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Dam Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$95 - $135/hr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES EWEB's Dam Safety team is responsible for a wide range of dam safety activities and projects, including implementation of EWEB's Owner's Dam Safety Program and Emergency Action ...

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 ...

$180 - $215/hr

The Greensboro, NC 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 ...

New

$110 - $150/hr

Plan, manage, and execute dam construction and water infrastructure projects in accordance with contract documents, regulatory requirements, and company standards. * Develop and maintain project ...

$120 - $160/hr

Ayres' team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Dam information

See Kentucky salary details

$15

$20

$29

How much do dam jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

$95 - $135/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • perform dam safety inspections of dams, canals, and appurtenant structures

  • analyze surveillance and monitoring instrumentation data related to dam safety

  • lead, plan, and coordinate dam safety activities, including risk assessments and project management


Job description

The Eugene Water & Electric Board seeks a Civil, Geotechnical, or Dam Safety Engineer to join EWEB’s Dam Safety team in support of EWEB’s Owner’s Dam Safety Program (ODSP). Team responsibilities include but are not limited to dam safety, public safety, environmental and regulatory compliance. Applications received by Monday, September 21will receive full consideration. Applications submitted after this date may not be reviewed, depending on application volume.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

EWEB’s Dam Safety team is responsible for a wide range of dam safety activities and projects, including implementation of EWEB’s Owner’s Dam Safety Program and Emergency Action Plan, analysis of surveillance and monitoring instrumentation data, dam safety inspections of dams, canals, and appurtenant structures, and providing dam safety expertise and input to capital projects from planning and design through construction. The team also participates in and leads potential failure mode analyses (PFMAs), semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessments, and other risk-informed evaluations that support dam safety decisions and capital investment planning.

This position will lead, plan, and coordinate work with internal partners, including Operations, Generation Engineering, License Deployment, and Environmental staff, as well as external partners, including regulators, consultants, contractors, emergency management agencies, and resource agencies. A self-starting, collaborative approach is essential. Responsibilities include a variety of site inspections, construction observation and documentation, project and contract management, engineering evaluations and reviews, providing dam safety input to capital project planning and design, and participating in or project managing PFMAs and risk assessments. Experience with dam safety risk assessment methods, instrumentation, data processing, and analysis is a plus.

Your working environment will consist of a combination of office and site work. EWEB owns and operates two hydroelectric projects on the McKenzie River (Carmen-Smith and Leaburg-Walterville Projects) and owns one hydroelectric project on the Clackamas River (Stone Creek Project).

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
  • Experience effectively managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
  • A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound work products
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of audiences, disciplines, and levels of technical expertise
  • The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and developing technical and professional skills

Priority will be given to candidates whose applications demonstrate geotechnical experience, dam safety experience, and/or an understanding of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) guidelines, requirements, and dam safety industry standards. Experience with dam safety risk assessments is recommended but not required.

EWEB intends to fill one position, at the Engineering Associate II, III, Staff Engineer, or Senior Engineer level. Specific work assignments will be based on the successful candidate’s experience and training. EWEB provides an extensive training program in relevant dam safety topics.

The base pay offered will be established based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge and skills, relevant experience, and internal equity. Consistent with EWEB’s compensation philosophy, it is not customary to place individuals at the high end of the salary range at the time of hire. Compensation decisions are made holistically to support fair, consistent, and equitable pay practices, taking into account the specific circumstances of each position and candidate.

Equivalency: EWEB will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience when reviewing applications. Candidates who do not meet all of the minimum qualifications, but whose application materials demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in the position are encouraged to apply.

  • Nine (9) years relevant experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Four (4) years relevant experience
    Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Seven (7) years relevant experience
  • Three (3) years relevant experience. A working knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of engineering, project management and construction are required, including methods, materials, equipment, techniques, technical software, schedules, specifications and contract documents. Competent to perform engineering design and analysis in an engineering specialty within a discipline.

Educational requirement for all position levels: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Recommended experience for all position levels: Experience working on Dam Safety or geotechnical projects. Familiarity with Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) guidelines, requirements, and dam safety industry standards.

Oregon driver’s license: Yes, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Post-offer background check: Yes.

Post-offer drug test: Yes, for the Engineering Associate and Staff Engineer level positions.

Post-offer physical or functional test: Yes, for the Engineering Associate and Staff Engineer level positions.

Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. EWEB is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

WORK LOCATION
This position is based inEugene, Oregon, and has been approved as a hybrid work arrangement involving a combination of telecommuting and working on-site at EWEB offices and field project sites.The selected candidate must live in or relocate to the state of Oregon. Out-of-area candidates may be eligible for a relocation reimbursement.

WHY CHOOSE EWEB?

EWEB offers employees a progressive work culture devoted to providing excellent public service. Our employees work in a fast-paced environment where creativity, innovation, involvement, teamwork, and professional development are supported and encouraged. EWEB is committed to providing a work environment conducive to the safety, health, and well-being of its workforce and offers great benefits, including health care, vacation and sick leave, pension, holidays, wellness programs, an employee credit union, and more.

As a public utility, we do not operate to earn a profit or to serve the investment needs of stockholders. Instead, EWEB is chartered by the City of Eugene to serve the interests of its citizens. We are owned by the people of Eugene and it's our job to provide reliable, affordable water and electricity for our customers.

WHY CHOOSE EUGENE?

It’s a city big enough to boast excellent restaurants, arts, and events, but small enough to still feel like a community. It’s also easy to get out of town, making it an ideal place for lovers of outdoor activities, with world-class opportunities for fishing, rafting, bicycling, hiking, and camping.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
EWEB takes pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion among our employees. We embrace and value differences of culture, education, experience, physical ability, and unique perspectives in our workplace. Attracting, retaining, and advancing talent from all sources strengthens our bond with the multifaceted community we serve.

TOBACCO, SMOKE, AND VAPOR - FREE CAMPUS POLICY
EWEB fosters an environment promoting good health for both employees and the public. We want to enhance the quality of air, appearance, and employee health in and around EWEB facilities and equipment. Employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors may not use, distribute, or sell tobacco while participating in EWEB functions, on EWEB property, or while performing right-of-way tasks.

NOTE: This job posting is intended to represent key areas of responsibility. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned.

Qualifications Education Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.

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