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Dam Safety Engineer Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

HS&E Advisor

Hawthorne, NV · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

From mine reclamation and engineering to tailings dam construction, mine facilities and plant ... With your strong understanding of safety management systems, legislation, and industry standards ...

From mine reclamation and engineering to tailings dam construction, mine facilities and plant ... With your strong understanding of safety management systems, legislation, and industry standards ...

From mine reclamation and engineering to tailings dam construction, mine facilities and plant ... With your strong understanding of safety management systems, legislation, and industry standards ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dam Safety Engineer information

See Nevada salary details

$29.1K

$90.1K

$151.2K

How much do dam safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for dam safety engineer in Nevada is $90,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,081.00 and $104,673.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dam safety engineer?

A Dam Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance of dams and related water infrastructure. They conduct inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance planning to prevent failures and mitigate hazards. Their work involves analyzing hydrological data, designing safety improvements, and coordinating with government agencies. They also develop emergency action plans and monitor environmental impacts. This role is crucial for protecting communities, resources, and ecosystems from dam-related risks.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a dam safety engineer?

Dam Safety Engineers typically spend their days conducting site inspections, analyzing structural and hydraulic data, preparing safety reports, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They also monitor instrumentation, evaluate maintenance needs, and review design documents for new or existing dam structures. Frequent collaboration with environmental scientists, construction teams, and regulatory bodies is part of the role, ensuring all aspects of dam safety are addressed. This varied routine allows for both fieldwork and office-based tasks, making the role dynamic and essential to public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the dam safety engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dam Safety Engineer, you need strong civil or structural engineering expertise, a relevant engineering degree, and in-depth knowledge of hydrology and geotechnical principles. Familiarity with industry-standard analysis tools like AutoCAD, GIS, HEC-RAS, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you effectively assess risks and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe operation and monitoring of dams, reducing risk to public safety and the environment.

What are popular job titles related to Dam Safety Engineer jobs in Nevada?

For Dam Safety Engineer jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dam Safety Engineer job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,100 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams

BBA, Inc.

Elko, NV

$98K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects

  • Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, hydraulic analyses, and modelling to support dam and tailings design

  • Lead the development of integrated mine water management strategies and support dam safety assessments and regulatory compliance


Job description

Your future role at BBA

BBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead - Hydrology,Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership forwater management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. Thisrole is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams andtailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, andregulatory compliance are critical.
You will act as a senior technical advisor and damsafety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, andoperation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversionstructures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advancedtechnical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and clientengagement.

With us, you'll get the opportunity to

TechnicalLeadership & Dam Safety Authority

  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects
  • Act as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructure
  • Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including:
    • Catchment and watershed analyses
    • Extreme flood estimation and design floods
    • Hydroclimatic and statistical analyses
    • Climate change impact and adaptation assessments
  • Lead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including:
    • Spillway and outlet works capacity
    • Flood routing and reservoir routing
    • Freeboard assessments
    • Emergency spillway performance
  • Perform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systems

Tailings & Mine Water Management

  • Lead the development of integrated mine water management strategies, including water balances, operational water routing, and contingency planning.
  • Develop and review water and mass balance models for tailings storage facilities and mine operations.
  • Support tailings governance frameworks, including design basis, operating criteria, and performance monitoring.
  • Contribute to closure and long-term water management strategies for tailings and mine facilities.

Dam Safety, Risk & RegulatoryCompliance

  • Lead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including:
    • Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs)
    • Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs)
    • Consequence classification and hazard assessments
    • Failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA)
  • Support emergency preparedness and response planning, including dam break analysis and inundation mapping and emergency action plans (EAPs)
  • Prepare and review dam safety documentation in support of regulatory submissions and audits
  • Ensure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practices

Leadership, Mentorship & Client Engagement

  • Serve as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionals
  • Support proposals, scopes, and technical approaches for dam and tailings projects
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authorities
  • Promote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governance

Do your qualities and values matchour corporate culture?

  • Strong ethical standards and commitment to public and environmental safety
  • Deep interest in complex, high-consequence engineering challenges
  • Results-driven with sound engineering judgment
  • Collaborative leadership and knowledge-sharing mindset
  • Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices

Summary of certifications and jobrequirements

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent
  • Master's degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong asset
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States
  • 20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projects
  • Demonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk management
  • Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Asset: Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes
  • Asset:  Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping
  • Asset:  Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems
  • Asset:  Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)
  • Asset:  Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design