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Dam Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Lexington, VA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more. This position will be based out of the ... This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

... techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more. This position will be based out of the ... This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program

Supervise Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, and field labor staff ... Safety & Compliance * Promote and model a strong safety culture, ensuring all projects remain ...

Supervise Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, and field labor staff ... Safety & Compliance * Promote and model a strong safety culture, ensuring all projects remain ...

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Dam Safety Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$26.7K

$82.9K

$139.1K

How much do dam safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for dam safety engineer in Virginia is $82,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,783.00 and $96,280.00 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Dam Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Dam Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Dam Safety Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,876 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Dam Safety & Floodplain Management - Deputy Director for Flood Resilience - Closes on 08/20/2026

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Richmond, VA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

822nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

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The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Job Duties

The DCR Executive Leadership Team is seeking an experienced management professional to provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the Dam Safety and Floodplain Management Divisions and the Office of Resilience Planning. This Deputy Director position manages highly complex organizational units comprised of professional engineers, resource planners, and support staff, located both centrally in Richmond and in outlying geographic areas across the Commonwealth. This position is also responsible for developing and implementing programmatic initiatives, oversight of division budgets and finances, and representing the agency on related legislative matters. Responsibilities also include expanding public awareness of DCR programs and recognizing opportunities to minimize the risk to people, infrastructure and natural resources. This position demonstrates professionalism and provides guidance on business related activities in coordination with the Administrative Division of the agency.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, and state of the art practices related to Dam Safety, Floodplain Management, and Flood Resilience programs.
  • Strong understanding of state government to include the legislative process and policy development, interpretation and administration.
  • Extensive experience in program management.
  • Experience with planning and administering grants and a complex budget.
  • Demonstrated abilities to lead complex programs and develop program goals and plans; analyze and successfully resolve problems; communicate effectively to all internal and external stakeholders and the general public.
  • Ability to effectively lead, guide, develop, and manage program managers; manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to manage high level contacts with federal, state and local officials and negotiate positive solutions.
  • Ability to effectively address personnel issues; make defensible unsupervised administrative decisions; and exhibit a willingness and ability to work cooperatively and constructively in a senior executive team setting.
Additional Considerations
  • Experience responding to shifting legislative or budgetary priorities while ensuring program compliance with federal and state legislations.
  • Demonstrated experience translating policy goals into operational outcomes.
Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc., in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or resume are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Park or Federal experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts:

  • Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
  • DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts, such as:
    • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
    • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night before a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
    • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.
Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

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