How to Find Jobs at BC Hydro's Site C Clean Energy Project

BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project is a hydroelectric dam and power generation facility being constructed on the Peace River in British Columbia, Canada. With its purpose of generating clean, renewable energy, the Site C project aims to meet the long-term electricity needs of British Columbia while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

If you are seeking employment in the hydroelectric industry or are specifically interested in BC Hydro Site C jobs, this guide will serve as your roadmap to understanding the project, exploring job opportunities, and preparing yourself for success. We recognize that finding employment in such a significant energy construction project can be both exciting and challenging, and we are here to support you throughout your journey.

Overview of BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project

The BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project is a hydroelectric dam and power generation facility situated on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia. Its primary purpose is to generate clean, renewable energy to meet the long-term electricity needs of the region. By harnessing the power of the Peace River, BC Hydro Site C aims to contribute to a sustainable energy future and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity generation.

The project is strategically located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Fort St. John, British Columbia. The chosen site offers favorable conditions for hydroelectric power generation, making it an ideal location for the construction of a dam and associated infrastructure.

BC Hydro Site C is a significant energy construction project in terms of scale and scope. Once completed, the dam will have a capacity of approximately 1,100 megawatts, capable of supplying clean energy to around 450,000 homes annually. The project involves the excavation of approximately 30 million cubic meters of earth and the pouring of around 700,000 cubic meters of concrete. Additionally, a substantial reservoir with a capacity of about 83,800,000,000 cubic meters of water will be created, providing a stable source of renewable energy.

The BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project is expected to have numerous benefits for British Columbia and the energy sector at large. It will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Additionally, the project will create thousands of employment opportunities, drive economic growth in the region, and provide a reliable source of clean energy for years to come.

The latest employment statistics show that as of May 2023, there were a total of 5,985 workers on the Site C project, with over two-thirds of them being primary residents of British Columbia. These numbers demonstrate the significant local employment impact and the project's contribution to the region's workforce.

Site C Project Construction Overview

Construction activities for the BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project are being carried out over multiple years and in various locations. To provide you with a clearer understanding of the construction process, we've categorized the activities into six key areas: Dam Site Area, Roads & Highways, Peace River/Reservoir Area, Transmission Lines, Hudson's Hope Shoreline Protection, and the Production & Transport of Materials.

Dam Site Area

The construction activities in the Dam Site Area involve several crucial components:

1. Building temporary cofferdams and diversion tunnels.
2. Constructing an 800-metre-long roller-compacted-concrete buttress.
3. Erecting an earthfill dam approximately 1,050 metres long and 60 metres high above the riverbed.
4. Establishing a generating station and spillways.
5. Installing six 183-megawatt generating units.

Roads & Highways

The Site C project includes road and highway improvements to facilitate construction and transportation:

1. Upgrading and paving sections of roads such as 240, 269, 271, and Old Fort roads to accommodate truck traffic to and from the dam site.
2. Realignment of Highway 29 over approximately 30 kilometers in segments including Bear Flat/Cache Creek, Halfway River, Farrell Creek East, Farrell Creek, Dry Creek, and Lynx Creek. Highway 29 will remain open during the realignment work.

Peace River/Reservoir Area

The creation of the Site C reservoir involves several significant construction activities:

1. Implementing permanent navigation restrictions on the Peace River at the dam site for public safety, using booms and markers.
2. Installing beacons with lights on the north and south shores of the Peace River to mark the construction area.
3. Clearing trees and vegetation along the Site C reservoir area.
4. Channelizing the river to allow construction activities on either side.
5. Diverting the river around the Site C dam site.
6. Filling the Site C reservoir.

Transmission Lines

The project includes the construction and energization of two new 500-kilovolt, 75-kilometer transmission lines to connect Site C to the overall transmission network through the existing Peace Canyon generating station. Key activities involve surveying, siting for towers, access road construction, right-of-way clearing and preparation, transmission line construction, and Peace Canyon switchyard expansion.

