Engineering Co-op Student

The Skills Centre; Castlegar; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional power company is seeking an enthusiastic Engineering Co‑op Student for a full-time role in Castlegar. This opportunity will allow you to gain hands-on experience in hydroelectric power generation while working under the direction of a Senior Reliability Engineer. Candidates should be third or fourth-year electrical or mechanical engineering students, eager to learn and develop practical skills. The position offers a collaborative team atmosphere and a competitive hourly wage, with applications open until January 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be a third or fourth-year electrical or mechanical engineering student.
• Possession of a Class 7 Novice BC Driver’s License is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Participate in equipment inspections and testing during outages.
• Develop equipment maintenance and test plans.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary education in electrical or mechanical engineering

Job description

Engineering Co‑op Student – Power Operations (Castlegar, BC)

Columbia Basin Trust is looking for an Engineering Co‑op Student to join our Power Operations team for a twelve‑month term from May 4, 2026 to April 30, 2027. If you’re a self‑motivated mechanical or electrical engineering student who excels at problem‑solving with an interest in hydroelectric power generation, and a focus on accuracy and deadlines, we would love to hear from you!

This is a full‑time position based in Castlegar, where you’ll enjoy a collaborative and supportive team environment and the unique lifestyle of the West Kootenay region. The rate of pay for this position is $31 per hour.

Under the direction of a Senior Reliability Engineer, your objective will be to learn, build skills and gain experience, while contributing to the success of the department. You will acquire valuable practical knowledge of the technical aspects of hydroelectric power plant equipment, operations and maintenance. Depending on your previous training, experience, and interests, combined with our Engineering team’s current priorities, your duties may be further refined.

During the Twelve‑month Timeframe, You Will

• Participate in field duties, including equipment inspections and testing support, during annual planned outages at generating facilities.
• Develop and implement equipment maintenance and test plans for execution during annual generating facility outages.
• Develop recommendations and work scope for future projects or corrective maintenance work.
• Develop maintenance strategies for priority 3 & 4 assets.
• Engage in non‑routine and corrective projects.
• Review and recommend spare parts for reliable operation of the facilities.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis, including report development.

We are looking for an enthusiastic student eager to advance their engineering career. To qualify for this opportunity, you should be a post‑secondary student studying electrical or mechanical engineering and entering your third or fourth year. It would also be considered an asset if you possess at least a Class 7 Novice BC Driver’s License or equivalent.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting position, please submit a cover letter and resume on our website at https://ourtrust.org/about/careers/ by January 11, 2026.

The Trust respects and values the rich and diverse cultures in the Basin. We welcome and encourage those with different backgrounds and experiences to apply.