Dam Safety Engineer

Essential Utilities, Inc.•Lower Merion Township, PA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aqua Pennsylvania, a leader in the water utility industry, is committed to providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services to communities across Pennsylvania. We are seeking a motivated and skilled Dam Safety Engineer to join our team. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for infrastructure development, water resources, and dam safety. As a Dam Safety Engineer, you will be 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 Aqua. This would include low hazard dams, high hazard dams, and floodwater protection systems at Water Treatment Plant facilities. This role will partner with local engineering consultants, PA DEP Dam Safety, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Civil engineering preferred.
4+ years relevant experience (Dam Safety Preferred)
PA Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.
Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to operate Company vehicle is required.
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).
Willingness to foster relationships and network with Regulatory Authorities (E.g., PA DEP Dam Safety) and serve as the face of Aqua’s Dam Safety Program.
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.

Responsibilities

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 Aqua’s dam safety program, including: engineering evaluations, emergency preparedness (Emergency Action Plans), O&M plans, SOP development & training, and associated responses.
Provides technical 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 Aqua’s dams.
Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and communications.
Assure appropriate and timely communication to Aqua’s 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.