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Dam Design Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Greensboro, NC · On-site +1

$180K - $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 31 offices throughout the United ...

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Dam Design Engineers information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do dam design engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for dam design engineers in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Dam Design Engineers?

Dam Design Engineers are specialized civil engineers who focus on the planning, design, and construction of dams and related hydraulic structures. They assess site conditions, analyze hydrological data, and ensure that dams are structurally sound and meet safety standards. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, designing spillways, and considering environmental impacts. Dam Design Engineers collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and construction teams throughout a project’s lifecycle. Their expertise is crucial for water management, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

What are some common challenges Dam Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Dam Design Engineers often collaborate with geologists, hydrologists, environmental scientists, and construction professionals. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and coordination across these specialties, as each discipline may have different priorities and technical requirements. Balancing structural safety with environmental and regulatory considerations can require creative problem-solving and adaptability. Proactively addressing these challenges by fostering open communication and regular meetings helps keep projects on track and ensures all perspectives are integrated into the final design.

What is the difference between Dam Design Engineers vs Civil Engineers?

AspectDam Design EngineersCivil Engineers
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentSpecialized in dam projects, often in remote or construction sitesVaried, including buildings, infrastructure, and projects across multiple sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in water resources, hydroelectric, and dam constructionBroad industry use including transportation, structural, environmental, and water resources

Dam Design Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing dam structures, requiring specialized knowledge in hydraulics and geotechnical engineering. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, Dam Design Engineers are more specialized in dam-related projects, whereas Civil Engineers work across multiple sectors.

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 principles is essential, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and specialized hydrological modeling tools, as well as knowledge of safety and regulatory standards, is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant dam structures that protect communities and the environment.
More about Dam Design Engineers jobs
What cities are hiring for Dam Design Engineers jobs? Cities with the most Dam Design Engineers job openings:
What states have the most Dam Design Engineers jobs? States with the most job openings for Dam Design Engineers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dam Design Engineers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 88% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Dam Safety Engineer

Aquaamerica

Bryn Mawr, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.


Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.


We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.


Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Job Title:Dam Safety Engineer

Location:Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (Some Travel & Overnight Stays Required)

Job Type:Full-Time

About Us:

Aqua Pennsylvania, a leader in the water utility industry, is committed to providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services to communities across Pennsylvania. We are seeking a motivated and skilledDam Safety Engineerto join our team. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for infrastructure development, water resources, and dam safety.

Position Overview:

As aDam Safety Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical oversight for all engineering and operational activities concerning the evaluation and compliance of dam safety inspections, monitoring, coordination, and reporting regarding water retention structures owned and operated by Aqua. This would include low hazard dams, high hazard dams, and floodwater protection systems at Water Treatment Plant facilities. This role will partner with local engineering consultants, PA DEP Dam Safety, and others in the implementation and continuous improvement of our Dam Safety Program. This role will play a crucial part in identifying potential risks, implementing mitigation measures, and ensuring regulatory compliance to safeguard our assets and surrounding communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide expert input, consultation and recommendations to state and corporate leadership on decisions involving the company's dams, and their associated capital investments.

  • Provides a strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of Aqua's dam safety program, including: engineering evaluations, emergency preparedness (Emergency Action Plans), O&M plans, SOP development & training, and associated responses.

  • Provides technical direction for studies of technical, environmental, and economic feasibility, engineering field studies, and related studies pertaining to dam design and dam safety studies.

  • Provides and/or supports technical direction in preparation of contracts and specifications for dam safety and related engineering and construction services of Aqua's dams.

  • Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and communications.

  • Assure appropriate and timely communication to Aqua's senior leadership, as appropriate, to the safety of the dam structures.

  • Develop the professional skills and experience of the engineering staff to build and maintain required professional capabilities and capacity to support the business in specialized engineering disciplines related to dams.

  • Represent the Company before regulatory agencies and provide professional testimony, as necessary.

Qualifications:

  • Education:Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Civil engineering preferred.

  • Experience: 4+ years relevant experience (Dam Safety Preferred)

  • Licensing:PA Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.

  • Pennsylvania driver's license and ability to operate Company vehicle is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water retention facilities.

  • Strong knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to dams.

  • Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in dams and other related water resource management disciplines.

  • Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.

  • Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.

  • Strong process, project, and program management skills.

  • Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).

  • Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).

  • Willingness to foster relationships and network with Regulatory Authorities (E.g., PA DEP Dam Safety) and serve as the face of Aqua's Dam Safety Program.

  • Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively solve problem solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.

  • Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.

  • Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Travel & Working Conditions:

  • Frequent Travel Required:This position requires some travel across the state of Pennsylvania, withovernight stays requiredfor up to25% of your workweek.

  • Field-Based Work:You will spend a significant portion of your time at project sites, coordinating with local officials, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

  • The position involves both office-based work and fieldwork, including occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.

Why Aqua Pennsylvania?

  • Competitive Salary & Benefits:We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

  • Career Growth:Aqua Pennsylvania is committed to the professional development of its employees. You'll have opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement.

  • Impactful Work:Your efforts will directly contribute to the improvement and sustainability of water and wastewater systems serving communities across Pennsylvania

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.