Dams, Levees and Civil Works Construction Business Class Lead

Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

The Dams, Levees and Civil Works (DLCW) Construction Business Class (BC) Lead is responsible for technical and programmatic leadership for the planning, design integration, and construction delivery of HDR's Dam and Levee projects, and for 3rd party CM projects where HDR is not the designer. The position will report to the DLCW BC Director. The duties include leading strategic planning, risk management, and direct oversight of all aspects of HDR's DLCW projects during the construction phase, working with design teams to consider constructability and costs during the design phase, and ensuring design intent is met during construction.

The selected candidate may serve as lead engineer, technical lead, or project manager on DLCW design projects and will participate in industry engagement to maintain HDR's DLCW program profile.

The DLCW Construction BC Lead will:

• Lead strategic planning, risk management, and direct oversight of HDR's DLCW projects during construction.
• Work with design teams to consider constructability and costs during the design phase.
• Collaborate with other HDR business class leaders and the Construction Management BC Director.
• Provide engineering support during construction, develop scopes for and provide construction administration services.
• Evaluate QC and QA test data and observations; support management of claims.
• Lead or support development to maintain HDR's presence in the industry through professional organizations and reputation building.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in dam design, construction support, inspection, or related field.
• Leadership experience on dam, levee, or related flood control projects requiring integration of design and construction.
• Experience in the design of large heavy civil multidisciplinary projects and with construction cost estimating.
• Extensive understanding of contract delivery methods (design-bid-build, CMAR, design-build, progressive design-build).
• Experience in identifying potential claims and in managing or supporting resolution of construction claims.
• Experience related to design and construction of RCC and earthen dams; foundation preparation and treatment including grouting.
• Experience working with review boards, independent technical review panels, or construction oversight boards.
• Experience in risk informed decision making (RIDM) during design development and construction execution.
• Familiarity with USACE risk management tools and/or other federal risk programs (USBOR, FERC).
• Experience with construction oversight and engineering during construction of high hazard dams or major modifications to existing high hazard dams.
• Master's degree in civil, mechanical, geotechnical, or structural engineering.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) by the Construction Management Association of America.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, and team oriented; strong technical writing, engineering, and presentation…