Dam Modeler and GIS Analyst

Title: Dam Modeler and GIS Analyst

State Role Title: Architect/Engineer I

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Main Street Centre

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.


The Department of Conservation and Recreation, Soil and Water Conservation Division, is hiring a Dam Modeler and GIS Analyst. This position will work with the District Dam Engineer to provide technical modeling and GIS Analyst support for 103 Soil and Water Conservation District owned flood control dams.


Job duties include:

• Developing dam inundation reports.
• Creating, maintaining and updating hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and models.
• Create, Maintain, and Update Dam GIS Data sets and online maps.
• Working with the District Dam Engineer and the appropriate Dam Safety Regional Engineer to obtain approval of inundation reports and mapping.
• Performing GIS analysis of the drainage areas to determine and quantify changes.
• Performing GIS analysis of the inundation areas to determine any new impact.
• Developing an annual report documenting any changes to the upstream drainage area and the downstream inundation area for each district owned dam.
• Assisting with submittal reviews related to dam rehabilitation planning, design, and construction as needed.
• Development of maps and graphics to support the Dam Rehabilitation process.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.


DCR's Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR's efforts to CONSERVE.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge with standard GIS framework with the ability to utilize ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
• Proficiency with personal computer applications such as Microsoft applications including Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficiency in managing digital documents within cloud-based systems such as OneDrive and ArcGIS Online, including file organization, permissions, and version history.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to develop and deliver clear, effective presentations.

Additional Considerations

• Certified GIS professional or significant education and/or professional experience in GIS.
• Knowledge of standard hydrology and hydraulics calculation methodologies with the ability to proficiently utilize modeling programs HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS.
• Knowledge of engineering principles of hydrology and hydraulics and their application to impounding structures.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Virginia Dam Safety Act and Regulations.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc., in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or resume are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.


A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.


Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Park or Federal experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT


DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts:

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts, such as:
  • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
  • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night before a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer