Dam Safety Engineers help ensure Australia's dams remain safe throughout their entire lifespan.
Dams are essential for storing drinking water, supporting agriculture, generating hydroelectricity and protecting communities from floods.
In this role, you'll inspect dam structures, assess their condition, analyse monitoring data and identify potential risks before they become problems.
You may work on upgrading ageing infrastructure, planning maintenance programs or helping design improvements to increase resilience against floods, earthquakes and climate change.
You'll collaborate with civil, geotechnical and environmental engineers, scientists and operations teams to ensure dams continue to operate safely and meet strict Australian safety standards.
This career suits people who like working in natural environments, managing high-stakes infrastructure, and taking a data-driven approach to risk.
Strong problem-solving, resilience, and collaboration skills are essential, as dam management involves working closely with field operators, hydrologists, and emergency planners.
This work helps protect people, secure water supplies and support communities for generations to come.
DAY TO DAY WORK
- Designing pumps, pipelines and mechanical equipment for water infrastructure.
- Inspecting and maintaining treatment plant machinery and pumping systems.
- Investigating equipment failures and identifying practical solutions.
- Improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of mechanical systems.
- Planning upgrades and replacements for ageing infrastructure.
- Using computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering software.
- Working with contractors during construction and installation projects.
- Collaborating with operators, electricians and other engineers.
- Preparing technical reports, specifications and maintenance plans.
- Visiting treatment plants, construction sites and operational facilities.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
- Enjoys maths, physics and solving practical problems.
- Interested in how machines and mechanical systems work.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Creative approach to designing better solutions.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to safety.
Qualifications for this role