Chief Dam Safety Engineer

Relocation assistance to Colorado Springs will be provided to the successful candidate.

Shape the Safety, Reliability, and Future of Our Water Infrastructure!

Are you an engineer with expertise in dam safety? Do you have experience with leading engineering studies and supporting projects related to dam improvements and assets? If so, this is the opportunity for you! As a Chief Dam Safety Engineer, you will be our four-service utility's subject matter expert on dam improvements, rehabilitation, and safety while leading all engineering activities related to dam engineering and safety. This job offers the opportunity to:

Influence dam strategy and engineering standards
Work on complex dam systems requiring advanced engineering judgment and expertise
Establish and maintain a dam safety program that will shape our future

What Else Will You be Doing?

Leading projects on dam hydrology/hydraulics, appurtenances, embankments, conduits, seepage, intakes, control valves and gates, spillway, liners, and operational improvements
Leading dam safety program efforts, emergency action plans, and operational support
Serving as a subject matter expert in Colorado State Engineer's Rules and Regulations for Dam Safety and Dam Construction, and FERC Regulations
Leading initiatives to support dam assets and prioritizing long-term investments of dams
Leading dam safety inspections conducted by internal, state, and federal authorities
Serving as our organization's representative related to dam engineering and safety
Supporting strategic workforce and succession planning efforts related to dam engineering (e.g., knowledge transfer, skill development)
Providing technical expertise and guidance to other engineers and technical staff
Developing, recommending, and implementing policies, standards, and procedures
Reviewing new technologies and evaluating industry trends and direction
Promoting safe work practices among contractors and stakeholders; ensuring safety through commitment to rules and procedures; and supporting department safety through design reviews, technical analysis and specifications, and after-action engagement

Who You Are

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university (Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical engineering is preferred)
Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license
Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in dam engineering, including inspection, rehabilitation, and safety
Ability to work independently and build effective relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a small amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those required for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a small amount, a job should be rated Light Work when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree or when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls and/or when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is small. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding work even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave –3 days per year
Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness