Senior Dams & Hydropower Practice Lead

GEI Consultants; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits program

Hybrid work schedules

GEI University with continuing education assistance

Job summary

GEI Consultants in Oakland, California, is seeking a Senior Dams Practice Leader to oversee planning, design, and management of dam-related projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of related experience, a B.S. in Civil Engineering or Geology, and be a registered Civil Engineer in California. Benefits include market-competitive salary, comprehensive medical benefits, and hybrid work schedules. The position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multi-million dollar projects effectively.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in planning, design, project management, and construction of dams or hydropower projects.
• Registered professional Civil Engineer in California.
• Ability to manage projects with $1M–$20M contract value.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering planning, design, and construction management for dam projects.
• Contribute to setting the strategy for the Dams Practice.
• Develop construction drawings and technical specifications.

Skills

Project management

Civil Engineering

Communication skills

Relationship building

Regulatory knowledge

Education

B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering or Geology

M.S. Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft software

Structural/hydraulic engineering programs

Job description

EngineeringOakland,California
Salary: USD 150000.00 - 250000.00 Annually

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and our Oakland, CA office is seeking a Senior Dams Practice Leader to assist with complex and challenging projects in Northern California and throughout the United States. We provide engineering services on a wide range of water resource and energy projects. This position will lead and support ongoing engineering planning, design, and construction management for these projects. This individual will lead inspection, evaluation, design, and construction observation of dam and hydroelectric facilities, including spillways, outlet works, gates, water conveyance structures (tunnels, pipelines, and canals), penstocks, powerhouses, and pump stations.

Reporting to the Branch or Regional Manager, this position will coordinate technical services and staff within the assigned practice to foster collaboration across the region. Manage projects and clients within the practice. Primary focus is on practice and regional needs with senior leadership in GEI’s California Oakland office and elsewhere.

• Contribute to setting the overall strategy and vision to reinforce and expand the West Region Dams Practice.
• Identify, develop, and pursue opportunities with new and existing clients within the West Region and nationwide.
• Lead proposals to provide professional services and support other GEI offices with proposals and the delivery of professional services.
• Plan, coordinate, direct, and supervise design teams in the design, scheduling, and budgeting of water infrastructure projects such as dams, spillways, outlet works, hydroelectric facilities, and other water supply and flood control structures.
• Develop construction drawings, technical specifications, and bid documents related to dams and appurtenant facilities.
• Provide technical input and oversight in one or more of the following areas: geotechnical engineering design of embankment and concrete dams and foundations, foundation design, structural design of concrete hydraulic structures, open channel/spillway hydraulics, embankment dam design, and design of roller compacted concrete dams.
• Prepare technical reports, letters, memoranda, and presentations.
• Collaborate with senior project managers and technical staff across the company.
• Travel to project sites and other offices as required, including overnight travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering or Geology, with a M.S. Degree preferred.
• 15 years’ experience in planning, design, project management, and construction of dams and/or hydropower projects
• Registered professional Civil Engineer in California (other states a plus)
• Ability to work with limited supervision; organized; energetic and enthusiastic; and ability to build productive working relationships within the firm and with project teams
• Qualified applicants will have experience managing projects with $1M-$20M contract value (<$5M-$100M construction value)
• Understanding of regulatory and permitting environment in California, including work under jurisdiction of the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams and federal agencies (USACE, FERC, etc)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work well in a team atmosphere.
• Willing to travel to site locations, as needed, including field assignments.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in pursuing and winning opportunities for water clients in the West region
• Strong reputation in the California market for dams and hydropower services
• Over twenty years’ experience in Civil Engineering and Water Resources related fields.
• We are seeking a civil engineer specializing in water resource engineering with strong analysis and design experience working on large civil works projects such as dams, pipelines, levees, canals, pump stations and related structures.
• Ability to supervise and direct junior staff.
• Experience with project management concepts and software. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Candidates should be thoroughly familiar with computerized applications including Microsoft software and structural and hydraulic engineering applications.
• Knowledgeable of California water institutions and issues is desirable.

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
• Pay Range For This Position: $150,000.00 – $250,000.00/year
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• 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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

Sedentary

X

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

X

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

X

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

X

Carrying objects

X

Push/pull

X

Twisting

X

X

Reaching forward

X

Reaching overhead

X

X

X

X

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

X

Taste or smell (taste=never)

X

Talk or hear

X

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

Other (exposure risks):

8

X

10

12

Other work hours

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

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.