Dam Safety Manager at Andersen

Job Summary

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Dam Safety Manager to oversee the safety and operational integrity of four major dams holding approximately a combined total of 30 billion cubic meters of water. The Dam Safety Manager will be responsible for ensuring the structural safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance of these dams, while mitigating risks and overseeing emergency response planning. This role demands expertise in geology, hydrology, civil engineering, and risk management, combined with strong leadership and communication skills.

Job Details

1. Dam Safety Maintenance, Monitoring and Inspection:
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive dam safety monitoring program.
   • Conduct regular inspections of the four dams to assess structural integrity of the dam structure concrete & embankment, dam crest, spillway, abutment, penstock, tailrace, water levels, water inflow and discharge, drainage system, instrumentation data, and any signs of deterioration or safety risks as leakages, seepages, cracks, AAR.
   • Ensure timely maintenance and repairs to prevent potential failures or safety hazards.
   • Monitor weather patterns, water inflows, and dam operations to manage reservoir levels and ensure the safe operation of spillways and outlets.
   • Develop and implement a robust maintenance program of the dam structural components and instruments, vegetation control on dam embankment, rip rap maintenance, correction of rodents’ burrows and termite hills.
   • Implement a robust monitoring system based on instrumentation data and dashboards.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
   • Ensure all dams comply with national and international dam safety regulations and standards.
   • Prepare and submit regular reports to regulatory agencies, outlining dam safety performance, compliance status, and any corrective actions.
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all inspections, maintenance, and safety assessments.
3. Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness:
   • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including flood control measures and operational protocols for high-water events as part of flood management and flood response plan.
   • Lead the creation, review, and testing of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for each dam, in collaboration with local authorities and emergency response teams.
   • Oversee training for on-site personnel and ensure they are prepared to handle emergency situations and dam safety protocols.
   • Develop elaboration of failure mode analysis for definition of dam safety preventive activities.
4. Team Leadership and Collaboration:
   • Lead a team of engineers, technicians, and operators dedicated to dam safety operations and maintenance.
   • Collaborate with other departments (e.g., hydrology, environmental, and operation & maintenance teams) to align safety measures with operational goals.
   • Liaise with external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies for third-party inspections, risk assessments, and compliance audits.
5. Instrumentation and Data Management:
   • Oversee the installation, calibration, and monitoring of dam instrumentation (e.g., vibrating weir piezometers, hydraulic & pneumatic piezometers, inclinometers, pendulums,  V-notch and R-notch weirs, tape extensometer and seismographs) to track the dams' structural health and performance.
   • Analyze instrumentation data to identify potential safety concerns and initiate timely interventions.
   • Implement advanced technologies for real-time dam monitoring and predictive analytics.
6. Budgeting and Resource Allocation:
   • Prepare and manage the budget for dam safety operations, including monitoring systems, maintenance, rehabilitation, emergency preparedness, and compliance efforts.
   • Ensure adequate resources (personnel, equipment, and materials) are allocated to maintain dam safety at all times.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
   • Communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and regulatory bodies, to inform them about dam safety measures and emergency procedures.
   • Conduct safety awareness campaigns for local communities living downstream of the dams to educate them on emergency protocols and risk mitigation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geology, Hydrology, or related field. A master’s degree in Dam Safety Engineering, Water Resources, or Risk Management is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in dam safety management, water resources management, or civil engineering, with at least 5 years overseeing large-scale dam operations.
• Extensive knowledge of dam safety regulations, hydrology, risk management, and structural engineering.
• Proven track record of managing multi-dam systems, preferably in hydropower or water resource management.
• Experience with dam instrumentation, data analysis, and emergency preparedness planning.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS software, dam safety software, GIS, and data analytics tools.

Key Skills:

• Leadership: Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage safety operations across multiple sites.
• Risk Management: Expertise in assessing risks and implementing strategies to prevent dam failures or emergencies.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills for interacting with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and local communities.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of dam instrumentation, safety monitoring systems, and data analysis software.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills to oversee safety projects and ensure timely execution.

Work Environment:

• This position requires regular site visits to the dams, which may involve working in remote locations and varying weather conditions.
• The role may require working outside normal business hours during high-water events or emergencies.
• Occasional travel to other MESL facilities and external stakeholders may be required.