Chief Dam Safety Engineer

Primary Role:

The Sr Principal Engineering, Dam Safety (designated the “Chief Dam Safety Engineer” in American Water’s various internal dam protocols and procedures) is responsible for providing technical oversight for all engineering and operational activities concerning the evaluation and compliance of dam safety inspections, monitoring, coordination, and reporting regarding water retention structures owned and operated by the subsidiary Operating Companies of American Water. Through a matrixed reporting structure, this role will lead a team of engineers and others in the implementation and continuous improvement of our Dam Safety Program. This role will play a crucial part in identifying potential risks, implementing mitigation measures, and ensuring regulatory compliance to safeguard our assets and surrounding communities.

This role can sit anywhere in the American Water Footprint: West Virginia, Virginia, Tennesee, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Missouri, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Hawaii, California, with a preference in Pennsylvania. 

This will be Hybrid- 3 days on-site & 2 days WFH. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide expert input, consultation and recommendations to state and corporate leadership on decisions involving the company's dams, and their associated capital investments.
• Provides a strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of AW’s dam safety engineering, evaluation, emergency preparedness, training, and associated responses.
• Provides technical and supervisory direction for studies of technical, environmental, and economic feasibility, engineering field studies, and related studies pertaining to dam design and dam safety studies.
• Provides and/or supports technical direction in preparation of contracts and specifications for dam safety and related engineering and construction services of AW dams.
• Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and communications.
• Assure appropriate and timely communication to American Water senior leadership, as appropriate, to the safety of the dam structures.
• Develop the professional skills and experience of the engineering staff to build and maintain required professional capabilities and capacity to support the business in specialized engineering disciplines related to dams.
• Represent the Company before regulatory agencies and provide professional testimony, as necessary.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water retention facilities.
• Strong knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to dams.
• Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in dams and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively solve problem solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a dam design or dam safety engineer.
• Minimum of 5 years responsibility for providing SME leadership to teams delivering engineering projects and/or technical services.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Professional Engineer (PE)

Work Environment

Standard indoor office environment. May occasionally work in construction environments, near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and could include a work environment where possible exposure to physical hazards, noise exposure, weather extremes, wet and/or humid conditions and chemicals exist. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 20%, as required.

Competencies:

Compensation Data:

Posted Range: 124,800-174,200

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally

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