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Dam Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

... 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 ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$170 - $200/hr

... 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 ...

AECOM is seeking a Project Geotechnical Engineer to support dam and other infrastructure projects as part of our industry-leading team. The successful candidate will play a key technical role in ...

DWR Project Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site +1

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

DWR Project Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site +1

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

DWR Project Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

DWR Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

DWR Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

DWR Project Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$36.06 - $55.76/hr

Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual ...

Showing results 21-40

Dam Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.5K

$99.1K

$141K

How much do dam engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for dam engineer in California is $99,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,516.00 and $112,611.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dam engineer do?

A Dam Engineer is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and safety of dams and related structures. They analyze hydrological and geological data to ensure structural integrity and environmental compliance. Their duties also include monitoring dam performance, conducting risk assessments, and implementing necessary repairs or upgrades. Dam Engineers work closely with government agencies, environmental specialists, and construction teams to ensure water resource management and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dam engineer?

To thrive as a Dam Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, hydrology, and structural analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and relevant licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Proficiency in specialized software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling tools, as well as understanding of dam safety guidelines and inspection procedures, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for project success and team collaboration. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safety, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability of dam structures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dam Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Dam Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dam Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Dam Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Dam Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,114 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Senior Civil Engineer or Geologist (Sacramento)

Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

Sacramento, CA

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 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 31 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:

Perform high-quality, complex technical work for an employee-owned firm. Schnabel Engineering is 100% employee-owned and sized to take on unique and challenging technical projects. The Sacramento office is seeking a Senior Engineer or Geologist (Associate-Level) to help lead 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:

  • Provide engineering expertise, technical oversight and overall management of engineering projects.    
  • Prepare design calculations, engineering reports, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Manage client relationships.
  • Proactively market and develop dam engineering business opportunities.
  • Develop engineering proposals and qualification statements.
  • Perform project management activities including planning, scheduling, resource management, supervising project budgets, invoicing, team communication, and supporting operations at the office and regional level.
  • Supervise and mentor junior engineers.
  • Work as a team member within the Sacramento office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or other related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 8+ years of work experience relevant to this position.  
  • Professional license in California or the ability to seek reciprocity upon employment. 
  • Experience/proficiency with common computer-aided analysis and modeling programs applicable to engineering area of expertise. 
  • Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications.
  • Project Management and leadership experience.
  • A desire to perform professionally at a high level.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Master’s Degree or Ph.D.
    • GE or SE or ability to obtain.
    • Experience and knowledge of applicable state and federal dam safety design methodologies, policies, and regulations.
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
    • Willingness to travel periodically.

    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 $130,000 to $165,000.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.Â