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Dams Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Floodplain and Dam Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Responsibilities include work within local and FEMA-regulated floodplains, as well as state-regulated dams in Virginia and Maryland. Responsibilities * Work across floodplain modeling, permitting ...

Floodplain and Dam Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Responsibilities include work within local and FEMA-regulated floodplains, as well as state-regulated dams in Virginia and Maryland. Responsibilities * Work across floodplain modeling, permitting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dams information

See Washington salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do dams jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dams in Washington is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

Infographic showing various Dams job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,731 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Technical Manager - Structural Engineering, Dams & Waterfront

Ramboll

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Technical Manager, Structural Engineering - Dams & Waterfront Group

Remote Role - Can sit anywhere in the USA

Technical Manager, Structural Engineering - DAMS & WATERFRONT

We invite you to bring your energy, experience, and professionalism into play as you contribute to innovative and high-quality design solutions. To succeed in this role, you must have structural engineering experience in dams and appurtenant hydraulic structures, waterfront structures, or heavy civil structures.  

  • Are you our new Technical Manager? Click the apply-button to send your application.

Inviting bright minds

Do you want to push the boundaries of your profession and develop your excellence in an open, collaborative and empowering culture? We work to create a sustainable future, and our inspiring projects and innovative solutions strive to set the standard among our peers. You will join a global company that has been growing successfully since its founding in 1945. Together, we lead and leave a positive impact on societies, companies and people around the world.

You will join our Dams Group

As our new Technical Manager in our Dams Group, you will collaborate with other discipline leads and be a key asset to manage the growth and performance of the structural design staff to perform structural investigations, analysis, designs, and construction phase engineering related to Dam Safety, waterfront improvements or redevelopment, and other heavy civil works projects. Staff assignments also include writing inspection/investigation reports, performing stress and stability analyses, developing design concepts for concrete, steel and wood members/structures, and preparing the final structural details, plans and specifications.

Your key tasks and responsibilities will be:

  • Performing evaluation and analysis, design, and construction phase review of dams, intakes, outlet works and other hydraulic conveyance and appurtenant structures; building structures that include pump houses, valve chambers, operational/control buildings, powerhouse equipment and other industrial plant features; waterfront structures and bulkheads; concrete and steel earth retaining structures; cofferdams and shoring; pile caps; and shallow and mat foundations.  
  • Conducting structural inspections and field activities at various project sites and facilities that include dams, appurtenant structures, waterfront structures, culverts and other conveyance structures, and light industrial buildings.
  • Compiling of data and development and production of report narratives of inspections, basis of design, presentation of data /results, and analysis summaries for design reports. 
  • Assisting in the development of design concepts and criteria, analysis and design approach/methodologies, alternative design evaluations and constructability reviews.
  • Preparation of detailed design calculations; engineering computation/technical reports; construction plans and specifications for structures on projects with medium to high levels of complexity; and QA/QC and value engineering reviews of same.
  • Involvement in technical societies and associations to stay current with engineering standards and practices and emerging technologies. 

Your starting point for constant growth

From the moment you join Ramboll, we will support your personal and professional development so that you grow with the company. For this role, we believe your starting point is:

  • BS in Civil/Structural Engineering,
  • Registered Professional Engineer,
  • 15+ years of experience with focus and technical knowledge in structural design, including the analysis and design of:
    • reinforced concrete structures,  
    • steel frame structures,  
    • bulkheads, piers, cofferdams, and shoring systems
  • Knowledge and experience with major national and industrial engineering design codes, standards, guidelines, and best practices needed for design of complex structures and projects.
  • Experience in use of STAAD PRO, GT STRUDL or similar finite element method programs and MathCAD, Enercalc or similar software.

Your experience with the following design related activities would be a plus

  • Experience in performing QA/QC reviews of structural designs.
  • Experience in preparation of cost proposals for various delivery methods.
  • Experience with design of gravity dams, retaining walls, gatehouses, outlet works, and related hydraulic structures.
  • Experience with post-tensioned anchor systems/structures and related heavy civil and waterfront structures.
  • Familiarity with dam and levee safety guidelines published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, other Federal and State agencies, related to Dams/Dam Safety, Heavy Civil, or Waterfront Engineering.

Personal qualities that will help you succeed in this role:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to present technical information.
  • Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Solid history of directing on-time and on-budget delivery of high-quality structural designs.
Additional Information

Work at the heart of sustainable change

Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. We believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. So, that's where we start - and how we work. At Ramboll, our core strength is our people, and our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act. Being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. We embrace an inclusive mindset that looks for fresh, diverse, and innovative perspectives. We respect, embrace, and invite diversity in all forms to actively cultivate an environment where everyone can flourish and realize their full potential.

Ready to join us?

Please submit your application. Be sure to include all relevant documents including your CV, cover letter, etc.

We recognize that some candidates only apply when they tick every box. However, passion and potential often outweigh a perfect resume and Ramboll's supportive learning culture can help you grow. So if this role resonates with you but you don't meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this opportunity or another within our team.

Thank you for taking the time to apply! We look forward to receiving your application.

Where People Flourish

Our mission is to create sustainable societies where people and nature flourish. This means that a culture of inclusion is embedded in everything we do.  Our people bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the company, enabling us to deliver innovative and forward-thinking solutions to our clients. We also know how important it is to achieve the right balance of where, when, and how much you work. At Ramboll, we offer flexibility as part of our positive and inclusive approach to work. We are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of age, disability or medical condition, gender identity, marriage and domestic partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ancestry, or national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, military service and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Ramboll wants to ensure opportunities are accessible to candidates with disabilities. So, please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it more comfortable for you. You can contact us at [email protected] with such requests.

At Ramboll, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices that support our people and our purpose of creating sustainable societies. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000 per year. This range reflects the compensation we reasonably expect to offer at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and internal equity. Because we operate across multiple U.S. markets, pay may differ depending on the cost of labor in specific locations. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for bonus, overtime or other forms of compensation and we offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. Our recruiters are happy to share more about the specific salary range and total rewards package applicable to your location during the hiring process.