Engineer, Dam Safety (Temporary 15 Month)

TransAlta Corporation; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

TransAlta is seeking an Intermediate Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical Engineer to join the Dam Safety team in Calgary. You will support dam safety instrumentation, perform inspections on dams and associated structures, and prepare annual dam performance reports.

The role is hybrid, full-time temporary for 15 months, with travel to hydro sites across Canada. The position requires a relevant engineering degree, 5–10 years of experience, and a registered (or eligible) Professional Engineer in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 5-10 years of relevant work experience.
• Professional Engineer in good standing (or eligibility) with Canadian engineering regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of dam-related geotechnical concepts and CDA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support monitoring, interpretation, and troubleshooting of dam safety instrumentation.
• Conduct dam safety inspections of dams and civil structures (canals, spillways, intakes, weirs, penstocks).
• Carry out annual performance reporting on the dams, including data interpretation and safety risk assessment.
• Provide supervision and project management for field work and small-to-medium construction projects.
• Support procurement of consultant/contractor services for dam safety projects (RFPs, evaluations).
• Assist in emergency preparedness plans and public safety controls.

Skills

Dam safety

Geotechnical analysis

Field inspections

Project management

Communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geological/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

GIS

Job description

Location: Calgary, AB, CA

Company: TransAlta

Job Type: Temporary - Hourly

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Engineer, Dam Safety (Temporary 15-Month)

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy and we’ll provide the platform.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Intermediate Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical Engineer to join our Dam Safety team. As the Engineer, Dam Safety you will be part of an engineering team providing technical and operational support to hydro dams across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. This role is based out of the Calgary office and requires occasional travel to the dams.

This is full-time, temporary, safety sensitive position, based out of our Head Office in Downtown Calgary, AB, with the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Primary Responsibilities

• Support monitoring, interpretation, and troubleshooting of dam safety instrumentation, including slope inclinometers, piezometers, and weirs
• Conduct dam safety engineering inspections of dams and civil structures, including canals, spillways, intakes, weirs, and penstocks
• Carry out annual performance reporting on the dams, including data interpretation, identification of safety deficiencies, non-conformances, public safety issues, and potential failure modes

Secondary Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and project management for field work and for small-to-medium scale construction projects
• Support procurement of consultant and contractor services for dam safety projects, including RFP preparation and proposal evaluation
• Support the Public Safety Management Program, including inspection and assessment of existing controls, writing and review of public safety management plans, assessment of public safety risk, and implementation of public safety controls
• Support the development and exercise of emergency preparedness plans, flood action plans, and OM&S manuals
• Ensure dam safety practices are in accordance with applicable standards, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Provide day-to-day technical support and work collaboratively with the extended dam safety team, including water management, other engineering disciplines, and plant operations

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical Engineering from a recognized university
• 5-10 years of relevant work experience
• Professional Engineer in good standing (or eligibility) with engineering regulatory bodies in Canada
• Demonstrated knowledge and strong geotechnical understanding of dams which includes stability and seepage modeling, geotechnical design, geotechnical instrumentation analysis, dam safety reviews, dam condition assessment practices, and risk assessment
• Significant field experience whichincludessite investigations, site inspections, soil logging and testing, civil and earthworks construction, operations, surveillance, construction drawing production and review
• Skills in one or more of the following areas: concrete design and inspection, seismic hazard analysis, GIS systems, hydrology and/or surface drainage processes
• In-depth technical knowledge of CDA guidelines and dam safety practices in Canada
• Awareness and understanding of applicable regulations and legislations that apply to water retaining structures in Canada
• Knowledge of the practices and processes associated with project management, project engineering, and engineering design
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external clients which includes communicating complex ideas, cross-functional collaboration, and building relationships
• A self-starter who can problem-solve and take ownership of their work
• Excellent attention to detail
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license

OTHER DETAILS

• This position requires moderate travel (up to 20%) to hydro sites across Canada. Some sites have terrain that may be considered challenging. Field work may include confined spaces, working from heights, and inclement weather.
• The office environment requires working with computers and remaining seated for long periods of time

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.