Dam Safety Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of critical infrastructure, the role of dam safety engineers is more crucial than ever.

As society thrives and expands, so does the need for vigilant professionals who can design, assess, and ensure the safety of our dam structures.

But what’s truly expected from a dam safety engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of dam safety engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re revealing a customizable dam safety engineer job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Dam Safety Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Dam Safety Engineers are responsible for the safety and structural integrity of dams.

They assess and monitor the condition of dams, plan and oversee maintenance and repair works, and design new dams with safety and longevity as the foremost considerations.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate the condition and structural integrity of dams through regular inspections and monitoring
• Design and implement dam safety programs, including emergency action plans
• Analyze and interpret data from inspections, tests, and monitoring equipment
• Prepare and maintain detailed engineering records and reports
• Develop specifications for dam construction and modification projects
• Work with geologists and other specialists to understand the geological context of dam sites
• Supervise and coordinate the work of technicians, technologists, and other engineers
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards
• Communicate with stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities, about dam safety issues and plans

 

Dam Safety Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Dam Safety Engineer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and enhancing the safety of our dams.

The successful candidate will have a firm grasp of engineering principles, particularly in the context of dam design, construction, and maintenance.

You should also be well-versed in related safety regulations and procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform regular safety inspections and assessments of dams
• Prepare detailed engineering analyses and evaluations
• Develop, implement, and oversee dam safety programs and procedures
• Recommend and design structural improvements for dams
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safety standards, regulations, and best practices
• Prepare and present reports on dam conditions and safety measures
• Work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders
• Provide technical guidance for dam operation, maintenance, and emergency response planning

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Dam Safety Engineer or similar role
• Strong understanding of dam safety regulations and procedures
• Proficiency in using engineering software and tools
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and report writing skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
• BSc degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dam Safety Engineer
• Work Environment: This position may require working in various conditions including office settings, remote sites and adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Safety Officer or Safety Management Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Dependent on qualifications and experience
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dam Safety Engineer Do?

Dam Safety Engineers work for government agencies, consulting firms, or dam management companies.

They may also offer their services as independent consultants.

They are primarily responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and enhancing the safety and integrity of dams.

This includes conducting regular inspections, identifying potential risks and structural defects, and implementing appropriate remedial measures.

Their role involves performing detailed analyses of dam designs, construction processes, and maintenance procedures.

They also review the dam’s capacity to withstand various scenarios such as floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

Dam Safety Engineers collaborate with other engineers and professionals to ensure that dams comply with safety regulations and standards.

They prepare and present technical reports, outlining their findings and recommendations for improving dam safety.

They may also be involved in emergency planning, developing strategies for dam break scenarios and mitigating the potential risks associated with dam failures.

In the event of a dam failure, they are often called upon to investigate the causes, assess the damage, and recommend solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

Dam Safety Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Dam Safety Engineers require a blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of dam safety principles to execute their roles effectively.

Here are some of the key skills and qualifications needed for this role:

• Technical knowledge of dam safety principles, hydraulic structures, hydrology, and engineering geology to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam structure.
• Analytical skills for assessing potential dam safety risks and developing feasible solutions to mitigate them.
• Proficiency in using engineering software and tools for dam safety analysis and inspection.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and the public.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, hydrologists, and structural engineers.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve safety issues that may arise during the design, construction, and operation of the dam.
• Knowledge of federal and state dam safety regulations, guidelines, and best practices.
• Project management skills to oversee dam safety projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

 

Dam Safety Engineer Experience Requirements

Dam Safety Engineers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field as an entry-level requirement.

Alongside this, they usually gain practical experience through internships or trainee roles in dam safety, water resources, or geotechnical engineering.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in dam construction, inspection, or maintenance.

These professionals can also gain experience in roles such as Geotechnical Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Water Resources Engineer.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often hone their technical skills and knowledge in water resources management, dam safety inspection, and hazard potential evaluation.

They may also have experience in designing, constructing, and rehabilitating dams.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license and may have leadership experience, including project management or team supervision roles.

They are likely skilled in risk assessment, emergency action planning, and have a deep understanding of dam safety regulatory and policy issues.

Some positions may require advanced degrees or postgraduate studies in Hydrology or Geotechnical Engineering, along with certified training in dam safety guidelines and standards.

These professionals are often considered for senior or expert level positions in dam safety engineering.

 

Dam Safety Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Dam Safety Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.

Their education should include a strong emphasis on subjects such as fluid dynamics, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering, which are crucial for understanding the behavior of dams and their related structures.

To become a licensed professional engineer, a Dam Safety Engineer must first gain work experience, usually under the supervision of a licensed engineer, and then pass two intensive competency exams.

Some roles may require Dam Safety Engineers to hold a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a specific area of engineering, such as geotechnical or hydraulic engineering, especially for positions that involve complex projects or research.

Aside from formal education, Dam Safety Engineers should have an in-depth knowledge of dam safety regulations and guidelines.

They should also be familiar with the latest tools and software used in the design, assessment, and maintenance of dams.

In addition, many Dam Safety Engineers pursue further training and certifications related to dam safety and engineering, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) certification or the Certified Dam Safety Professional (CDSP) credential.

These certifications can demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the field, and may be preferred or even required by some employers.

Continuing education is important in this field as technology and regulations evolve, so Dam Safety Engineers should be committed to lifelong learning and professional development.

 

Dam Safety Engineer Salary Expectations

A Dam Safety Engineer earns an average salary of $82,120 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, the specific employer, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Dam Safety Engineer Job Description FAQs

What are the daily duties of a dam safety engineer?

A dam safety engineer typically starts their day by reviewing the current status of their projects and addressing any urgent issues.

They then conduct inspections of dam structures, perform safety assessments, and work on designing and implementing safety measures.

They also collaborate with other engineers, architects, and contractors on project planning and development.

Part of their day may also involve preparing reports on their findings and presenting them to relevant stakeholders.

 

What qualifications does a dam safety engineer need?

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field is typically required for a dam safety engineer role.

To work on public projects, engineers must be licensed, which requires passing two competency exams.

In addition, some roles may require a master’s degree in engineering and a professional engineer’s license.

Experience working with dams and understanding their design and construction is also highly beneficial.

 

What skills does a dam safety engineer require?

Dam safety engineers require strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess potential risks and develop safety measures.

They must be proficient in various engineering software and tools.

Excellent communication skills are crucial for explaining their findings and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.

They should also have good project management skills for overseeing the implementation of safety measures.

 

What makes a good dam safety engineer?

A good dam safety engineer is vigilant, detail-oriented, and innovative, able to spot potential risks and devise effective solutions.

They are committed to public safety and environmental protection.

They can manage multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances.

They also keep updated with the latest advances in dam engineering and safety practices.

 

Is hiring a dam safety engineer difficult?

Hiring a dam safety engineer can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job.

It requires a unique combination of engineering expertise, practical experience, and knowledge of dam safety regulations.

Additionally, there may be a shortage of candidates with the right skills and experience in some regions.

Therefore, employers need to offer competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development to attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a dam safety engineer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about maintaining dam structures.

It’s about ensuring the safety and integrity of water reservoirs, one safety measure at a time.

With our tailored dam safety engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety measure is a part of the larger goal.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

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