DWR Project Engineer

About the role

GEI’s West Region is seeking a motivated Project Level Engineer to work with one of GEI’s premier clients, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) - Operations and Maintenance Division. This position allows you to work as embedded staff with DWR, where you will be exposed to and develop expertise in various areas of DWR’s Southern Field Division facilities, including Pyramid Dam, Warne Powerplant, Castaic Dam, Cedar Springs Dam, Devil Canyon Second Afterbay, Crafton Hills Dams, and Perris Dam. The role involves dam safety and special topic inspections, FERC and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual reporting, and inspections, as well as FERC Part 12D and DSOD Dam Safety Review Board meetings and processes.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers and technical leads in engineering projects and tasks regarding dam safety items associated with hydropower infrastructure including conveyance (pipelines, canals, penstocks, pump stations, and tunnels), bridge facilities; instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, annual FERC/DSOD inspections, and engineering consultant coordination and oversight.
• Prepare technical scopes of work for proposals and projects, project budgets, requests for proposals for contractors, and technical reports.
• Perform engineering evaluations related to water resource facilities.
• Provide effective leadership role in proposal teams and presentations.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary, multi-geographic project teams.
• Maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client-based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
• Manage assigned projects and staff.
• Assist in recruiting and training additional staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural or other related engineering disciplines; M.S. preferred.
• 6-8 years of previous professional experience in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering; project management experience, including proposal preparation and budgeting support; understanding of state and federal regulations.
• Willingness and ability to travel on short-term assignments as needed.
• Willingness and ability to perform field tasks and oversight.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Professional Engineering license required; California license preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural or other related engineering disciplines; M.S. preferred.
• 6-8 years of previous professional experience in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering; project management experience, including proposal preparation and budgeting support; understanding of state and federal regulations.
• Willingness and ability to travel on short-term assignments as needed.
• Willingness and ability to perform field tasks and oversight.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Professional Engineering license required; California license preferred.

Skills

• Specific technical skills in dam safety from a geologic, geotechnical, hydraulic, hydrologic, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and operations perspective.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to engage and support key decision makers.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and more. It also includes a well-being program and paid parental leave, commuter benefits, hybrid work schedules, and cell phone stipends. GEI University provides continuing education assistance and tuition reimbursement, and there are opportunities for advancement and publication awards. The company is committed to employee growth and development, offering career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, and flexible work arrangements.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $36.06-55.76 hourly. GEI's Total Rewards Package includes market-competitive compensation, an annual performance bonus, a comprehensive benefits program, and more.

Schedule

This position requires a full-time dedication to GEI’s Support Staff role, with up to 50% of your time working in DWR’s Sacramento office. Remote working is possible after an initial period. Assignments are typically 1-2 years, after which the skills developed in the assignment will enable you to transition into a project management or technical position with other key GEI clients.