LSO 3 DPE - Senior Engineer, Dam Safety

Government of British Columbia; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government agency in Canada seeks a Senior Engineer for Dam Safety to oversee a portfolio of major dams. The role requires regulatory leadership and engineering insight to ensure public safety and compliance with the Water Sustainability Act. Candidates must be registered or eligible as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and possess relevant experience in dam safety and engineering practices.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Competitive benefits

4 weeks annual paid vacation

Isolation allowance

Qualifications

• Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Geoscientist (P.Geo.)
• Must possess a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Experience in critical review of professional reports

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major dams for public safety
• Provide expert advice to the Provincial Dam Safety Program
• Guide enforcement activities based on regulatory compliance

Skills

Professional engineering expertise

Regulatory leadership

Project management

Technical knowledge in dam safety

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

The Team:
Our Water Management Branch staff are passionate about safeguarding BC’s water resources and public safety through collaboration, deep technical knowledge, and a shared commitment to fairness and sustainability. Together, we deliver key provincial programs - including flood and dam safety, river forecasting, and water allocation - while advancing environmental stewardship and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We value diverse perspectives, work with purpose, and take pride in making a lasting impact.

The Role:
As a Senior Engineer, Dam Safety, the focus is on managing a portfolio of major dams while applying the authority and technical expertise granted under the Dam Safety Regulation of the Water Sustainability Act. This work combines regulatory leadership, professional judgement, and engineering insight to support compliance, guide enforcement activities, and offer trusted advice to colleagues across the Provincial Dam Safety Program and the Ministry. This role is rooted in public safety and driven by a shared commitment to protecting BC’s water infrastructure.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements:

• Registered, or immediately eligible for registration within six (6) months of employment, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC). Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made. Note: if registered as a P.Geo., must have or obtain a limited licence for dam engineering; AND,
• Must be eligible for designation as a Dam Safety Officer and an Engineer under the Water Sustainability Act and complete required in-house Dam Safety Program training to gain the Dam Safety Officer designation and undertake and maintain Dam Safety Officer accountabilities and ongoing training to retain the designation.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering or Geosciences and five (5) years of related experience; OR,
• Master’s Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering or Geosciences and three (3) years of related experience; OR,
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or training.
• Must possess and maintain a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence and have the ability to operate a 4-wheel drive in all types of driving conditions, both on and off road.

Related experience includes:

• Experience providing professional engineering expertise, advice and recommendations to other professionals, senior management, dam owners and the public, particularly with respect to dam safety; AND,
• Experience with critical review of licensed professional reports, plans, drawings, and project proposals.

Preference may be given to those with:

• Experience in contract management of engineering works, including enforcing contract specifications and dealing directly with construction contractors; and/or,
• Experience in a number of disciplines relating to dams, hydrology, hydraulics, and flood protection, including engineering (civil, structural, geotechnical), risk assessment, relevant provincial statutes and emergency management.

Provisos:

• Must meet safety standards of WorkSafe BC.
• Must be physically able to lift small equipment and be able to traverse rough terrain.
• Willing and able to be available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and perform a variety of duties within the scope of the position’s regular responsibilities and to represent the Ministry at public meetings and events.
• Willing and able to travel throughout the province and conduct field work, which may include travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air or foot, overnight or extended stay in rough camp conditions and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Willing and able to communicate directly with uncooperative clients and stakeholders and negotiate requirements of work to be completed with high degree of tact, judgement and initiative.

For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position:
There is currently one (1) permanent, full time position available.
This position can be based in a Natural Resource Sector office. The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations.
Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi-weekly isolation allowance may apply.
Please refer to MyHR for more information about recruitment and retention adjustments.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to five (5) days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. On top of the base salary, regular, full time Professional Employee Association members are also entitled to an allowance to cover professional fees, a 7% allowance in Lieu of Overtime Shiftwork and Standby (taken as time or money), and start off with 4 weeks of annual paid vacation. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered, or immediately eligible for registration within six (6) months of employment, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC). Note: if registered as a P.Geo., must have or obtain a limited licence for dam engineering. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to this position.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.