Hudson's Hope Shoreline Protection

Activities at Hudson's Hope aim to protect the shoreline and ensure its stability:

1. Upgrading D.A. Thomas Road.
2. Constructing a berm along the shoreline.
3. Repaving Clarke Avenue, if required.
4. Recreation improvements, including a trail along the berm downstream of the museum area and a small craft launch.
5. Transporting material for the berm from Portage Mountain via Canyon Drive.

Production & Transport of Materials

Off-site materials for the construction of Site C are sourced from regional quarries and transported to the site:

1. 85th Avenue Industrial Lands serve as temporary laydown and storage areas for equipment and materials, a potential site office location, and a source of construction material (glacial till) for the dam.
2. Portage Mountain Quarry supplies riprap and bedding material for the Hudson's Hope shoreline protection and Highway 29 construction.
3. West Pine Quarry provides material for access roads and the construction bridge.
4. Wuthrich Quarry serves as a source of riprap and bedding material.

Throughout the construction process, BC Hydro stands to uphold their key principles, including a safety-first culture, minimizing construction-related impacts, informing and notifying local residents, fostering a two-way dialogue, and promoting business and job opportunities for local, regional, and Indigenous companies and workers.

Job Opportunities at BC Hydro Site C Construction Project

The BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to this significant undertaking. As construction progresses, Site C will create approximately 13,000 person-years of direct employment, providing business opportunities for both the Peace Region and the rest of British Columbia.

Many of these job opportunities at Site C are camp jobs in BC, offering a unique working experience where workers are accommodated at the ATCO Two Rivers Lodge. As part of the project, ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group operates the temporary work camp located on the north bank of the Peace River. The lodge provides comfortable accommodations and facilities for Site C workers, including meals and lodging, ensuring a convenient and supportive environment during their time on the project.

Here are some key job categories within the Site C construction project:

1. Construction Trades and Labour: The construction phase of BC Hydro Site C requires skilled tradespeople and laborers to bring the project to fruition. This includes roles such as electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, pipefitters, welders, concrete workers, and general laborers. These professionals play a crucial role in executing the construction activities in accordance with project plans and specifications.
2. Engineering and Design: The engineering and design sector is vital to ensure the successful implementation of the Site C project. Opportunities exist for engineers, drafters, project managers, surveyors, and other professionals who possess the technical expertise to support the construction process. These roles involve designing, planning, and overseeing the execution of various aspects of the project.
3. Environmental and Geotechnical Services: BC Hydro Site C recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to address geotechnical considerations. Job opportunities exist for environmental specialists, geotechnical engineers, hydrologists, biologists, and other professionals who can assess and mitigate potential environmental impacts. These roles contribute to ensuring the project aligns with environmental regulations and sustainability standards.
4. Project Management and Support: The successful implementation of a project of this scale requires effective project management and support. Opportunities are available for project managers, procurement specialists, contract administrators, estimators, schedulers, and administrative staff who can provide the necessary expertise to support the construction activities and maintain efficient operations.
5. Health and Safety: Safety is a top priority in any construction project. BC Hydro Site C emphasizes a safety-first culture and seeks professionals experienced in occupational health and safety to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Positions in health and safety management, safety coordination, and related roles are critical to the success of the construction project.
6. Indigenous and Community Relations: BC Hydro Site C recognizes the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities and fostering positive relationships with local residents. Opportunities exist for professionals with expertise in Indigenous and community relations, stakeholder engagement, and communication to ensure that local interests, concerns, and cultural values are respected throughout the construction process.

These job categories represent a selection of the numerous employment opportunities available within the BC Hydro Site C construction project. As the project progresses, additional roles and positions may emerge.

Peace River Site C Job Postings

Job opportunities with the Site C project are regularly posted on the BC Hydro, WorkBC, and Employment Connections websites. BC Hydro is dedicated to fostering employment opportunities in the Peace Region and throughout the province.

