Water Resources - Floodplain & Dam Engineer - Technical Lead (Fairfax County)

Water Resources – Floodplain & Dam Engineer – Technical Lead

Location: Fairfax County, VA

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Water Resources – Floodplain & Dam Engineer to join their Water Resources team as a Technical Lead and lead technical modeler .

This is an excellent opportunity for a civil engineer with strong hydrology and hydraulics (H&H), floodplain, and dam modeling experience to take a leadership role on a variety of municipal, state, federal, and private-sector projects.

The successful candidate will work on floodplain modeling and permitting, dam breach analysis, hydraulic modeling, floodplain crossing design, and dam permitting , while also helping improve internal processes and mentoring junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS models using topographic, GIS, and as-built data
• Analyze, calibrate, troubleshoot, and QC hydraulic and hydrologic models
• Perform floodplain modeling for local and FEMA-regulated floodplains
• Prepare floodplain studies, CLOMR, LOMR, and floodplain alteration packages
• Conduct dam breach inundation studies, dam hazard assessments, and dam failure analyses
• Perform floodplain and dam breach modeling and mapping
• Prepare emergency action plans and assist with emergency drill presentations
• Design vehicular and pedestrian crossings through floodplains
• Support dam rehabilitation and alteration design
• Coordinate with external geotechnical engineers and other project stakeholders
• Prepare and QC floodplain and dam permitting packages
• Conduct field visits for floodplain and dam inspections
• Develop local and state permit applications
• Prepare and review technical reports
• Research applicable regulatory codes, manuals, standards, and policies
• Coordinate with regulators to address comments and facilitate project approvals
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
• Communicate effectively with project teams and clients
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
• Help drive and improve internal technical processes

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS modeling or similar H&H modeling software
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and quality-control skills
• Proficiency with ArcMap or similar GIS software

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Experience with HEC-RAS 2D modeling
• Proficiency with AutoCAD
• Experience with floodplain and/or dam permitting
• Experience working with FEMA and/or state regulatory agencies

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of water resources, floodplain, dam, and civil engineering projects while taking on a meaningful technical leadership role.

You’ll work in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, professional development, technical excellence, and career growth. The position also provides the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and help shape internal processes and technical standards .

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Continuing education incentives
• Professional training and development
• Career advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment

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