Dam Safety Analyst

Grand River Dam Authority•Tulsa, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dam Safety Analyst is responsible for the technical evaluation, safety management, and regulatory compliance of hydroelectric dams and their associated infrastructure. This position emphasizes review of established and approved engineering assessments of geologic, geotechnical, and structural performance for the Authority’s hydraulic structures. The position will analyze structural, foundation, and hydrologic principles and methodologies to ensure the operational integrity, efficiency, and safety of dams used for power generation and other water retention structures owned, operated, and that influence Authority operations. The role involves close collaboration with engineers, hydrologists, regulatory agencies, and operations teams to assess structural performance, mitigate risks, and implement improvements. This position requires expertise in hydroelectric dam systems, structural engineering, hydrology, and regulatory compliance, as well as a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with water resource management and energy production.

Requirements

Minimum of Master’s degree in Geology (with structural geology emphasis), Civil Engineering (with structural and geotechnical emphasis), or a related field.
Minimum 2 years’ related experience.
Ability to obtain professional licensure is required.
Knowledge of foundation conditions and interaction with water retention structures.
Strong knowledge of structural geology and structure interaction is preferred.
Familiarity with hydraulic structural analysis principles, seismic considerations, and reservoir management.
Comprehensive understanding of FERC regulations and guidelines for dam safety.
Experience preparing regulatory documentation and leading compliance activities.
Ability to analyze complex datasets and identify risks or performance inefficiencies.
Strong aptitude for developing innovative solutions to improve dam safety and operations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and stakeholder engagement.
Experience leading projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

A strong knowledge of structural geology and structure interaction is preferred.

Responsibilities

Compile and assess site and structure condition and instrument data prepared by others.
Review data as it is made available, whether on routine or supplementary basis to determine, on as timely a basis as possible, any variation from expected performance.
Prepare assessment reports and present the findings to the Chief Dam Safety Engineer at least monthly.
Present monthly summary reports of analyses to the dam safety condition observation team and coordinate any necessary adjustments or supplements to the condition assessment activity.
Prepare annual report of findings to comply with regulatory requirements.
Support the engineering team with detailed inspections of hydroelectric dam structures, spillways, penstocks, powerhouses, and mechanical systems and compile or prepare reports of findings.
Analyze data from monitoring systems, including pressure sensors, flow meters, tilt meters, and strain gauges to detect potential risks or inefficiencies.
Identify and document structural, hydraulic, and mechanical issues associated with dam safety conditions, recommending appropriate corrective actions.
Participate in and conduct failure mode analyses specific to hydroelectric systems, evaluating risks such as turbine malfunctions, penstock ruptures, and structural instability.
Use available hydraulic and hydrological models to confirm any changes in scenarios such as extreme inflows, flood events, or seismic activity.
Assess the downstream impacts of potential dam failures and develop mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations, including Part 12 inspections, Potential Failure Mode Analysis, and Independent Consultant Safety Reviews.
Prepare regulatory reports, including federal Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Reports state format reports for structures outside of the federal system.
Serve as a point of contact during audits and regulatory reviews.
Support updates and tests of Emergency Action Plans.
Coordinate with emergency management agencies and stakeholders to implement effective response strategies and provide technical guidance during emergencies, such as extreme weather events or operational disruptions.