Updating Results

Hydro Tasmania

4.1
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Christopher Flack

The best part about my job is that every day is different. Even though projects can take months to complete, it is rare that you repeat a task and it always feels like progress.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Important stages of my life would include: my first part-time job, winning multiple state basketball championships, graduating from university, travelling to Japan.

How did you get to your current job position?

I applied to Hydro Tasmania when the graduate applications were open in March 2017. The recruitment process involved online assessment, group interviews, and an individual interview. The graduate program at Hydro Tasmania is a three-year rotational program.

How did you choose your specialisation?

I chose civil engineering at university because I thought civil structures would always be built and require maintenance. Upon researching Hydro Tasmania, I became interested in hydropower and dams, as it was clear that the field would be extremely important as the market for renewable energy becomes greater and greater. 

What was your interview process like?

Overall, I was excited about the interview process with Hydro Tasmania. The initial assessment was online and shortlisted applicants were invited to group and individual interviews. I flew to Hobart for my group and individual interviews, which allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the business. The interviews involved a mix of problem-solving, teamwork, and getting to know me questions.

What does your employer do?

Hydro Tasmania is Australia’s leading clean energy business and the largest generator of renewable energy. Our system includes 30 power stations and more than 50 major dams, which require ongoing maintenance and refurbishments. Hydro Tasmania also trades energy on National Electricity Market and sells energy directly to customers through our retail business Momentum Energy.  We also offer world-renowned power and water expertise through our specialist consulting firm Entura.

Where are you now?

Since completing Hydro Tasmania’s graduate program, I have accepted a Civil Engineering role in the organisations consulting firm, Entura. As an engineer in the Dams and Geotech team, I have found the position to be highly rewarding as I work closely with senior and specialist engineers. The position has also allowed me to continue expanding my technical knowledge by working on the team’s diverse range of projects nationally and internationally. Additionally, due to the organisation operating offices in both Hobart and Melbourne, Entura have recently supported my relocation back home to Victoria. 

What are your areas of responsibility?

Throughout my graduate rotation, I have taken on a number of roles with different responsibilities. During my rotation in the Civil Assets Major Works team, I was a site engineer and project manager. My roles required me to manage contractors, coordinate project progress on-site, and manage the financial budgeting of my projects.

Can you describe a typical workday?

My current rotation is with Entura, Hydro Tasmania’s specialist consulting firm. A typical day involves responding to client emails in the morning or attending client meetings. I may then go to the site for an inspection or continue working on design/inspection reports. In the afternoon, I will often liaise with my team to discuss recent inspections, report progress, or upcoming projects.

The last thing I worked on was developing a Comprehensive Surveillance Report for a client. The document reviews information including the design and construction of the dam, the current risk position, and outlines observations made during the site visit.

What are the career prospects with your job?

The career prospects with my job are endless. I know civil engineers who have been in the field for a number of years and are now specialists or principal engineers. I have also observed engineers pursue careers in leadership and management (the opportunities are not necessarily limited to Engineering). 

What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?

I’ve never given it much thought! I enjoyed my finance and management subjects during my business degree, so maybe working in a bank.

What do you love the most about your job?

The best part about my job is that every day is different. Even though projects can take months to complete, it is rare that you repeat a task and it always feels like progress. 

The task I enjoy the most is site visits to the various dams around Australia. 

What’s the biggest limitation of your job?

I sometimes work additional hours to meet a client’s deadline, but I am always able to take this off in flex time. 

Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?

  • Have extra-curricular activities so that you can take a break from university when needed;
  • Never say no to an opportunity;
  • Look for a placement/internship whilst at university. It will definitely help in obtaining a job once you graduate.