?

I began my journey as a Graduate IT Analyst in the Database & Analytics team, where I learned the foundations of our corporate data ecosystem - including Microsoft SQL Server, Snowflake, Microsoft Power BI, and Matillion. In that role, I supported data engineering, reporting and analytics, and user access management. I then rotated into the Contract Trading team, where I contributed to the development and maintenance of their in‑house application built with Python’s Dash framework. My final rotation was with the Application Development & Support team, supporting data warehouse structures and ensuring stakeholders had timely access to accurate data.

I then secured my current position as a Data Analyst in Commercial Finance.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

What I enjoy most is the strong support system Hydro Tasmania provides graduates - through the Graduate Program Coordinator, a Mentor, and a Buddy. There’s always someone willing to help, and we’re encouraged to ask questions freely.

The organisation itself is large and complex, and the opportunity to rotate through different teams across various business units allows you to build a broad understanding of the business and the industry. This exposure makes it easier to discover what you enjoy and map out a pathway toward your ideal role.

What has been your career highlight to date?

For me, the highlight has been the people at Hydro Tasmania. The culture is incredibly supportive - no question is too small, and everyone is willing to share knowledge and collaborate. Being part of teams that use data to improve decision‑making and enhance analytics capabilities has been both rewarding and enjoyable.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the hydro Graduate Program?

The opportunity to rotate across diverse teams is something I found particularly unique and valuable. It gave me exposure to many different areas of the business and helped me build a strong understanding of the energy industry and how it operates.

The $2,000 graduate allowance for self‑directed learning was also fantastic - I was able to invest in books and courses that really supported my development throughout the program.

What advice would you give to a new grad entering the program?

Be open to rotating into teams outside your existing expertise. Exploring different areas helps you understand the broader industry and may lead to new career pathways you hadn’t considered.

And be a sponge - ask questions, stay curious, and be ready to learn from everyone around you.

What is your role and What do you do?

I entered Hydro as a Graduate Engineer, and joined the Production Engineering team for my first rotation. This team works within the Operational Expenditure (OPEX) space. Production Engineering is made up of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers (Civil have their own team) who respond to real time asset events and work towards fixing asset issues across the state.

As a graduate engineer I play a role in responding to these events, especially being in the field and working towards fixing each challenge that is thrown your way. This can include machine breakdowns, asset issues, and everything in between.      

This year my focus has been on major maintenance around the state, pulling apart machines and seeing what has gone right, what has gone wrong, and what can be improved! You get great support from a technical team member and overall, the learning experience has been immense. Executing the work requires technical know-how while using interpersonal and communicative skills to gain results that fall within the standards and Hydro expectations for Asset quality.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

My role within Production Engineering (I think) is the best role within Hydro Tasmania. You have the opportunity to deal with a wide range of issues and learn considerably in the moment and from the people around you. The machines are really quite the complex beast and the people are constantly blowing you away with their breadth of knowledge and experience.

That is really what makes each day so enjoyable, you get to solve these problems with people who support both you and your learning pathway while in the middle of it all.

However, to be more specific, you are truly part of the team, and your actions, suggestions, and observations make real impact on the life cycle of these assets.

What has been your career highlight to date?

I have really enjoyed being the lead site engineer on multiple outages within my first year. Working with engineering, operators, supervisors, and trades to keep the machines in good working order while improving the asset life of these machines has been an amazing experience.

Especially being so new to the industry and business, the responsibilities and role you take to help the team tackle each problem every time you rock up to site, are my highlights of the year.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the hydro Graduate Program?

I feel Hydro is quite unique in both the amount of field work available but also the responsibility and learning environment you are given as someone so new. The ability to make an actual impact while learning some integral parts of the machine, has been extremely fun. I have worked on the higher level technical and also dabbled with welding, NDT techniques, and hand tools when time is spare. So that breadth of experience seems quite unique.  

What advice would you give to a new grade entering the program?

I personally think the key to a graduate enjoying their time in Hydro Tasmania is being social and open to seeking out opportunities. Hydro is fantastic in its way of finding a niche for everyone, and if you want to branch out, go for it! If you don’t ask, you don’t receive, and Hydro Grad Program has a million things you could try and ask for!

What is your role and What do you do?

I have recently finished the graduate program at Hydro and have moved into a role in the Electrical Secondary Design Team. My team is responsible for leading the design, review and implementation of new control system projects/upgrades. The types of systems we work with include generator controls, station controls, headworks controls, auxiliary systems and instrumentation. We also work closely with the commissioning team and help with testing activities such as Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and the commissioning of a refurbished generator.

During my time in this team as a graduate, I have done Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for a new control panel, assisted with data recording/processing during the commissioning of a generator post refurbishment, done drawing markups and design work for a station controls upgrade and witnessed FAT for a high voltage power transformer. Other more common tasks include, reviewing drawings, modifying control system code/settings, and settings finalisation for equipment in the field.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

The thing I enjoy most about my role is that there is always something new to learn, especially from others. Learning how each system contributes to the overall operation of the station is incredibly rewarding as you start to piece the puzzle together and get an understanding of how everything interacts across the different engineering disciplines. Everyone has a wealth of knowledge to share, and I’ve found that connecting with the other graduates has been a great way to get an idea of what happens across different areas of the business.

