Senior Dam Safety Engineer/ FERC Independent Consultant

HDR, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading hydropower and engineering firm is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer to join its dynamic hydropower practice. In this role, you'll perform critical inspections and assessments of dams, manage various projects, and lead design efforts. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in hydropower, a Professional Engineer license, and strong leadership skills. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available within the U.S.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in the hydropower sector.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience with FERC regulations and dam safety programs essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and assessments of dams and structures.
• Conduct engineering analyses and develop design options.
• Lead design efforts for hydraulic structures and related projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Self-Motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Finite Element Software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS)

Job description

Overview

HDR is looking for Senior Dam Safety Engineers and/or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Independent Consultants (IC) for 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 and experience with FERC Comprehensive Assessments (CA) and Periodic Inspections (PI). Hybrid or flexible work locations across the country are available.

The role involves working with a national Hydropower Practice engineering and regulatory team providing core services in mechanical, electrical, structural, geotechnical and site civil engineering, along with environmental science and regulatory specialties. This position offers the opportunity to work on innovative hydropower, pumped-storage and dam safety projects, with opportunities for career growth.

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 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 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 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 tasks.
• Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
• Commitment to quality, teaming, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management and our employee ownership culture.

• 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
• Active participation in an employee-owned culture preference

Company values and benefits

HDR is committed to employment equity and is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on criminal histories. The company supports a comprehensive benefits package for full-time regular positions, including health, retirement and professional development opportunities.