Snowy 2.0 is an internationally recognised project using engineering innovation to enhance the iconic Snowy Scheme. The Snowy Scheme is giving a new generation of Australians the opportunity to develop their skills as they build this vital renewable-energy project for the nation. Linking the Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs, Snowy 2.0 is expected to generate enough electricity to power three million homes over the course of a week and provide 4000 direct jobs over the life of the project.

Meet Andrew, Specialist Tunnelling Engineer on the Snowy 2.0 project! Over his career, Andrew has helped create the underground networks for some of Australia’s most significant city projects. Now, he’s turned his sights to Snowy 2.0 – the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia. 

“I was drawn to the Snowy 2.0 project because, from an underground construction perspective, there’s no bigger project than Snowy 2.0. Deep in the Snowy Mountains is a special place to build a tunnel – it’s not your average city job.

“Currently, my team and I are working on excavating the power station complex caverns comprising the machine hall and transformer, which is where my drill and blast speciality comes in. The power station complex will be located around 720 metres underground. Intake and outlet structures will be built at both Tantangara and Talbingo Reservoirs, which are between Cooma and Tumut. Approximately 27 kilometres of concrete lined tunnels will be constructed to link the two reservoirs and a further 20km of tunnels will be required to support the facility – it’s massive!

“As a FIFO worker, I like to make the most of my time off. I love travelling and the fact that we work a 14/7 roster means I get seven days off in a row. I’m trying to get to 35 countries before I’m 35. For my last break I landed in Brisbane at 6pm, went straight to the international terminal and flew to Fiji to dive with sharks for a week. I’ve got a trip to South Korea coming up next.

“Even when I am on-site, I still have the chance to unwind after work which is great. I’m a competitive powerlifter in the 105-kilogram weight class and I keep up my training for competitions at the gym here at Lobs Hole. I’m on day shift so I train in the evening. I’ve managed to schedule my next competition – USAPL Strength Fortress Open in Melbourne, early December – around some time off”.

Interested in being part of the Snowy Scheme’s next chapter? 
Future Generation Joint Venture provides work-life balance, FIFO rosters and an air charter program with Qantas with flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Cooma. The team is currently hiring Drill and Blast personnel, Technical staff, Engineers, Supervisors, Superintendents and more.

Explore the wide range of employment opportunities here.