What has been your career highlight to date?

Being involved with the commissioning tests for a refurbished hydro generator has been a highlight for me. It was a fantastic hands-on learning experience with a great team out on site.  Becoming familiar with the operation of the generator, learning about what to keep an eye on and what issues can pop up was fun and interesting.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the hydro Graduate Program?

Rotating through the different teams at Hydro has given me to opportunity to work in numerous different environments which I felt was unique to the program. Some of the different places I’ve found myself working include in the office, out at one of the many power stations across the state, out at the lab in Moonah or doing FAT at a panel builders’ workshop. I feel very fortunate to have also travelled interstate to witness some acceptance testing of some high voltage equipment.

What advice would you give to a new grad entering the program?

Everyone around you will be willing to lend a hand so be proactive and ask lots of questions no matter how simple they may seem. There are plenty of opportunities for getting out and about so keep your ears open and get involved.

What is your role and what do you do?

I am currently serving as a Graduate IT Analyst at Hydro Tasmania, and my current assignment is with the IT Projects Team. In my initial role within this team, I assumed the position of a Business Analyst, where I meticulously formulated a Business Case for a high-priority IT Project. Subsequently, I am actively engaged in the implementation phase of the project, now serving as the Test Manager for User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Production Verification Testing (PVT), while simultaneously overseeing the ongoing deployment.

My daily responsibilities encompass comprehensive planning and monitoring, analysis of business requirements to identify technological solutions, reporting on project progress, collaboration with stakeholders and end-users, and the documentation of Business Cases.

In my preceding rotation, I was a part of the IT Service Desk team, where I was tasked with troubleshooting various issues and delivering exceptional customer service. The management and tracking of tickets were efficiently managed through the utilization of ServiceNow. This role provided me with the opportunity to establish meaningful connections across the organization, and each day brought forth unique challenges and experiences.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I find great satisfaction in the interconnected nature of each team within the organization. The ability to comprehend and contribute to the sustainable business from diverse perspectives is truly an exhilarating experience.

What has been your career highlight to date?

I commenced my journey with the organization as a Customer Care Consultant, and the transition and development from my initial role to the current program represent the highlight of my career. I am eagerly anticipating my upcoming rotation in the field of Cyber Security.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the Hydro Graduate Program?

The Hydro Grad Program offers numerous invaluable aspects. In the initial weeks of the program, participants receive comprehensive information about the business. This encompasses essential components such as Safe Workplace Training, Defensive Car Training, engagement in Volunteer Activities, and a notable highlight—Site Visits to the Hydro Power Station.

The exceptional quality of the people at Hydro adds another dimension to the program. The individuals within the organization are consistently approachable, amicable, and ready to help whenever needed.

What advice would you give to a new graduate entering the program.

My advice to new graduates be open-minded, seek help when needed, and nurture curiosity. These qualities will undoubtedly contribute to a fulfilling and successful journey within the Hydro Graduate Program.

What is your role and what do you do?

My role is as a Graduate Civil Engineer, and I am currently working in the Dam Safety team with Hydro. I am currently working on our dams surveillance, maintenance and inspections.  Prior to this rotation I was working with the Dams and Geotech team at Entura, primarily on dam upgrade design and preparation of Dam Safety Emergency Plans. Prior to this, I was Hydro’s Construction team. This was an onsite role, which mainly involved contract admin jobs and quality assurance. This saw me spending a lot of time outside observing construction works, in sun, rain or snow!

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I most enjoy the variety that my role brings. Each day can be different which is always fun and exciting. I also really enjoy that I am given many opportunities to learn. Hydro has so many dedicated people who really know their stuff and are always happy to share. It is likely that if you are facing a problem there will be someone within the business that can help!

What has been your career highlight to date?

I don’t have one specific highlight that comes to mind, but overall, I would say getting to see a project come to life. I had been working on a large site and getting to see how it transformed overtime was really cool.

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the Hydro Graduate Program?

I feel that the Hydro Graduate Program is really unique given the variety that is offered. I went from spending 10 months working onsite on a large construction project to working in an office on design projects and now as an asset manager. I feel that it really gives a well-rounded view of engineering that you may not get elsewhere.

Also, you get the opportunity to work in some really amazing places! Not everyone gets to work in such picturesque places, and we are pretty lucky in that sense.  Having the edge of a lake as my office was pretty cool.

What advice would you give to a new graduate entering the program?

I would say to take advantage of the opportunities around you to learn. The program offers a great opportunity to work with a variety of people as you rotate through the business. Take advantage of these opportunities to tap into people’s knowledge. You are not expected to know everything, and the program is a really great time to build up your knowledge and skills.

What is your role and what do you do?

I am currently an Environmental Operations Officer at Hydro Tasmania where I provide support and advice in the planning and delivery of environmental programs and projects and help implement our Environmental Management System (EMS).

