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Dam Removal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resource Engineer

Norwood, MA ยท On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

... dam removal and ecological restoration, and related environmental permitting support. A sound knowledge of engineering principles relating to design and construction of civil projects, stormwater ...

Senior Scientist - Ecological Services

$93K - $127K/yr

Dam removal and river restoration * Support the design and implementation of site-specific ecological risk assessments conducted as part of remedial investigations, particularly contaminated sediment ...

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Abingdon, VA

$77K - $104K/yr

Other project work is expected to include channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more. This position ...

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Dam Removal information

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How much do dam removal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for dam removal in the United States is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dam removal and why is it important?

Dam removal is the process of dismantling and taking down old, unsafe, or unnecessary dams to restore natural river flow and ecosystem health. This is often done to improve fish migration, restore habitats, reduce safety hazards, and return rivers to a more natural state. Removing dams can benefit local communities by reducing flood risks, improving water quality, and increasing recreational opportunities. The decision to remove a dam typically involves environmental, economic, and community considerations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dam removal project manager?

To thrive as a Dam Removal Project Manager, you need expertise in civil engineering, environmental science, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in water resources or ecological restoration. Familiarity with tools such as GIS software, hydrologic modeling systems, and regulatory compliance frameworks is crucial. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills help in managing multidisciplinary teams and navigating community concerns. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible dam removal projects that balance ecological restoration with community and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Dam Removal vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectDam RemovalEnvironmental Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires environmental or civil engineering knowledge, often with a degree in environmental science or civil engineeringRequires a degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or related fields, often with professional licensure
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at dam sites, environmental assessments, project planningOffice-based analysis, environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance
Industry UsageUsed in water resource management, ecological restoration projectsApplied across environmental consulting, policy development, and project management

Dam Removal specialists focus on physically removing dams to restore waterways, while Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to manage environmental impacts, often working on broader projects including dam removal. Both roles require environmental knowledge but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are the key challenges faced by professionals working on dam removal projects?

Professionals involved in dam removal often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental groups, and local communities. They must also navigate complex permitting and regulatory requirements, ensure the safety of the surrounding ecosystem during deconstruction, and address unforeseen engineering issues that may arise during the process. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as project goals can evolve based on environmental assessments and stakeholder input. Collaboration with hydrologists, ecologists, and construction teams is common to ensure the project meets safety, environmental, and community standards.
More about Dam Removal jobs
What cities are hiring for Dam Removal jobs? Cities with the most Dam Removal job openings:
What states have the most Dam Removal jobs? States with the most job openings for Dam Removal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dam Removal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dam Removal jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dam Removal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,554 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Water Resource Engineer

GZA GeoEnvironmental

Norwood, MA โ€ข On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Title:
Project Manager/Technical Specialist (Water Resources)
Office:
Metro-Boston
GZA is growing its water resources practice, primarily in the areas of riverine and coastal hydrology and hydraulics, extreme flooding evaluation, natural hazard risk management, and climate change adaption and resilience, and dams/levee assessment and design. We are currently seeking a Project Manager (PM) or Technical Specialist (TS) to Senior Project Manager (SPM) or Senior Technical Specialist (STS) Level Civil/Water Resources Engineer for our practice based in the Norwood, Massachusetts office. Candidates closer to GZA's other offices including Providence, New York City, and metro Detroit will also be considered (please visit gza.com/office-locations for other office locations).
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced civil engineering or hydrologist consulting professional with hydrologic and hydraulic expertise, civil engineering design skills, technical analytical skills, and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Experience with project management, construction phase engineering experience and regulatory knowledge in the Northeast is also advantageous. The qualified candidate must have strong leadership skill with the potential for building business development skill to grow our ability to generate project leads and build and sustain client relationships. The position offers great potential for professional growth in an exciting working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to water resources and dam/levee-related projects.
Our Water Resources Engineers work on a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to, rainfall/runoff analyses, climate change projections and vulnerability assessment to support climate resilience plans and projects, flood control designs, two-dimensional hydrologic, hydraulic, and hydrodynamic computer modeling, hydraulic structure design including hydropower restorations, stormwater analysis, dam/levee safety engineering, dam removal and ecological restoration, and related environmental permitting support. A sound knowledge of engineering principles relating to design and construction of civil projects, stormwater systems, dams, and other water infrastructure, is essential for this position. The successful candidate must have a strong civil background to support planning, design, and construction management activities for a variety of projects.
This is an in-person position that requires direct interaction with clients and the ability to manage and mentor GZA existing staff of project-level engineers. You will also work closely with GZA's Hydrology & Hydraulics and Climate Change Practice Area Lead in training staff and developing water resource services in our offices in the greater Boston area, the mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions.
Key Duties:
  • Working with GZA's Water team in a collaborative manner to successfully complete projects
  • Conducting/reviewing hydrologic/hydraulic engineering technical analyses/calculations
  • Providing technical input for permit application packages
  • Communicating effectively and efficiently with clients and team members
  • Preparing reports with Principal guidance and review

Other Duties:
  • Developing design drawings and technical specifications
  • Overseeing and documenting civil construction projects
  • Project management duties including schedule and budget tracking
  • Developing health and safety plans and managing implementation and compliance with GZA Health and Safety programs, policies, and procedures during any on-site activities associated with water resources projects

Position Requirements:
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources Engineering or related field of practice is required. Master's Degree is a plus.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in MA is preferred with the ability to obtain PE in CT, NY, and RI with reciprocity (or the ability to obtain within two years). Alternate credentials will be considered (e.g., Professional Hydrologist or Certified Floodplain Manager).
  • A minimum of 6-10 years of experience in surface water hydrologic and hydraulic modeling with specific experience using HEC-RAS 2D.
  • Knowledge of water control structure designs and permitting.
  • Direct experience completing projects with public sector/municipal agencies in the New England Region is highly preferred.
  • Experience with design and development of engineering drawings, technical specifications, cost estimating and other related bidding documents is advantageous.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to speak publicly.
  • Ability to think critically and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Solid project financial management skills; knowledge of production support systems and personal computer proficiency are all required competencies.
  • Experience in providing technical and project leadership to staff-level or junior engineers.
  • A strong background using various hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software (i.e. HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, PCSWMM, HydroCAD, StormCAD, HY-8/CulvertMaster) is required.
  • Proven experience with and directing staff with ArcGIS is considered essential for this position.

About our GZA Metro-Boston (Norwood, MA) Office:
  • Exciting and friendly work environment
  • Professional development and enrichment
  • Leadership and technical training
  • Professional society involvement and sponsorship
  • Commitment to technical excellence and client relationships
  • Collaborative and cooperative work community
  • Advancement and ownership opportunities
  • Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and 401K retirement plan

The base salary for this position may range between $100,000.00 to $150,000.00. The actual base salary and total compensation will depend on many factors, including location, candidate experience, education, professional licensure, and other qualifications.
GZA is an employee-owned multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a history of 60 years of providing innovative engineering solutions to improve the natural and built environment. We are an ENR Top 500 Design firm focused on geotechnical, environmental, water, ecological, and construction management services. With a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex projects above, below and at ground-level, GZA's experts provide seamless integration across practice areas, client type, and location.
GZA values diversity and is committed to providing an accepting and inclusive work environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. GZA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital or veteran status, age, or other protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.