Water Resources – Floodplain & Dam Engineer – Technical Lead
Location: Fairfax County, VA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Water Resources – Floodplain & Dam Engineer to join their Water Resources team as a Technical Lead and lead technical modeler .
This is an excellent opportunity for a civil engineer with strong hydrology and hydraulics (H&H), floodplain, and dam modeling experience to take a leadership role on a variety of municipal, state, federal, and private-sector projects.
The successful candidate will work on floodplain modeling and permitting, dam breach analysis, hydraulic modeling, floodplain crossing design, and dam permitting , while also helping improve internal processes and mentoring junior engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS models using topographic, GIS, and as-built data
- Analyze, calibrate, troubleshoot, and QC hydraulic and hydrologic models
- Perform floodplain modeling for local and FEMA-regulated floodplains
- Prepare floodplain studies, CLOMR, LOMR, and floodplain alteration packages
- Conduct dam breach inundation studies, dam hazard assessments, and dam failure analyses
- Perform floodplain and dam breach modeling and mapping
- Prepare emergency action plans and assist with emergency drill presentations
- Design vehicular and pedestrian crossings through floodplains
- Support dam rehabilitation and alteration design
- Coordinate with external geotechnical engineers and other project stakeholders
- Prepare and QC floodplain and dam permitting packages
- Conduct field visits for floodplain and dam inspections
- Develop local and state permit applications
- Prepare and review technical reports
- Research applicable regulatory codes, manuals, standards, and policies
- Coordinate with regulators to address comments and facilitate project approvals
- Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
- Communicate effectively with project teams and clients
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
- Help drive and improve internal technical processes
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience with HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS modeling or similar H&H modeling software
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Excellent attention to detail and quality-control skills
- Proficiency with ArcMap or similar GIS software
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
- Experience with HEC-RAS 2D modeling
- Proficiency with AutoCAD
- Experience with floodplain and/or dam permitting
- Experience working with FEMA and/or state regulatory agencies
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of water resources, floodplain, dam, and civil engineering projects while taking on a meaningful technical leadership role.
You’ll work in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, professional development, technical excellence, and career growth. The position also provides the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and help shape internal processes and technical standards .
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan
- Continuing education incentives
- Professional training and development
- Career advancement opportunities
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
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