Senior Dam Safety Engineer/ FERC Independent Consultant

HDR; Folsom (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee ownership programs

Diversity and inclusion networks

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer to perform inspections and engineering assessments of dams and hydraulic structures. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience, including project management. This role offers flexibility to work from multiple locations across the country, emphasizing teamwork and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances, or other constructed project works.
• Familiarity with FERC’s Part 12 Dam Safety Program.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams and regulatory processes (STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, SQRAs).
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and willingness to serve as IC or Facilitator.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures.
• Conduct engineering analyses and develop designs.
• Lead design of new and rehabilitation of hydraulic structures.
• Apply critical thinking to address engineering challenges in dam safety projects.
• Prepare contract documents, drawings, specifications, criteria and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and provide project oversight and mentorship.
• Travel as required for inspections, meetings or project needs.

Skills

Hydraulic structure inspection

Engineering analysis

Design of hydraulic structures

Project management

AutoCAD and/or MicroStation

Strong written and verbal communication

Project management

Leadership

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

SAP2000

STAAD

RISA

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Overview

HDR is looking for Senior Dam Safety Engineers and/or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Independent Consultants (IC) in multiple locations across the country to join our Hydropower Practice. HDR is a hydropower and dam safety industry leader, with expertise in FERC Part 12 Dam Safety Program, Comprehensive Assessments (CA) and Periodic Inspections (PI). Hybrid or flexible work locations are available across the country.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections of, and engineering assessments for dams and hydraulic structures (or participate in risk assessments for same); as required for FERC CAs/PIs or other purposes.
• Conduct engineering analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations for hydropower, pumped-storage and related dam safety projects.
• Lead design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, or foundations for hydropower, pumped-storage and related dam safety projects.
• Apply critical thinking and creativity to address unique engineering challenges or problems.
• Prepare contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates including critical reports.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of hydropower, pumped-storage and dam safety engineering projects.
• Work independently as project engineer and provide oversight, checking, QA/QC and mentorship of staff as needed or if required.
• Some travel is required.

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering (or related engineering degree).
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances or other constructed project works and infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped-storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Familiarity of, and experience with FERC’s Part 12 Dam Safety Program, with emphasis on CAs, PIs and risk assessment.
• Experience working in a multi-discipline environment.
• Knowledge and experience with the FERC regulatory process including STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, and SQRAs.
• Approved FERC Independent Consultant or ability to demonstrate same within 1-2 years.
• Completion of training necessary to serve as IC or Facilitator for CAs.
• Familiarity with or experience performing structural analyses of hydraulic structures with use of finite element software (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, STAAD, RISA, etc.).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel and Word, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task.
• Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
• Commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management, and the culture integral to our employee ownership model.
• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 10 years related experience
• Minimum 5 years project management experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• MS Office and MS Project experience (Access experience would be a plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

EEO and Benefits

HDR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employment equity and encourage all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, to apply. We offer a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee ownership, health, performance and success.

Employee networks include groups for Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women and Young Professionals, with executive sponsors and open participation for all employees.