Dam Safety Engineer

KGS Group; Sacramento, Seattle (CA, WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

KGS Group seeks a highly experienced Dam Safety Engineer to join our team. You’ll lead dam safety design, risk analyses, and inspections for FERC Part 12 projects, coordinating design teams and writing proposals to support winning work.

The ideal candidate has a PE license, 12+ years in dam engineering, and willingness to travel. We value clarity, collaboration, and mentorship as we deliver complex civil projects across the U.S. and Canada.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification required.
• Qualified FERC Part 12 Independent Consultant or eligible to become one immediately.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in dam engineering and construction.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design teams for FERC/state projects.
• Perform dam safety design including Part 12 inspections.
• Conduct failure mode and risk analyses for water storage and dams.
• Write proposals and prepare fee estimates.
• Design earthen embankments and evaluate geotechnical aspects.
• Develop geotechnical field and lab testing programs.
• Review project documents and writings by engineers.
• Engage regulators, clients, and contractors; mentor staff.
• Support growth of dam practices.

Skills

Dam safety

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Technical writing

Proposal writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification

Tools

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

A-PILE

L-PILE

QUAD4M

FLAC2D/3D

PLAXIS

Job description

We are an employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm serving clients across North America and beyond. Our team of engineers, scientists, technologists and support staff is dedicated to excellence in engineering and project management.

We believe a commitment to lasting relationships is just as critical as the expertise applied in our work. To us that means we put our people first. From professional development opportunities to an open, flexible and collaborative work environment, a career at KGS is like no other.

Working with us means you’ll be part of some of the most interesting projects across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. We believe we set our own boundaries by what we’re willing to attempt and strive to push the limit on what’s possible. That’s the KGS way.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Dam Safety Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate is a FERC Part 12 Independent consultant or eligible to become one, with a strong background in civil or geotechnical engineering focusing on dam safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. The Dam Safety Engineer will work with the team to provide engineering design, risk analyses, and dam safety inspection support. We are looking for a dedicated individual with strong attention to detail to apply their expertise to our clients’ current and upcoming projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in and / or lead and coordinate design teams for FERC and state-regulated projects
• Perform dam safety design and evaluations, including FERC Part 12 inspections
• Conduct potential failure mode analyses and risk analyses for water storage and hydropower dams, including identifying and developing potential failure modes, and serving as subject matter expert in risk analysis workshops
• Participate with market professional services, write proposals, prepare fee estimates, and manage project schedules
• Design earthen embankments and evaluate geotechnical aspects of dams and other civil related projects
• Develop geotechnical field and laboratory testing programs and analyze results
• Write project documents and review technical writing by other engineers
• Engage in technical discussions with regulators, clients, and contractors
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship
• Assist in supporting the growth and development of dam practices

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering from a recognized university
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification is required, and a G.E. certification is considered an asset
• Qualified FERC Part 12 Independent Consultant or eligible to become one immediately
• 12+ years of relevant experience in dam engineering and construction, dam safety, and risk assessments
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability/willingness to undergo security clearance checks if required
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as required depending on project/client requirements

To fill the role, we’re looking for an applicant with a mix of qualifications and previous experiences. Some highlights should include but not limited to:

• Dam safety review, inspection and construction experience
• Developing, implementing and assessing geotechnical investigation, testing, and monitoring
• Proficient in federal and state dam safety codes and requirements
• Develop and / or review of design plans and specifications, construction sequences, care of water, and permit applications for dam-related civil projects.
• Evaluation of earthquake response of embankments
• Expert‑level knowledge of geotechnical engineering concepts, theories, and practices as applied to foundation design, seismic hazard evaluation including determination of design ground motions and evaluation of liquefaction and associated hazards, and slope stability and seepage analysis
• Experience in reviewing and updating all dam safety documents including STID, EAP, DSSMP, and DSSMR and ensuring they are complete
• Knowledge of computer modeling software for geotechnical applications (e.g., SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, A-PILE, L-PILE, QUAD4M, FLAC2D/3D, PLAXIS, or similar)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in preparation of technical proposals, developing and reviewing the scope of work, and developing and managing budgets
• Strong project management and computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently

The salary range for this position is $135,000 to $175,000 annually.

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job description should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including candidate’s experience, skills, and location. KGS Group is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

KGS Group is an employee-owned equal opportunity company offering an excellent compensation and benefits package.

KGS Group welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Upon request, KGS Group will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process.