Dam Safety Engineer IV Hydrology and Hydraulics

Cognitell; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognitell is seeking a Dam Safety Engineer IV with strong hydrology and hydraulics focus to join on-site in Lakewood, Colorado. The role emphasizes modeling, risk analysis, emergency management, and compliance with federal dam safety standards.

US citizenship is required and the position involves collaboration with BIA and federal agencies. The candidate should bring 15+ years in dam safety/design, a PE license, and ABET‑accredited civil/related engineering degree, with leadership experience on

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher ABET‑accredited engineering degree.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in at least one state.
• 15+ years of experience in water resources, dam construction or safety.
• Experience with Federal Dam Safety standards is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review hydrologic and hydraulic models, risk analyses, and emergency action plans.
• Develop and interpret elevation model data for modeling inputs.
• Produce technical documents reflecting agency and community needs.
• Provide guidance on dam safety engineering and emergency management.
• Travel to field locations as required and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Water resources

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Technical writing

Education

ABET‑accredited degree

P.E. licensure

Civil engineering degree

Job description

Dam Safety Engineer IV Hydrology and Hydraulics

Location: Cognitell, 3000 Youngfield St, Lakewood, Colorado, United States of America

Job Summary

Managed Business Solutions is seeking a full‑time dam safety engineer to join our team with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Safety of Dams Program on site in Lakewood, Colorado. The primary focus is hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, with responsibilities across risk analysis, emergency management, dam security, design, construction, environmental compliance, inspections, and maintenance.

US citizenship required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and review technical work products: hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, risk analysis, emergency action plans, early warning systems, dam security, design, construction, inspections, maintenance, and environmental compliance.
• Develop knowledge of Bureau of Indian Affairs workflow and provide technical support to its programs.
• Obtain and interpret elevation model data for modeling inputs.
• Create multidisciplinary technical documents reflecting agency, community, and downstream needs.
• Provide technical guidance in dam safety engineering and emergency management based on BIA and Department of the Interior guidelines.
• Review budgets and develop estimates for design, construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
• Coordinate with other bureaus, federal and non‑federal agencies to advance program goals.
• Assist BIA regional, tribal, and field personnel with technical issues.
• Travel to field locations as required.
• Present findings at governmental conferences, tribal groups, and other organizations.

Provide Technical Guidance, Policy Development, and Oversight to SOD Programs

• Assist BIA Safety of Dam Branch Chief with development, implementation, and oversight of risk analysis and emergency management guidelines.
• Oversee and provide guidance on BIA dam safety program areas.
• Evaluate policy on risk analysis, emergency management, and existing dam evaluation.
• Write justifications and respond to Congressional, OMB, and Department of the Interior inquiries.
• Recommend policy adjustments based on available funds and policy compliance.
• Prepare and revise regulations, delegations of authority, and directives controlling BIA dam safety operations.
• Produce statistical and other reports supporting the program.
• Develop a modern Emergency Action Planning program.
• Manage relationships with BIA employees and Managed Business Solutions staff.
• Write supporting documents and perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interest and skill in water resources, power generation, or distribution.
• Ability to conceive, plan, and solve problems of significant scope and complexity.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Capability to work independently and within a team.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Civil, Agricultural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or a related ABET‑accredited field; or higher‑level degree in science or management.
• Professional engineering licensure (P.E.) in any state.
• At least 15 years of experience in design, inspection, or analysis of water resources, dam construction, or dam safety.
• Minimum 10 years experience with Federal Dam Safety standards for federally owned or operated dams.
• Experience with Federal Design standards for dams, levees, or associated infrastructure.
• For senior level: at least 3 years leading technical efforts in dam safety, emergency action, or related fields.

Physical Requirements

• Walk, use hands, reach, balance, stoop, bend, crouch, and talk or hear.
• Lifting up to 60 pounds and standing on uneven terrain for 8–10 hours per day.
• Work in adverse weather conditions in a remote environment.

EEO Statement

Sealaska Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.