Environmental Engineer VI - Dam Safety Program Regulatory and Emergency Action Plan Services

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Investment Division, Dam Safety Program (DSP) is seeking a highly motivated civil or environmental engineer to join the regulatory and emergency action planning group within our team. Experience or interest in dam safety engineering, regulation, Emergency Action Planning, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for dams is preferred. Candidates with the intent to pursue Professional Engineer licensure in the future are desired.

An ideal applicant will have the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced work environment where public safety is vital, and the goal is to reduce risks to life, property, and the environment from dam incidents and failure through effective communication, education, and regulation. Candidates should have strong technical skills, written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to identify and implement process improvements.

The DSP acts as both regulator and dam owner, regulating nearly 1,000 non-power, non-federal dams statewide and acts as the State’s owner representative at 14 dams, including the three Winooski River Flood Control dams. The DSP is a growing team that includes staff engineers, analysts, technicians, and professional engineers with many years of Dam Safety experience. Major duties include the development, maintenance, and review of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), development of EAP policy, EAP training, dam hazard potential classification, permit review, issuance, oversight, and program buildout, dam safety rule compliance and enforcement, assistance with dam emergencies, assistance with dam inspection, dam operation and maintenance support including flood control dam oversight and operations.

As of July 14, 2025, the step 1 rate for pay grade 25 will be $30.92 per hour.

Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Fieldwork may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.