National Dams Design Leader

Dewberry

The Role

Overview

Lead national dam design practice, drive growth, manage projects and client relationships

Key Responsibilities

  • growth strategy
  • proposal development
  • client development
  • staff management
  • quality assurance
  • business development

Tasks

-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

Requirements

  • dam design
  • geotechnical
  • pe license
  • 10+ years
  • client management
  • leadership

What You Bring

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.

The Company

About Dewberry

-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.

Sector Specialisms

Community Facilities

Education

Energy

Federal

Health and Wellness

Industrial

Justice

Real Estate and Commercial Development

Risk, Response, and Recovery

Telecommunications

Transportation

Water

Culture

Community Engagement

Visa Sponsorship

-dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

Security Clearance

-offers require background screening including employment verification, education verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and investigative consumer report.