Assistant State Dam Inspector

Maine State Dam Safety And Inspection Program

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, and emergency management officials, and other state agencies as necessary.

Work is performed under limited supervision.

Representative tasks include:

• Planning, scheduling, and conducting condition inspection and hazard assessments of dams and reservoirs throughout the State, to include field work, review, assessments, estimates of breach flows, and predicting negative impact to life and property.
• Assisting in the hazard classification of dams, including reclassifications and dam removals.
• Assisting in producing detailed reports on each dam inspected.
• Providing 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.
• Submitting engineering plans, agreements, construction contacts, calculations, and operation and maintenance of dams to the State Dam Inspector for approval.
• Assisting in reviewing the design and construction of new and reconstructed dams.
• Assisting dam owners in developing emergency action plans to minimize the effect of dam failure.
• Assisting in taking all necessary actions in emergency situations of probable dam failure to protect life and property.
• Assisting 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.
• Using engineering techniques to assist in evaluating potential hazard situations based on storm frequencies and changing climatological data.
• Conducting research to assist in developing guidance documents for internal inspections, rule changes, and public outreach.
• Assisting 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.

Knowledges, skills, and abilities required include:

• 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.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Bachelors 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.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine include:

• 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), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the…