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Dam Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$135K - $215K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$180K - $215K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 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 ...

Adobe AEM Technical Architect

Austin, TX · Remote

$206K/yr

Define end-to-end architecture for AEM-based retail platforms (AEM Sites and AEM Assets/DAM) * Design scalable, high-performance digital experiences for retail/eCommerce use cases (product discovery ...

Your leadership will ensure dam design, geotechnical risk, construction methodology, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance are fully integrated into overall EPC execution. #LI-JL1 Major ...

Mid-Level Structural Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with other design disciplines and CAD designers on complex dam and related infrastructure design projects. * Occasional travel may be required. * Work as a team member within the Seattle ...

A true opportunity to be part of dam design and construction. Position Summary: We are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with expertise in dams and water-resources infrastructure to lead our ...

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Dam Design information

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How much do dam design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 is a dam design engineer?

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,274 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site, Remote

$135K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Bonus program
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Lexington, KY office is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team.

Job Responsibilities:

Candidate will serve as a Senior Dam Safety Engineer. Major focus areas for the role include:

  • Manage, execute, and provide technical support, in a team setting and on a variety of challenging interdisciplinary infrastructure projects.
  • Responsibilities may include planning and managing geotechnical and geologic subsurface explorations, reviewing boring logs, evaluating instrumentation and monitoring data, assigning project-specific soil and rock laboratory testing, conducting engineering analyses and design related to geotechnical, hydrologic and hydraulic, and/or structural aspects of dam safety projects, foundation design, fill placement/ground modification, concrete and embankment dam design, seepage evaluations, slope stability analyses, and seismic analyses.
  • Preparation and review of engineering reports, technical documents, and presentations, for a variety of applications, projects, and clients.
  • Communicate with clients and regulators, establish goals and objectives for project teams, and schedule and coordinate resources, to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the quality expectations of the client.
  • Manage and mentor junior engineers, commensurate with experience level.
  • Periodic travel will be required.
  • Contribute to maintaining and developing Schnabel’s strong brand in the geotechnical and water markets through thought leadership embodied in published papers, white papers, and participation at recognized conferences and workshops.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in Civil Engineering or related fields.
  • 15+ years of experience in the dam safety engineering field.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Relevant expertise with dams and water impounding structures, cofferdams, and other hydraulic structures, including but not limited to seepage, static and seismic stability analysis, liquefaction analysis, deformation analysis, and foundation and settlement analysis.
  • Organized, self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial and team spirit.
  • Excellent English technical verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to occasionally travel to project sites, both local and remote, and be able to lift heavy loads (up to 25 pounds).

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment screening

The compensation range for this position is between $135,000 to $215,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.