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Dam Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Dam Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

Senior Dam Engineer

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

Senior Dam Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

Senior Dam Engineer

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

Senior Dam Engineer

Seattle, WA

$118K - $163K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

Dam Safety Engineer Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (Some Travel & Overnight Stays Required) Job ... Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water ...

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site +1

$135K - $215K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United ...

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Dam Design information

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How much do dam design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for dam design in the United States is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dam Design vs Dam Construction?

AspectDam DesignDam Construction
Primary FocusPlanning, engineering, and creating detailed dam blueprintsBuilding and physically constructing the dam based on designs
Required SkillsEngineering, CAD, project planningConstruction management, site work, heavy machinery operation
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project sites during planning phasesConstruction sites, fieldwork environments
CertificationsEngineering licenses, civil engineering credentialsConstruction safety certifications, heavy equipment licenses

Dam Design involves creating detailed plans and engineering specifications for dams, focusing on safety, feasibility, and environmental impact. Dam Construction, on the other hand, is the process of physically building the dam according to those plans. Both roles are essential in dam projects but differ in focus, skills, and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in dam design projects, and how can they proactively address them?

Professionals in dam design often encounter challenges such as complex site conditions, evolving regulatory requirements, and the need to incorporate advanced safety measures. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineers—is essential to ensure all technical aspects are addressed. Staying updated on the latest design standards and leveraging modern modeling tools can help mitigate risks. Clear communication with clients and regulatory bodies also helps streamline approvals and project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dam Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dam Design Engineer, a strong background in civil or structural engineering, hydrology, and geotechnical analysis—usually backed by an engineering degree and relevant licensure (such as a PE)—is essential. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and simulation tools, as well as knowledge of dam safety regulations, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help professionals excel in multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder interactions. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable dam projects that meet technical standards and regulatory requirements.

What are dam designers?

Dam designers are civil engineers or specialized professionals who plan, design, and oversee the construction of dams. They assess site conditions, hydrology, environmental impact, and materials to create safe and efficient structures for water storage, flood control, hydroelectric power, or irrigation. Their work involves detailed calculations, computer modeling, and compliance with strict regulatory and safety standards. Dam designers often collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Dam Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Dam Design jobs? Cities with the most Dam Design job openings:
What states have the most Dam Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Dam Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dam Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 27% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,274 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Dam Safety Engineer IV Hydrology and Hydraulics

Dam Safety Engineer IV Hydrology and Hydraulics

sealaska

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title:   Dam Safety Engineer IV – Hydrologic and Hydraulics

 

Job Summary:

Managed Business Solutions is seeking a full-time dam safety engineer to join our team with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program on-site in Lakewood, Colorado.   While having a primary focus on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to support various dam safety related activities, this position has responsibilities in all aspects of dam safety, including: 1) Risk analysis, risk management and risk reduction, 2) Emergency management, including Emergency Action Plans and Early Warning Systems, 3) Dam security, 4) Dam design and construction, 5) Environmental compliance, 6) Dam inspections and evaluations, and 6) Dam maintenance and repairs.  Staff are primarily located in Lakewood, Colorado. This individual will assist with supporting the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ comprehensive and periodic reviews and hazard classifications as well as emergency management and dam failure inundation modeling needs. The individual who takes this role will be excellent at public speaking, as well as developing complex, multi-disciplinary documents that require nuanced and specialized analytical and modeling-based information. The individual who takes this role will be excellent at interfacing with the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ field staff as well as stakeholders including tribal clientele. This position will be altered based on the qualified candidate’s experience level.

