AVP, SW Dams & Hydropower Department Manager

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Job Description

AECOM has an immediate need for a AVP, SW Dams & Hydropower Department Manager to lead our practice in the Arizona and Southern California area. The Department Manager will be located in Arizona or Southern California. Our award-winning Dams and Hydropower Division is a world leader with industry-wide reputation in Dam planning, assessment, inspection, analysis, engineering, design, construction, operation, and removal. The team has served our clients across the US and worldwide for over 75 years, working on all types and sizes of dams, including some of the largest dams and reservoirs in the region. The Department is currently about 80 staff, including civil, geotechnical, hydrologic, and hydraulic engineers; engineering geologists, and supporting disciplines, and it is growing at a rapid pace due to expanding backlog.

The candidate will be expected to have experience in one or more of the following areas: dams, including risk assessment, hydraulic structures, or related areas, and will be actively involved in technical and industry national and regional conferences and technical societies in the related field. The candidate will manage staff, develop working relationships with our existing clients, direct projects for a variety of facilities, including dams and related structures, pipelines, tunnels, and related structures, and coordinate with a broad range of other disciplines within AECOM. The candidate will also be expected to work with AECOM’s business development teams for our existing and new clients as an integral part of the position.

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:​

• Lead and supervise the Southwest Dams and Hydropower Department serving Arizona, Utah, and Southern California areas.
• Deliver business results, including sales, revenue, profitability, and growth.
• Maintain and develop business with existing and new clients.
• Oversee project performance and team performance and provide direction and leadership to the team.
• Oversee teams performing design and engineering for dams, spillways, and appurtenant structures; hydropower projects; and geotechnical engineering services projects.
• Recruit new staff to the team and grow the business.
• Project Management – tracking and managing scope, schedule, and budget.
• Prepare engineering services proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Review and ensure quality of project deliverables.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Perform Independent Technical Reviews.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

• BA/BS Degree in engineering or related field of study + 10 years of relevant experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.

PREFERRED

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PhD Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 7 years or more of progressive experience managing departments or teams of similar sizes.
• Demonstrated contributions (through publications, presentations, committee and/or board memberships) in industry events, conferences, and/or professional associations.
• Strong commitment to ensuring safe project execution.
• Some travel required

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options ,  well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.