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Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams

Job in Calgary, Alberta, D3J, Canada
Listing for: BBA Consultants
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-02-28
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Environmental Engineer, Water Management
  • Management
    Water Management
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Your future role at BBA
BBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead – Hydrology, Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership for water management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. This role is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams and tailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, and regulatory compliance are critical.

Type of position
Régulier

Responsibilities & Leadership
You will act as a senior technical advisor and dam safety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, and operation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversion structures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advanced technical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and client engagement.

Technical Leadership & Dam Safety Authority

Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects

Act as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructure

Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including:

Catchment and watershed analyses

Extreme flood estimation and design floods

Hydroclimatic and statistical analyses

Climate change impact and adaptation assessments

Lead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including:

Spillway and outlet works capacity

Flood routing and reservoir routing

Freeboard assessments

Emergency spillway performance

Perform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systems

Tailings & Mine Water Management

Lead the development of integrated mine water management strategies, including water balances, operational water routing, and contingency planning.

Develop and review water and mass balance models for tailings storage facilities and mine operations.

Support tailings governance frameworks, including design basis, operating criteria, and performance monitoring.

Contribute to closure and long-term water management strategies for tailings and mine facilities.

Dam Safety, Risk & Regulatory Compliance

Lead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including:

Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs)

Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs)

Consequence classification and hazard assessments

Failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA)

Support emergency preparedness and response planning, including dam break analysis and inundation mapping and emergency action plans (EAPs)

Prepare and review dam safety documentation in support of regulatory submissions and audits

Ensure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practices

Leadership, Mentorship & Client Engagement

Serve as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionals

Support proposals, scopes, and technical approaches for dam and tailings projects

Act as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authorities

Promote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governance

Qualities and Values

Strong ethical standards and commitment to public and environmental safety

Deep interest in complex, high-consequence engineering challenges

Results-driven with sound engineering judgment

Collaborative leadership and knowledge-sharing mindset

Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices

Summary Of Certifications And

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent

Master’s degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong asset

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States

20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projects

Demonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk management

Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Asset:
Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes

Asset:
Experience supporting Emergency Action…
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