Job Description

Puget Sound Energy’s Dam Safety department is looking for a Chief Dam Safety Engineer to lead this team to success.

PSE has significant capital projects underway specifically with the Lower Baker Dam Seepage Reduction Project.  This project is a multi-year drilling and grouting construction project in which this leadership role would ensure that the project is successful.  In addition, there are other significant capital projects currently in the pipeline which this role would oversee the design, execution, and completion along with PSE’s current team of Dam Safety engineers and project managers.
 
Through leading a team of engineers, dam safety specialists, project managers and consultants in the implementation of PSE’s Dam Safety Program and serves as the Chief Dam Safety Engineer in accordance with PSE’s Owner’s Dam Safety Program (ODSP).  

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading highly qualified teams of engineers and many years of experience working in the hydroelectric industry. 

Job Responsibilities

• Effectively leads department in monitoring the safety of PSE dams and reservoirs in accordance with the Owner’s Dam Safety Program and FERC guidelines.
• Coordinates inspections, engineering studies and analyses, prepares plans and reports, and reviews monitoring data to ensure safe and reliable operation of PSE’s dams, operating systems, and hydroelectric facilities.  Function as owner’s engineer on all aspects within the field of dam safety.
• Provides employees with coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities and building effective teams:
  • Demonstrates a passion for safety. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety including eliminating at-risk behaviors by conducting safety audits and inspections, eliminating hazards and near misses, and attending safety meetings.
  • Sets clear expectations and holds employees accountable for performance as well as safety goals/targets where applicable.
  • Oversees training and development of employees directly and indirectly managed and makes effective staffing decisions. Ensures required training is successfully completed.
  • Challenges and inspires employees to achieve business objectives.
  • Accountable to ensure employees adhere to legal and operational compliance requirements as well as safety standards.
  • Conducts and ensures the completion of performance reviews.
  • Provides coaching, direction and leadership support to team members in order to achieve employee, business, customer, and safety results.
• Establish and manage effective relationships with Federal and State regulators, Federal and local emergency management agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders. Works particularly closely with PSE hydroelectric plant managers and crews.
• Prepare budgets, process invoices, and manage contracts.  
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural or other appropriate engineering field) or equivalent experience
• 7 years relevant experience
• Professional Engineer License
• Proven experience and ability to lead and influence cross-functional and multi-discipline teams and stakeholders
• Demonstrated excellence in communications
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop and cultivate effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholder groups
• Strong organizational skills to manage complex projects and ability to develop and implement new processes
• Demonstrate a robust working knowledge of FERC dam safety compliance standards, guidelines, regulations and manuals and lead the program by becoming the primary contact with FERC Dam Safety and Inspections Department
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of dam safety engineering systems, including the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in civil, mechanical or geotechnical engineering

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s in Engineering.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively present complex data or project results to a diverse audience. 
• Successful track record of developing budgets, schedules, and work-plans and managing execution on those products.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop and cultivate effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
   

Additional Information