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Entry Level Dam Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel Engineering

Entry-Level CAD Designer

Helena, MT · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group.

Schnabel Inc.

Entry-Level CAD Designer

Helena, MT

$25 - $32/hr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group.

Sappi

Civil Engineer

Cloquet, MN · On-site

Prepare hydro dam safety quarterly inspection reports and annual Dam Safety Surveillance Monitoring ... entry level will be considered. * Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project) and ...

RJH Consultants, Inc.

Be Seen First

Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer - Dams

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

RJH geotechnical projects range from small geotechnical explorations to large dam designs and ... Geotechnical Engineer Requirements: * B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Civil or Geological Engineering. A ...

RJH Consultants, Inc.

Be Seen First

Entry-Level Water Resources Engineer - Dams

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

We specialize in delivering dam and reservoir projects from planning through construction. We are looking for a Water Resources/Hydraulic Engineer to enhance the technical capabilities and capacity ...

City of Tacoma

Power Systems Engineer

Tacoma, WA

$113K - $159K/yr

This is an entry-level to mid-level Engineering position that has growth potential into the ... This position will assist in the Dam Safety Workgroups mission of supporting public safety, risk ...

City of Tacoma, WA

Power Systems Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$113K - $159K/yr

This is an entry-level to mid-level Engineering position that has growth potential into the ... This position will assist in the Dam Safety Workgroups mission of supporting public safety, risk ...

Schnabel Inc.

Staff Geostructural Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$57K - $86K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Professional development and tuition reimbursement Schnabel Engineering is seeking an entry level ...

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Entry Level Dam Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do entry level dam engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level dam engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level dam engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Dam Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering and a solid understanding of hydrology, structural analysis, and geotechnical principles. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance of dam projects.

What does an entry level dam engineer do?

An Entry Level Dam Engineer assists in the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of dams and related water-retaining structures. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to perform site assessments, collect data, prepare technical reports, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their responsibilities may also include using engineering software to create models and drawings, as well as supporting project management tasks. This role provides foundational experience in civil engineering, with a focus on hydraulic structures and water resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level dam engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level dam engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding the complexities of hydrological modeling, learning to interpret technical drawings, and adapting to strict regulatory requirements. They may also need to quickly develop skills in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, environmental scientists, and construction crews. Additionally, balancing fieldwork with office tasks and becoming proficient with industry-specific software are typical hurdles. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help ease this transition.

What is the difference between Entry Level Dam Engineer vs Entry Level Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Dam EngineerEntry Level Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT or FE exam
Work EnvironmentDesign, construction, and maintenance of dams and water infrastructureVarious infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and water systems
Employer & Industry UsageWater resource agencies, engineering firms, construction companiesPublic and private sector engineering firms, government agencies

Entry Level Dam Engineers focus specifically on dam-related projects, requiring specialized knowledge in water resources and hydraulics, while Entry Level Civil Engineers have a broader scope across various infrastructure projects. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and entry-level certifications, but Dam Engineers work primarily in water resource and dam safety sectors.

More about Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dam Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Dam Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Dam Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Entry-Level CAD Designer

Schnabel Engineering

Helena, MT • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 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 atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group. 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 multi-disciplinary team.
The Helena office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States. Our drafting needs span the following three disciplines:
  • Civil Design - 3D site grading and earthwork, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
  • Structural Design - Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
  • Mechanical Design - Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design

Job Responsibilities:
  • Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
  • Prepare 3D models for displaying complex features or structures.
  • Maintain drawing files, CAD standards and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
  • Prepare graphics for engineering reports, professional papers and presentations.
  • Maintain printers for efficient use by the office.
  • Participate in professional trainings to develop and implement new skills related to the various disciplines of work.
  • Perform training of other technical staff on drafting standards, requirements and procedures.

Required Skills/Experience:
  • Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing drawing sets and figures from base data (i.e. survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches, etc.) and based on engineering input and guidance.
  • Experience in other software is preferable, including Autodesk Revit and Solidworks.
  • A minimum of 2 years of drafting/design experience at a consulting engineering firm or production design organization.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on existing data and engineering sketches.
  • Ability to create and use sheetsets in AutoCAD.
  • Knowledge and experience in data linking AutoCAD Civil 3D smart features.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Associates degree or certification in Drafting and Design or equivalent practical experience.

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 drug screening.

The compensation range for a CAD Designer is between $25/hr to $32/hr . 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.
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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