While contractors primarily hire workers for the project, there are also employment opportunities within BC Hydro's Site C project team, located in Fort St. John and Vancouver. Positions such as project managers, construction managers, and engineers are consistently sought after to support the project's success. Job opportunities for these roles will be posted on the BC Hydro careers website, Employment Connections, or WorkBC.

In addition to the job postings available on BC Hydro, WorkBC, and Employment Connections websites, individuals can also find camp job opportunities at Site C through popular remote camp employment websites such as iquc2r1flp-staging.wpdns.site. These platforms specialize in connecting job seekers with camp jobs in various energy and construction industries, including projects like BC Hydro Site C. By utilizing such platforms, individuals can access a wider range of job opportunities and find positions that offer camp accommodations, providing a seamless experience for those looking for work in remote settings.

Job Opportunities with BC Hydro Site C Contractors

The companies awarded contracts for the construction of Site C are responsible for hiring workers. It is advisable to apply directly to these companies for employment opportunities. BC Hydro facilitates the hiring process by providing information about some of the key contractors involved. Additional information about specific jobs or trades training can be found on the websites of the Industry Training Authority or WorkBC.

Here are some of the major contractors involved in the construction of Peace River Site C Project.

1. Generating Station and Spillways Civil Works

Aecon-Flatiron-Dragados-EBC Partnership (AFDE Partnership) is responsible for the civil works associated with the powerhouse, penstocks, spillways, and power intakes. They have negotiated a labor agreement with Construction & Specialized Workers Union (CSWU) Local 1611, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115, and Construction and Maintenance and Allied Workers for trade and labor requirements under the GSS Civil Works contract.

Site C trade and labor job inquiries can be made by contacting your local union hiring hall. Hiring for supervision, engineering, and staff positions will be done directly through AFDE Partnership's partner companies (Aecon, Flatiron, Dragados, EBC).

For more information, please visit afde.ca.

2. Main Civil Works

Peace River Hydro Partners is responsible for the earthworks required to construct the Site C project. They provide various job opportunities, and inquiries can be made through their website (https://www.prhp.ca/careers-opportunities/) or by visiting Employment Connections or WorkBC.

For business inquiries, please email procurement@prhp.ca.

3. Turbines and Generators

Voith Hydro Inc. is responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the six vertical-axis, Francis-style turbines, six generators, and associated equipment for Site C. Trade and labor inquiries should be directed to Voith Hydro through the Construction Labour Relations Association, which has negotiated a labor agreement with the Bargaining Council of British Columbia Building Trades Unions.

Site C job inquiries can be made by contacting your local union hiring hall. Staff job inquiries can be made through the Voith Hydro careers website.

4. Worker Accommodation

ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group is engaged in the design, construction, partial financing, operation, and maintenance of a temporary work camp located on the north bank of the Peace River.

ATCO Two Rivers Lodge job inquiries can be sent via email to tworivers@atcosl.com or by visiting https://www.atco.com/en-ca/about-us/careers.html. They offer various remote camp kitchen, catering, maintenance, and housekeeping positions to support the operation and maintenance of the worker accommodation camp.

5. Health Services for the Site C Project Workforce

Halfway River International SOS Medical Ltd. operates the Project Health Clinic, providing Site C workers with access to primary and preventative healthcare, as well as work-related injury evaluation and treatment services.

Job inquiries can be sent via email to hr@internationalsos.com or by visiting internationalsos.com. They offer opportunities for healthcare professionals and support staff to deliver essential medical services to the project workforce.

These are some examples of the key contractors involved in the Site C construction project. It is essential to regularly check the BC Hydro website and relevant job portals for updated job postings and specific requirements.

The BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project offers significant employment opportunities and economic benefits for individuals and communities in British Columbia. With its focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability, Site C is a pivotal project in the clean energy sector. The construction phase alone is expected to create thousands of direct jobs, fostering economic growth in the Peace Region and beyond. By joining the Site C project, individuals have the chance to contribute to a sustainable future while building a rewarding career in the energy industry.