Practice Leader, Dams & Hydraulic Structures

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Practice Leader for Dams & Hydraulic Structures, preferably based in our Huntington, WV office, to help lead and grow our national practice. This position offers flexibility for a hybrid or fully remote schedule at the company's discretion. The role involves providing technical leadership, collaborating with Geosyntec’s network of dam engineering professionals, and expanding our capabilities and client relationships across the U.S.

The successful candidate will contribute to innovative and challenging projects involving heavy civil works and hydraulic structures, including embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, conveyance systems, river navigation locks, floodwalls, and powerhouses. This is an opportunity to shape the direction and growth of a highly collaborative practice while delivering innovative solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development activities in collaboration with Geosyntec’s Dams and Hydraulic Structures practice and key engineering and water resources staff, including:
  • Developing and coordinating a Regional business strategy for Dams and Hydraulic Structures, initially focused on power utility and government clients.
  • Establishing relationships with potential clients and tracking opportunities.
  • Recruiting top talent and assembling a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Leveraging existing and establishing new relationships with potential teaming partners.
  • Working with marketing staff to prepare marketing materials and technical proposals.
  • Participating in professional organizations and activities.
• Provide leadership within the Geosyntec Dams and Hydraulic Structures practice to develop and implement current dam engineering best practices.
• Mentor technical staff and assist with staff development and recruiting to grow the firm’s dam engineering capabilities, particularly in the Southeast U.S.
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and oversight for Dams and Hydraulic Structures projects in one or more of the following areas:
  • Dam safety inspections and engineering assessments of concrete dams, embankment dams, levees, and other water management structures.
  • Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for spillway and outlet works evaluations, dam break analyses, and inundation mapping.
  • Geotechnical analyses and design for embankment dams, including seepage analysis, slope stability, and liquefaction triggering.
  • Structural evaluations and stability analyses of concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, and ancillary structures.
  • Performing potential failure modes analyses, SQRA, and QRA risk analyses.
  • Alternatives analyses for rehabilitation options for embankment and concrete dams.
  • Analysis, design, and detailing of rehabilitation schemes for dams, appurtenances, foundations, anchoring systems, reinforced concrete, roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dams, spillway structures, energy dissipation structures, and channels.
  • Preparation of construction plans and specifications.
  • Instrumentation of dams and ancillary structures.
  • Design services during construction.
• Drive personal, company, or rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites and other business locations as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering degree. (required)
• Advanced degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Geology, Structural, or Hydraulics Engineering. (preferred)
• Professional Engineer licensure. (preferred)
• NCEES Record for PE comity. (preferred)
• At least 10 years (15+ preferred) of progressive experience in the consulting industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with the water resources and dams practice in the region.
• Knowledge of Risk-Informed-Decision-Making methodologies such as USACE, FERC, and Reclamation. (preferred)
• Field work and overnight travel may be required.
• Current OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER training and refreshers. (preferred)
• Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

Benefits

We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.