Dams Practice Lead

Primary Responsibilities

The Dam Practice Lead is responsible for the program direction, quality control of work, and professional development of HDR’s Dam and Reservoir program. The position will report to the Dams, Levees and Civil Works (DLCW) Business Class (BC) Director.

The duties of the Dams Practice Lead are to lead strategic planning, direct and oversee all aspects of HDR’s Dam and Reservoir program. This includes oversight of quality delivery and staff training related to dam projects in the practice, which includes large-scale multi-discipline and multi-benefit projects with a high degree of technical complexity, down to relatively straightforward projects with regional and local benefits. The position will assist in HDR corporate portfolio risk management, build and maintain client relations and participate in project development and project delivery. The person will mentor mid- and junior-level staff across a variety of disciplines. The position will participate in and provide oversight of a variety of project types including planning, design, inspection and construction management of dam and reservoir projects involving water supply, irrigation, hydropower, recreation, flood control, and navigation. The position will lead or support development and maintain HDR’s presence in the industry through building our reputation and through participation in professional organizations to raise the profile of the dams program.

The position will be responsible for supporting reviews and actions according to HDR’s Matrix of Authority (MOA) and risk management. The selected individual will work closely with the DLCW BC Director and other DLCW leaders, hydropower BC leaders, project managers, business group managers and area managers in reviewing go/no go decisions, SOWs, Contracts, and project pricing. The position will coordinate projects with inter-related disciplines such as hydrology, hydraulics, structural, geology, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, CADD and GIS. The position will also require coordination with HDR’s other regional and corporate business class technical leads and advisors.

Keyword(s): dam, levee, reservoir, spillway, flood control, water, tidal, coastal, riverine.

Location and Travel

The geographic location of this position is non-specific; however, a location with significant HDR presence is preferred. The estimated average travel requirement is 50% with monthly variations between 0% and 75%.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in dam inspection, analysis and design or related field.
• Experience in leadership roles related to dam safety and multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience related to the design and construction of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and earthen dams.
• Experience related to grouting of new or existing dam foundations.
• Experience working with consultant review boards for large dam design projects.
• Experience in considering risk informed decision making (RIDM) in the evaluation, improvement, and design of dams.
• Familiarity with the USACE risk management tools and/or other federal risk programs, including USBOR and FERC.
• Experience with construction oversight of new high hazard dams or for major modifications to existing high hazard dams.
• Experience performing numerical analysis and inspection of various dam types (earth, concrete gravity, arch)
• Master’s degree in civil, mechanical, geotechnical, and structural engineering.
• Applicants must be self-starters that are highly motivated and team oriented.
• Applicants must have extensive experience designing and directing large complex multi-discipline projects.
• Strong technical writing abilities, solid engineering background, and effective presentation skills are necessary for this position.

Keyword(s): dam, levee, reservoir, spillway, flood control, water, tidal, coastal, riverine.