National Dams Design Leader

Company logo
Dewberry
Nationwide planning, design and construction firm creating innovative solutions for natural and built environments.
Lead growth of national dam design practice, overseeing strategy, client relations, delivery.
17 days ago ago
$175,000 - $236,250
Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
990 S. Broadway, Suite 400
Office Full-Time
Company Size
2,788 Employees
Service Specialisms
Engineering
Architecture
Construction Services
Design
Planning
Environmental Services
Surveying
Geospatial Services
Sector Specialisms
Community Facilities
Education
Energy
Federal
Health and Wellness
Industrial
Justice
Real Estate and Commercial Development
Role
What you would be doing
growth strategy
proposal development
contract negotiation
client relations
team mentoring
quality assurance
  • Participates in personnel decisions and manages personnel in alignment with the national growth strategy.
  • Recommends and assists in recruiting of key staff to support growth of the dams practice consistent with the growth strategy.
  • Work with national, regional, and local market and operations leadership to develop and execute a growth strategy for Dewberry’s national dams practice.
  • Develops statement of qualifications, detailed proposals, project execution plans, and contracts to include project understanding, scope of work, project approaches, pricing, schedule, terms and conditions, and performs contract negotiations.
  • Supports client identification, positioning, proposal preparation, and delivery of dam and water resources projects aligned with the growth strategy.
  • Leverages existing local, regional, and national client and partner relationships to strategically expand and grow our dam portfolio.
  • Helps teams mine work through existing client connections and contracts.
  • Works in team environment to leverage assets of the business units, regional, and national resources to position, win and deliver work aligned with the overall growth strategy.
  • Increases Dewberry’s visibility in the public sector dams and water resources businesses through active participation in national, state and local professional and community organizations.
  • Mentors staff in both client relationship development and project delivery.
  • Ensures quality of own work and the work of others, while maintaining budget and schedule.
  • Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable company policies and performance measures.
  • Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting the dams and water resources business and recommends new practices or changes to internal programs.
  • Develop a strong understanding of Dewberry’s experience, staff, and client relationships applicable to the dams practice
What you bring
dam design
pe license
10+ years
geotechnical
project management
client management

Excellent opportunity for an ambitious and talented individual to have direct impact on growth of Dewberry’s Dams Practice nationally. We have a strong and growing portfolio of design, construction management, H&H modeling, dam safety, civil, QC, and other related services in our dams practice and would like to engage a senior engineer with a strong dam design background to grow the practice nationally. The successful candidate will work with our national water market segment leadership and regional operations management to develop and execute a growth strategy in this critical market.

Dewberry is currently seeking a National Dams Design Leader in one of the following Dewberry offices: Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, New York City, NY, Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, Baltimore, MD or Gainesville, VA. This strategic leadership role will focus on growth of our dams portfolio with a specific focus on growth of our dam design practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in geotechnical or structural design of dams and appurtenant hydraulic structures.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

  • Applies a thorough knowledge and expertise of current principles and practices of dam engineering acquired through progressive experience to resolve crucial issues and/or project challenges.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven experience in the planning, design and construction of dam infrastructure.
  • A successful track record of managing project scope, schedule and budget along with project teams.
  • Professional Engineering license.
  • A minimum of 10 years of project and client management experience.
  • Strong client management and business development skills.
  • Successful track record of building client relationships in the dams market, with a reputation for being highly responsive and delivering quality work.
  • A strong background and engineering skillset related to geotechnical or structural engineering focused on dam design and rehabilitation
  • B.S. Degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering; Master’s Degree in Engineering is a plus.
  • Minimum of 20 years of consulting experience, with increasing levels of project and client responsibly for dam engineering projects.
  • Strong leadership qualities and ability to coach and mentor staff.
Benefits

Dewberry offers a comprehensive and very competitive package of insurance programs to regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents the first of the month following their date of hire. The insurance package includes: medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life. Additional insurances, at no cost to the employee: life (employee only), accidental death and dismemberment, business travel and accident, and short- and long-term disability are also provided. Employees pay a share of Dewberry’s premium expenses (on a pre-tax basis) for medical and dental insurance plans.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join a team of outstanding professionals. This position offers potential for professional growth in a great working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to assist our clients in solving their most challenging problems.

Dewberry offers a wide range of other employee benefits, including: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, 529 College Savings Plans, Travel Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Spending Accounts and Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children.

Positions within our officer program are also eligible for an annual bonus and stipend. Both vary based on level within the program and bonuses are dependent upon company performance.

In addition, a host of discounted purchase programs are available to all employees.

Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
  • at this time, dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
Security clearance
  • offer recipients must undergo background screening including employment, education, driving record, criminal, and consumer report checks.
Company
Overview
1956 Founded
Year Established
The firm was established in 1956 as a family-owned engineering company.
$683M Revenue
Annual Revenue
Reported $683 million in revenue for 2024.
#37 Ranked
ENR Ranking
Ranked #37 in ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms.
  • Began as a family‑owned engineering firm and has grown into a nationwide professional services powerhouse.
  • Headquartered in Fairfax, VA.
  • Over six decades, it has woven its identity through iconic projects like the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel expansion and NOAA coastal mapping contracts.
  • Combining architecture, engineering, surveying, geospatial and construction management, Dewberry tackles projects across sectors—from transportation corridors to water‑resource systems.
  • Embraces design‑build delivery, supporting clients in both public and private sectors, including complex federal infrastructure and environmental undertakings.
  • A standout moment came when Dewberry secured NOAA’s multi‑state coastal geospatial services contract, reinforcing its reputation in geospatial innovation.
  • Work spans clinics, wastewater plants, transit‑oriented developments, shoreline mapping and more—reflecting a breadth that defines the firm’s narrative.
  • Firm leadership remains connected to its roots: still family‑led, yet managed with nationwide collaboration and a creative spirit.
Culture + Values
  • We value relationships built on trust and respect.
  • We foster a collaborative environment that encourages open communication and creative thinking.
  • We strive for excellence in all that we do, delivering quality results for our clients.
  • We are committed to continuous learning and development, empowering our employees to grow professionally and personally.
  • We support a work-life balance and respect for individual needs and responsibilities.
Environment + Sustainability
2050 Target
Net Zero Ambition
Aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by a specific year, demonstrating long-term environmental commitment.
  • Integrates sustainable design practices into projects, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.
  • Promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction in all areas of operations.
  • Advocates for climate change mitigation and has developed climate resiliency strategies for its clients.
  • Continues to track and report on its environmental footprint, with plans to reduce emissions in line with global climate goals.
Inclusion & Diversity
  • Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued.
  • Increasing the representation of women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles.
  • Supporting mentorship and professional development programs to foster career growth for all employees.
  • Tracking gender diversity and making strides in improving gender representation across the workforce.
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