Assistant State Dam Inspector

Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management

Job Class Code: 6371
Grade: 25/Professional & Technical
Salary: $54,412.80 - $76,315.20 / Annually

Location:
Augusta - Statewide

Opening Date:
June 25, 2026

Closing Date:
July 10, 2026

This is entry‑level professional engineering work in the Maine State Dam Safety and Inspection Program. Responsibilities include inspecting dams throughout the State under the supervision of the State Dam Inspector to determine whether the integrity, structural stability, function, or operation of those dams constitutes a threat to public safety. In addition, this position assists the State Dam Inspector with the preparation of detailed inspection reports and recommendations in close collaboration with dam owners and operators, emergency management officials, and other state agencies as necessary.

Work is performed under limited supervision.

• Plans, schedules, and conducts condition inspection and hazard assessments of dams and reservoirs throughout the State, including field work, review, assessments, estimates of breach flows, and predicting negative impact to life and property.
• Assist in the hazard classification of dams, including reclassifications and dam removals.
• Assists in producing detailed reports on each dam inspected.
• Provides condition assessment of certain dam classifications based on metrics and professional experience and knowledge to the State Dam Inspector with financial outcomes including responsibilities of the dam owner.
• Submits engineering plans, agreements, construction contacts, calculations, and operation and maintenance of dams to the State Dam Inspector for approval.
• Assists in the review of the design and construction of new and reconstructed dams.
• Assist dam owners in developing emergency action plans to minimize the effect of dam failure.
• Assists in taking all necessary actions in emergency situations of probable dam failure to protect life and property.
• Assists the State Dam Inspector in conducting research and applying for grants and budgeting for inspections and program resources, review of construction documents, and coordination with Departments and outside interested parties.
• Uses engineering techniques to assist in evaluating potential hazard situations based on storm frequencies and changing climatological data.
• Conducts research to assist in developing guidance documents for internal inspections, rule changes, and public outreach.
• Assists in providing interstate support in dam safety guidance and emergency response in the event of dam failures or emergency situations through the principles of the Incident Command System.

• Knowledge of general civil engineering, with a special emphasis in structural analysis and design, water resources analysis and design, hydrology, geotechnical and foundations engineering, construction methods, surveying principles, contract administration, technical inspections, and dam maintenance and operations.
• Knowledge of the design and construction of dams including the review of technical calculations for use in analysis and design review.
• Strong written and communication skills for technical writing, public interaction, and working with State legislative authorities for rule changes and adoption.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or closely related field – OR – non‑engineering college graduates and non‑degreed candidates must possess a Certification of Engineer‑Intern as issued by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.

See Minimum Qualifications.

Must be successfully completed by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee‑only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value),…