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Dam Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site +1

$135K - $215K/yr

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 ...

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How much do dam jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for dam in Kentucky is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dam operator do?

Dam operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of dams, which are structures built to control or hold back water. Their main duties include monitoring water levels, operating gates and valves, inspecting equipment, and ensuring the safety of the dam and surrounding areas. They also respond to emergencies, coordinate with engineers, and follow strict safety and environmental regulations to prevent floods and ensure water supply. Dam operators may work in hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation, or water supply management.

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 license). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS tools, and dam safety monitoring systems is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, project management ability, and effective communication set standout professionals apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safety, stability, and regulatory compliance of dam structures while managing complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by dam engineers in their daily work?

Dam engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring ongoing structural integrity, monitoring for signs of wear or damage, and complying with evolving safety regulations. They must coordinate closely with hydrologists, environmental scientists, and maintenance teams, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or drought. Additionally, balancing water resource management with environmental and community needs requires careful planning and adaptability. These challenges make the role dynamic and require both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Dam vs Reservoir Operator?

AspectDamReservoir Operator
Primary RoleDesign, construction, and maintenance of damsOperate and monitor reservoirs and water levels
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees or technical certificationsWater management certifications or related training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering facilitiesControl rooms, water treatment plants
Industry UsageHydropower, flood control, water supplyWater resource management, irrigation

While dams are structures built to control water flow, reservoir operators focus on managing water levels within those structures. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their primary responsibilities and required skills.

What are popular job titles related to Dam jobs in Kentucky?

For Dam jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dam jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Dam jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Dam jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Dam job openings:

Infographic showing various Dam job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,362 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Schnabel Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site, Remote

$135K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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.