Dam Safety Engineer

Position Description

This classification serves as Tacoma Power’s designated subject-matter expert in dam safety and security and is responsible for directing, planning, and coordinating engineering activities within Tacoma Power’s Owner’s Dam Safety Program. The position ensures full compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Assigned to the Power Utility and operating under FERC jurisdiction, this position performs advanced civil engineering work and provides authoritative technical leadership in matters related to dam safety, surveillance, regulatory compliance, and risk management. The incumbent is recognized internally and externally as a technical authority in dam safety and is relied upon by senior leadership for decision-making within this area of expertise.

Work involves leading high-impact and high-dollar engineering initiatives, assisting in policy development, making operational and strategic recommendations, managing enterprise-level compliance activities, and performing highly technical work with significant operational and regulatory impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are illustrative and not intended to be all-inclusive:
Dam Safety Program Leadership

• Assisting the Chief Dam Safety Engineer: Leads and coordinates Tacoma Power’s Owner’s Dam Safety Program.
• Monitors dam safety operations and promptly notifies senior management of issues, risks, or potential regulatory concerns.
• Leads the internal dam safety review process.
  
• Develops, implements, and manages surveillance monitoring plans and public safety plans.
  
• Reviews applicable laws and regulations and amends internal programs to ensure continued compliance.
  
• Oversees dam safety-related programs and projects to ensure regulatory alignment.
  

Advanced Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Performs advanced civil engineering activities including:
  
  • Analyzing complex technical data
    
  • Preparing technical reports and regulatory filings
    
  • Conducting engineering calculations
    
  • Developing specifications
    
  • Preparing cost estimates and forecasts
    
• Reviews construction and maintenance plans and schedules to ensure compliance with dam safety and regulatory requirements.
  
• Stamps, seals, and approves engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents.
  
• Acts as Chief Dam Safety Engineer (CDSE) in the absence of the appointed CDSE.
  

Regulatory Coordination & Representation

• Prepares and responds to correspondence from FERC and other regulatory agencies.
  
• Represents Tacoma Power during inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
  
• Ensures projects and operational activities comply with federal, state, and local requirements.
  

Consultant & Equipment Oversight

• Leads or collaborates in the selection of engineering consultants.
  
• Participates in procurement processes related to dam safety engineering services and equipment.
  
• Oversees testing, installation, and commissioning of monitoring systems and safety-related infrastructure.
  

Training, Policy & Industry Engagement

• Develops and implements training programs related to dam safety, surveillance, and regulatory compliance.
  
• Prepares and maintains procedural manuals and technical guidance documents.
  
• Engages with industry peers, professional associations, working groups, consultants, and regional associations to advance dam safety initiatives and best practices.
  

Leadership & Influence

• Provides technical direction to engineers, project managers, operations personnel, and contractors.
  
• May provide project-based leadership or limited supervision of staff.
  
• Exercises delegated decision-making authority within the dam safety program and provides strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
6 years of professional level engineering experience involving dam safety inspections; including 2 years of assisting with a dam safety inspection program

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer**

As Assigned:
Washington State Driver's License

*Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of dam engineering, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and structural analysis.
  
• In-depth understanding of FERC dam safety regulations and compliance requirements.
  
• Advanced analytical and engineering calculation skills.
  
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory standards.
  
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment in high-risk and politically sensitive environments.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for regulatory and executive audiences.
  
• Ability to lead complex, high-impact engineering projects.
  
  

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.65

Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

***Studies have shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all listed qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable skills and experience, please tell us about them. ***

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt. If you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with them on LinkedIn.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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