Empowering Your Path at Snowy Hydro: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career ⚡️
Are you curious about Snowy Hydro’s role in Australia’s clean-energy future? Wonder no more! We’ve pored over their latest annual report, so you don’t have to. In this swift, info-packed rundown, you’ll discover Snowy Hydro’s essential functions, financials, and the qualifications that could land you a dream role. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on to supercharge your journey toward a rewarding public-sector career at Snowy Hydro.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Snowy Hydro
Location: Headquarters in Cooma, New South Wales, with operations across multiple Australian states
CEO: Dennis Barnes
Total Revenue: AUD $4.63 billion (approximately)
Total Number of Employees: 2,171
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Electrical Engineering – A backbone for designing and operating essential power assets.
Mechanical Engineering – Crucial for turbine upkeep and optimizing large-scale machinery.
Environmental Science / Sustainability – Helps manage water resources and preserve habitats.
Business / Commerce / Finance – Fuels commercial decision-making and financial planning.
Computer Science / IT – Drives system automation, data analytics, and digital innovation.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Ideal for running large infrastructure builds.
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) / Chartered Accountant (CA) – Powers robust financial analysis.
HV Switching Certification – Vital for safely handling high-voltage electrical systems.
Work Health & Safety (WHS) Certification – Ensures compliance and safety across operations.
Cert IV in Leadership and Management – Key for guiding teams and driving operational excellence.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Electricians – Keep generation equipment powered and maintained.
Boilermakers / Fitters – Handy for heavy machinery repairs and metal fabrication.
Welders – Integral for pipeline and turbine component integrity.
Hydro-technicians – Specialised in monitoring water flows and dam operations.
Instrument & Control Technicians – Manage vital monitoring systems for peak performance.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking – Essential for solving complex engineering and business challenges.
Risk Management – Minimises operational, financial, and market risks.
Collaboration – Bridges engineering, retail, and environmental teams seamlessly.
Technical Acumen – Deep knowledge of hydropower and fast-start generation systems.
Adaptability – Thrives in a dynamic energy market shaped by rapid technological change.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Utilities / Energy Sector – Translating existing industry knowledge to Snowy Hydro’s environment.
Capital Projects Delivery – Proven track record in building or modernising large-scale infrastructure.
Regulatory Compliance – Familiarity with government frameworks to meet statutory obligations.
Financial or Commercial Analysis – Helps forecast budgets and pinpoint cost efficiencies.
Customer Service or Client Relations – Vital for roles in retail brands or stakeholder engagement.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Snowy Hydro
Name of CEO: Dennis Barnes
Location: Australia-wide, with the Snowy Mountains Scheme in NSW
Year Founded: 1949 (original Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, continuously evolving)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Snowy Hydro underpins reliable, low-carbon electricity in the National Electricity Market. Its hydropower and fast-start gas stations help fill in the gaps when wind and solar can’t meet demand. Through skillful water management, Snowy Hydro also supports irrigation and town water supplies, benefiting local communities and the environment.
Real-world example:
During peak demand or unexpected outages, Snowy Hydro’s quick-start generators stabilise the grid, preventing disruptions and easing price spikes.Main duties of the department:
Electricity Generation – Operating hydropower, gas, and diesel assets to keep the lights on.
Retail Brands – Serving 1.4 million customer accounts under Red Energy, Lumo Energy, and Snowy Energy.
Water Stewardship – Managing water releases that support agriculture, ecosystems, and towns.
Major Projects Delivery – Rolling out large-scale infrastructure like Snowy 2.0 for the nation’s energy future.
Real-world example:
On top of powering homes and businesses, the department releases critical water resources that help sustain farmers in drought-prone areas.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Snowy 2.0 – A 2,200 MW pumped-hydro expansion, offering up to 160 hours of large-scale energy storage.
Hunter Power Project – A 660 MW gas-fired station ensuring grid stability when renewables dip.
Renewable Energy Procurement – Growing investments in solar and wind projects across Australia.
Ongoing Modernisation – Upgrading existing turbines, automation, and control systems to bolster efficiency.
Did you know?
Snowy Hydro helps cap electricity prices by quickly ramping up generation during peak demand or supply shortages, preventing extreme wholesale price spikes.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 2,171
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Snowy Hydro uses various pay scales aligned with government and industry benchmarks, from entry-level to senior executive positions, ensuring a clear path for career growth.Salary Bands:
From the mid-$50,000 range for junior roles through to six-figure salaries for specialised experts and managers.Average Salary in the Department:
Reflects diverse roles—technical, administrative, and leadership—across the business, typically influenced by experience and complexity of responsibilities.Total Revenue: AUD $4.63 billion (approximately)
Average Revenue per Employee: $2,132,657.
GETTING A JOB AT SNOWY HYDRO
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Cert III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) – Tackles fundamental electrical work.
Certificate IV in Project Management – Ideal for project coordination in multi-million-dollar ventures.
Diploma in Business Administration – Supports department-wide administrative functions.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) – Core to asset design, operation, and maintenance.
Finance / Commerce / Business – Essential for budgeting, forecasting, and trading.
Environmental Management / Environmental Science – Crucial for eco-compliance and water stewardship.
PhDs:
Renewable Energy Research – Innovating in pumped-hydro and renewable integrations.
Data Science / AI – Driving data-driven decisions in grid operations and resource allocation.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Skilled trades (electricians, boilermakers, welders, instrument techs), professional engineers, finance specialists, environmental analysts, and IT/data experts.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Utilities/energy experience, capital project delivery, regulatory compliance, financial or commercial analysis, and a track record of strong customer or community engagement.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Communication – Clarity in articulating technical and strategic issues.
Collaboration – Smooth cross-team partnership in a complex environment.
Problem-solving – Innovative thinking for tackling technical and commercial hurdles.
Leadership – Guiding diverse teams towards a common goal.
Negotiation – Strategic procurement and contract management.
Technical skills:
Hydrological Modelling – Efficient water and hydroelectric management.
SCADA Systems – Seamless remote monitoring and control of assets.
Risk Management – Safeguarding operations through proactive mitigation.
Advanced Analytics – Harnessing data for better planning and energy trading.
Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance – Ensuring day-to-day equipment reliability.
General skills:
Digital Literacy – Comfortable with advanced tech platforms and data tools.
Time Management – Meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
Stakeholder Engagement – Balancing community, government, and environmental interests.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Outdoor Enthusiasm: Appreciation for lakes, rivers, and sustainability.
DIY Projects: Signals mechanical aptitude and hands-on curiosity.
Passion for Renewables: Enthusiasm for tech advancements in clean energy.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Snowy Hydro Headquarters Address: Monaro Highway, Cooma NSW 2630, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6453 2000
Email: jobs@snowyhydro.com.au (for careers and recruitment queries)
Website: www.snowyhydro.com.au
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