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Dams Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and our Oakland, CA office is seeking a Senior Dams Practice Leader to assist with complex and challenging projects in Northern California and ...

Senior Dams Practice Leader

Oakland, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and our Oakland, CA office is seeking a Senior Dams Practice Leader to assist with complex and challenging projects in Northern California and ...

Dams Engineer

Trumbull, CT · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

We are currently seeking a Dams/Geotechnical Project Manager for our Trumbull or Glastonbury, CT office. The position offers great potential for professional growth in an exciting working environment ...

Dams Engineer

Norwood, MA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

A strong passion to work on dams and levees is essential for this position. The qualified candidate must have a strong civil, geotechnical, or structural engineering background, demonstrated project ...

Lead projects and tasks involving dams, spillways, intakes, outlets, and other hydropower and hydraulic structure improvements. * Deliver innovative, high-quality design products and participate in ...

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Dams information

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How much do dams jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for dams in the United States is $20.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dams vs Civil Engineers?

AspectDamsCivil Engineers
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized dam safety certificationsEngineering degree, various civil engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dam sites, water resource projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Industry UsageHydropower, water management, environmental protectionConstruction, transportation, urban development

While Dams focus specifically on designing, constructing, and maintaining dams and water structures, Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Dams are a specialized subset within civil engineering, requiring specific expertise in water resources and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working on dam projects?

Engineers working on dam projects often encounter challenges such as balancing safety with cost-effectiveness, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and addressing environmental concerns. They must also regularly collaborate with geologists, hydrologists, and construction teams to ensure the dam’s structural integrity and sustainability. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and responding to unforeseen site conditions can make the role both demanding and rewarding.

What is a dam?

Dams are large structures built across rivers or streams to hold back and control the flow of water. Their primary purpose is to store water for various uses such as irrigation, drinking supply, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation. By regulating water flow, dams help manage water resources efficiently and can also create reservoirs that support communities and wildlife.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dam engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dam Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, hydrology, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, finite element analysis tools, and dam safety monitoring systems is essential. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure the safe, efficient design, construction, and maintenance of dams, which are critical for water management and public safety.
More about Dams jobs

What states have the most Dams jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dams jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dams job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Practice Leader, Dams & Hydraulics Structures

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Johnson City, TN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better? 

We are seeking an exceptional Practice Leader, Dams & Hydraulic Structures, preferably based in our Johnson City, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Brentwood, TN; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; or Asheville, NC offices, to help lead and grow our national Dams & Hydraulic Structures practice. This position may also be based in any of our Geosyntec offices throughout the U.S. and may offer the flexibility to work a hybrid or fully remote schedule at the discretion of the company.

This position will provide technical leadership, collaborate with Geosyntec’s network of dam engineering professionals, and help expand our capabilities and client relationships across the U.S. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative and challenging projects involving heavy civil works and hydraulic structures, including embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, conveyance systems, river navigation locks, floodwalls, and powerhouses. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced technical leader to shape the direction and growth of a highly collaborative practice while delivering innovative solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical, and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.


Collaboration and mentoring are cornerstones of Geosyntec’s culture. We operate under a sell-manage-do culture, and so we expect that you’d work on challenging technical projects while leveraging your existing knowledge and experience to help Geosyntec expand its current practices and capabilities through business development and client management. You may also be asked to take on project management responsibilities, along with staff management and development, and mentoring tasks. Some of the key responsibilities may include:

  • Working in collaboration with others in the Geosyntec Dams and Hydraulic Structures practice and key engineering and water resources staff in the Region and across the country, lead business development activities within adjacent states, including to:
    • Develop and coordinate a Regional business strategy for Dams and Hydraulic Structures, focused initially on power utility and government clients.
    • Establish relationships with potential clients.
    • Identify and track clients and opportunities.
    • Recruit top talent and assemble a talented, multi-disciplinary team.
    • Leverage existing and establish new relationships with potential teaming partners.
    • Work with marketing staff for the preparation of marketing materials.
    • Lead the preparation of technical proposals.
    • Participate in professional organizations and activities.
  • Provide leadership within the Geosyntec Dams and Hydraulic Structures practice to develop and implement current dam engineering best practices within the firm.
  • Serve as a mentor for technical staff and assist with staff development and recruiting to grow the firm’s dam engineering capabilities particularly within the Southeast US.
  • Provide technical leadership, direction, and oversight for Dams and Hydraulic Structures projects in one or more of the following technical areas:
    • Dam safety inspections and engineering assessments of concrete dams and their appurtenances and structural aspects of embankment dams, levees, and other water management structures.
    • Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for spillway and outlet works evaluations and design, dam break analyses, and inundation mapping for consequence evaluation.
    • Geotechnical analyses and design for embankment dams including seepage analysis, slope stability analysis, and liquefaction triggering.
    • Structural evaluations and stability analyses of concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, and other ancillary structures.
    • Performing potential failure modes analyses and SQRA and QRA risk analyses.
    • Alternatives analyses to evaluate and compare rehabilitation options for embankment and concrete dams.
    • Analysis, design, and detailing of rehabilitation schemes for dams and appurtenances, foundations and anchoring systems, reinforced concrete and structural structures, roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dams, chute spillway structures, energy dissipation structures, aprons; and channels.
    • Preparation of construction plans and specifications.
    • Instrumentation of dams and ancillary structures.
    • Design services during construction.
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.

  • Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering (or related engineering degree). (required)
  • Advanced degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Geology, Structural, or Hydraulics Engineering. (preferred)
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in the U.S. (required) and Virginia or Tennessee (required or ability to receive P.E. via comity within 6-months of employment)
  • NCEES Record for PE comity. (preferred)

  • At least 10 years (15+ preferred) of progressive experience in consulting industry, or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience. (required)
  • Knowledge of and experience with the water resources and dams practice in the Region.
  • Knowledge of Risk-Informed-Decision-Making methodologies such as USACE, FERC, and Reclamation. (preferred)
  • Field work and overnight travel may be required. 
  • Current OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER training and refreshers. (preferred) 
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required. 
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

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