This supports a federal program, therefore requiring US citizenship.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Prepares and reviews technical work products (75%)

  • Contributes to the development of, prepares, and reviews technical work products with multiple facets of dam safety, primarily performing open channel hydraulic and general hydrologic modeling, but also including: 1) Risk analysis, risk management and risk reduction, 2) Emergency management, including Emergency Action Plans and Early Warning Systems, 3) Dam security, 4) Dam design and construction, 5) Dam inspections and evaluations, 6) Environmental compliance and 7) Dam maintenance and repairs.
  • Develops extensive knowledge of the various activities and organization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and its workflow process to integrate with technical work efforts and provide support to Bureau of Indian Affairs programs and functions. 
  • Ability to obtain and interpret elevation model data from a variety of sources to create input surfaces for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
  • Ability to create multi-disciplinary technical documents that reflect research, agency needs, downstream community needs, as they relate to the unique dam needs.
  • Provides technical direction in dam safety engineering and emergency management based on extensive technical knowledge and experience, while incorporating existing Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of the Interior guidelines, regulations, and policy as necessary.
  • Reviews budgets and develops budget estimates for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program design, construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation. 
  • Meets, cooperates, and consults with personnel in the other bureaus and services in the Department of the Interior, Federal and non-federal agencies regarding the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program issues of common interest and makes specific recommendations to achieve proper goals.
  • Provides technical guidance and assistance to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Regional, Tribal, and Field personnel.
  • Visits field locations on an as-needed basis, which may entail multiple day durations and travel to remote locations.
  • Creates and delivers oral presentations to governmental conferences, tribal groups, and other organizations as required and directed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Branch Chief related to the Safety of Dams Program.

Provides Technical Guidance, Policy Development, and Oversight to SOD Programs (25%)

  • Assists and advises the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dam Branch Chief and staff in the development, implementation, and oversight of guidelines for risk analysis, emergency management, and evaluation of existing dams. 
  • Provides oversight and guidance on Bureau of Indian Affairs dam safety program areas. 
  • Provides professional and technical direction in dam safety activities based on extensive technical knowledge and experience, while incorporating existing Bureau of Indian Affairs guidelines, regulations, and policy is necessary.
  • Evaluates policy relating to Bureau of Indian Affairs dam safety issues, including risk analysis, emergency management, and evaluation of existing dams. 
  • Writes justifications, and answers questions from the Congress, Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of the Interior to support requests of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for funding
  • Continuously appraises policy and effectiveness of operations for the purpose of recommending adjustments to programs based on available funds and conformance to Bureau of Indian Affairs policies, procedures, and professional technical standards, and for reviewing, drafting, and keeping current the regulations, delegations of authority, and other directives controlling the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ dam safety operations. 
  • Provides statistical and other reports in support of the program and oversees revision of contract and other forms necessary to accomplish Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program activities.
  • Works with Bureau of Indian Affairs employees and Managed Business Solutions staff to develop, update, modernize, and maintain a multi-discipline comprehensive Emergency Action Planning Program to reflect the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ emergency management needs.
  • Reports to and takes lead from Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program employees and Managed Business Solutions staff.
  • Writes documents to support dam safety.
  • Performs hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
  • Assists with other Bureau of Indian Affairs dam safety program needs as they arise.

 

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Must be able to demonstrate skills and interest in water resources, or power generation or distribution.
  • Must be able to demonstrate skills in conceiving, planning and problem solving in areas of considerable scope and complexity requiring unconventional or novel approaches and sophisticated techniques. 
  • Must demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills. 
  • Must demonstrate ability to work independently but also within a team environment.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil, Agricultural, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar from an ABET Accredited Institution or higher-level degree in a science or management field.
  • Evidence of obtaining professional engineering licensure (P.E.) in any state is required.
  • At least 15 years of experience participating in design/inspection or analysis of water resource, dam construction, or dam safety related efforts required. The position offer will be adjusted based on the individual’s experience level.
  • At least 10 years of experience with Federal Dam Safety standards for federally owned or operated dams is required
  • Experience with Federal Design standards of dams, levees and/or associated infrastructure is required.
  • If a more senior level position, at least 3 years of experience leading technical efforts related to dam safety, emergency action or related efforts is required.

Physical Requirements:

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Some lifting of files, opening cabinets.
  • Bending or standing as necessary.
  • Must be able to lift 60 pounds.
  • Must be able to be on your feet in an outdoor setting 8-10 hours a day in adverse weather conditions and uneven or difficult terrain in a remote environment.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.  This position will be mostly stationary requiring some movement around the office and frequent communication with others. The average working hours will be 8 hours per day for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

 

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately