Dams, Levees and Civil Works Construction Business Class Lead

HDR Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

The Dams, Levees and Civil Works (DLCW) Construction Business Class (BC) Lead is responsible for technical and programmatic leadership for the planning, design integration, and construction delivery of HDR’s Dam and Levee projects, and for 3rd party CM projects where HDR is not the designer. The position reports to the DLCW BC Director.

The duties include leading strategic planning, risk management, and overseeing all aspects of DLCW projects during construction. The role collaborates with design teams to consider constructability and costs during the design phase, works closely with business class leaders, and provides engineering support during construction. Responsibilities also cover evaluating QC and QA data, supporting claim management, and serving as lead engineer or project manager on design projects.

Additionally, the lead supports industry presence through professional organization participation and mentors mid- and junior-level engineers.

This position plays a key role in aligning design decisions with construction realities, including staging, access, materials, foundation treatment, design changes, and risk management. It involves corporate portfolio risk management, assistance with project development and delivery, and builds strong client relationships with owners, contractors, and oversight boards.

The position supports reviews and actions according to HDR’s Matrix of Authority (MOA) and risk management, working with DLCW BC Director and other leaders to review go/no go decisions, SOWs, contracts, and project pricing. Emphasis is placed on identifying construction risks early and ensuring they are addressed in design, contracting strategy, and construction execution plans.

Keyword(s): dam, levee, reservoir, spillway, flood control, water, construction, coastal, riverine.

The geographic location is non-specific; a location with significant HDR presence is preferred. Estimated average travel requirement is 50% or greater, with monthly variations between 0% and 100%. Anticipated UT range: 70 to 80%.

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in dam design, construction support, inspection or related field.
• Leadership experience on dam, levee, or related flood control projects requiring close integration of design and construction.
• Experience in the design of large heavy civil multidisciplinary projects and with construction cost estimating.
• Extensive understanding of various contract delivery methods, including design-bid-build, construction manager at risk, design-build, and progressive design-build.
• Experience in identifying potential claims and in managing or supporting the…