I first started off my career being part of Hydro’s Graduate Program where I have worked on a wide variety of projects across Hydro’s Environment Team, Entura’s Environment and Planning Team and Hydro’s Remote Monitoring Team. Such projects include:

• rehabilitating and regenerating sites
• monitoring threatened flora species 
• undertaking natural values surveys
• developing and reviewing project-specific Environmental Impact Assessments
• collecting data to quantify scope 3 emissions.
• partaking in environmental due diligence assessments of renewable energy projects
• being involved in asset upgrade projects
• undertaking water quality monitoring
• completing hydrographic work in remote locations
• and a whole lot more!

What do you most enjoy about your role?

One thing I always look forward to is being able to head out into the field for a day or two and having the outdoors as my office. I love being able to see our different assets and be immersed in nature and scenery that surrounds them. It’s great learning from a variety of people who work at Hydro and who are all contributing to help maintain our assets and environment. I’m grateful that my job allows a balance between office- and field-based work and that I get to explore this beautiful state of ours through my work.

What has been your career highlight to date?

So hard to choose, because there’s been so many highlights from my time at Hydro so far! One that’s up there on that list would have to be the time I have spent in a role as the Environmental Representative for a Dam Upgrade Project. No one day is the same and it was a great opportunity to put my experience in multiple areas of environmental management to the test and further grow in my career. Working closely with a great project team consisting of fellow colleagues, contractors and consultants with various technical backgrounds and in a picturesque part of the world - rain, hail or shine (or all three in the same day).

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the Hydro Graduate Program?

The generous amount of time and budget that is available to put towards my professional development and training is next level within Hydro Tasmania’s Graduate Program. I was able to attend an international conference in my field which I never thought I’d be able to do so early on in my career. I learnt so much from the experience! It was great hearing the academics present their research and getting up to speed in the latest knowledge of ecological practices across the globe. I equally enjoyed meeting other attendees through casual conversation and learning about their careers and interests.

What advice would you give to a new graduate entering the program?

It’s important to recognise that most tasks that you are assigned to will come with some challenges, especially when you haven’t had direct experience in the subject matter previously.  While there will be problems to solve, you should view them as opportunities to improve, to gain experience and to learn along the way.  So don’t be harsh on yourself for not knowing everything. There will be someone in the business that can help draw insight and in turn, you will become that someone, somewhere down the line.

 

What is your role and what do you do?

I am working as a civil engineering graduate, spending time working as part of Hydro Tasmania’s Civil Portfolio and Dam Safety teams. While in these teams I have been able to experience a whole range of different activities within the civil asset management space. This includes working on the surveillance of civil assets through hydro’s remote monitoring systems, working on the prioritisation of surveillance and maintenance regimes through conducting condition and risk assessments, and going out to site to conduct asset inspections and assist with civil upgrade and maintenance projects. 

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I think one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most is the positive culture within Hydro’s civil teams. From the beginning there has always been lots of support from those around me, be it from fellow team members always being open to assist with any questions I may have, or from the formal mentoring and training opportunities that the graduate program provides. Alongside this though, I have felt like I was a real part of the team right from the beginning. Not just the new graduate who is on the sidelines to do the busy work, but someone who is there to contribute and who is a valued member of the teams I’ve been a part of.

What has been your career highlight to date?

One career highlight for me has definitely been the opportunities to go out to site. One moment in particular being working on the outage works for the Tarraleah canals and flumes. These projects were a great opportunity to see how all of the work that is conducted in the asset management space come together in order to produce a finished product. 

From pre-outage prep work in the office, reviewing asset information and previous inspections to get a scope of work for repairs. To going out on site and completing a condition inspection of the canals, identifying any defects and marking them up using Hydro’s GIS system. Then afterwards communicating and working with contractors to conduct concrete repairs to ensure that the asset is maintained, before inspecting the final repaired product. Getting out and seeing the full process, as well as the tangible result at the end for the work put in, was definitely a very enjoyable and satisfying experience. 

Have you had the chance to experience something you feel is unique to the Hydro Graduate Program?

One thing that I feel is very unique to Hydro Tasmania is the wide variety of assets that the business owns. With over 50 major dams, Hydro is one of the largest dam owners in the country. Alongside this, the company owns multiple different types of civil assets, including pipelines and penstocks, canals and flumes, tunnels, intakes, power stations and many more. This gives a great opportunity to gain technical knowledge about multiple different areas, including learning about steel works, concrete works, and geotechnical work.  

The rotations that the Hydro graduate program is also something I’ve found to be a great opportunity for someone starting out as a new engineer. The program including multiple rotations into different teams over the course of the program has allowed me to gain a variety of experiences in different areas across the business. This has been a great learning experience and allows me to get a greater understanding and appreciation for all the aspects that go into the design, construction and maintaining of civil assets. 

What advice would you give to a new graduate entering the program? 

Take on the opportunities and don’t be afraid to contribute. The best way to learn is by doing, so if you see an opportunity or notice something you are interested in, then ask and see if you can get involved. Especially starting as a new graduate with little experience, it can be quite daunting at first trying to find your feet. But if you see something, be it a potential issue or an opportunity for an improvement then absolutely speak up. Share your opinion and make suggestions or ask questions. Each new person always brings a new perspective on things, so try to be proactive and get involved with as much as you can.