Senior Dam Safety Engineer

GEI Consultants, Inc.; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Schedules

Profit Sharing

401(k)

Professional Development Support

Job summary

GEI Consultants, Inc. is seeking Senior Dam Safety Engineers and FERC-approved Independent Consultants to join our nationwide team.

You will lead design, analysis, and inspections of dams and hydraulic structures, conduct risk assessments, and support regulatory projects with a collaborative, multidisciplinary group. Hybrid and flexible work locations are available, with opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects across the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• PE license and 10+ years of relevant dam/hydropower experience.
• 5+ years of project management with leadership and BD skills.
• FERC Part 12 familiarity with CA/PIs and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of FERC processes (STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, SQRAs).
• Experience in multidisciplinary teams and strong communication.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, MS Project, AutoCAD or MicroStation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of new/rehab hydraulic structures and dam components.
• Perform analyses, evaluations, and designs for hydropower and related projects.
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments in support of regulatory programs.
• Prepare drawings, specs, criteria, cost estimates and reports.
• Collaborate with GEI teams, clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Serve as technical lead or project manager with QA/QC oversight.
• Support proposals, business development and industry involvement.

Skills

Project leadership

FERC Part 12 knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Strong communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Your role at GEI

GEI’s Dams and Hydropower practice is growing, and we are seeking experienced Senior Dam Safety Engineers and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)–approved Independent Consultants (ICs) to join our nationally recognized team. This is an opportunity to work with leaders in the field of dam engineering on high-profile inspections, risk assessments, and design projects that keep communities and critical infrastructure safe.

You will join a connected team of GEI dam safety professionals across the country, contributing to the design, analysis, and inspection of dams and hydraulic structures. Hybrid and flexible work locations are available, and you will help shape a practice that has completed dam projects in all 50 states and performed FERC Part 12D safety inspections since Order No. 122 (1981).

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead the design of new and rehabilitated hydraulic structures — including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, and foundations.
• Conduct engineering analyses, evaluations, and designs; develop design options and recommendations for hydropower, pumped-storage, and related dam safety projects.
• Perform inspections and engineering assessments of dams and hydraulic structures — and participate in risk assessments — in support of FERC Comprehensive Assessments (CAs), Periodic Inspections (PIs), and other regulatory or client needs.
• Apply critical thinking and creativity to solve unique engineering challenges.
• Prepare contract documents, including drawings, specifications, design criteria and documentation, cost estimates, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across GEI offices, clients, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as technical lead, and or project manager and provide oversight, QA/QC review, and mentorship of staff as needed.
• Support proposals and business development, maintain visibility in the marketplace, and participate in professional organizations such as ASDSO and ASCE.
• Travel as needed for inspections, meetings, and project requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience with dams, water conveyances, or other constructed works and infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped-storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, with demonstrated leadership, business development, and strategic-planning skills.
• Familiarity and experience with FERC’s Part 12 Dam Safety Program, with emphasis on CAs, PIs, and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of the FERC regulatory process, including STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, and SQRAs.
• Experience working in a multidiscipline environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, MS Project) and AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Self‑motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a project team through completion.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Desired Qualifications

• FERC-approved Independent Consultant, or the ability to demonstrate approval within 1–2 years.
• Completion of training necessary to serve as an IC or Facilitator for Comprehensive Assessments.
• Experience performing structural analyses of hydraulic structures using finite element software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, STAAD, RISA, or similar).
• Knowledge and experience with hydroelectric dam reservoir operations.
• Civil and dam engineering design experience, including development of design drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and bidding assistance.
• A commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem‑solving, communication, and relationship management — and to being an active participant in our employee‑ownership culture.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.

Employee‑owned. Employee‑focused.

As an employee‑owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well‑being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client‑Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market‑Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well‑Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI‑Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• And More…

Physical Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands

• X
• Sedentary
• Light
• Medium

Other

• Sitting 6‑8 hours
• Standing 0‑1 hour
• Walking 0‑1 hour
• Climbing X
• Lifting (floor to waist level) 0‑10 pounds
• Lifting (waist level and above) 0‑10 pounds
• Carrying objects 0‑1 hour
• Push/pull X
• Twisting 0‑1 hour
• Bending 0‑1 hour
• Reaching forward 0‑1 hour
• Reaching overhead 0‑1 hour
• Squat/kneel/crawl X
• Wrist position deviation 3‑5 hours
• Pinching/fine motor skills 1‑2 hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion 6‑8 hours
• Taste or smell (taste=never) 0‑1 hour
• Talk or hear 6‑8 hours

Activity Level Throughout Workday

(check one per row)

• Occasional (0‑35% of day)
• Frequent (33‑66% of day)
• Continuous (67‑100% of day)
• Not Applicable

Physical Activity Requirements

• Occasional (0‑35% of day)
• Frequent (33‑66% of day)
• Continuous (67‑100% of day)
• Not Applicable

Accurate 20/40

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

Yes

No

No

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Color Discrimination

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Environment Requirements

• Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
• Reasonably Anticipated
• Not Anticipated
• Blood borne pathogens X
• Chemical X
• Airborne communicable diseases X
• Extreme temperatures X
• Radiation X
• Uneven surfaces or elevations X
• Extreme noise levels X
• Dust/particulate matter X

Usual workday hours

• X
• 8
• 10
• 12
• Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.