Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams (Alberta)

Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams (Alberta)

14 Oct
|
Careermine
|
Alberta

14 Oct

Careermine

Alberta

Type of position: Régulier

Your future role at BBA
BBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead - Hydrology,Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership forwater management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. Thisrole is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams andtailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, andregulatory compliance are critical.

You will act as a senior technical advisor and damsafety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, andoperation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversionstructures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advancedtechnical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and clientengagement.

With us, you'll get the opportunity to
TechnicalLeadership & 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 & RegulatoryCompliance

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

Do your qualities and values matchour corporate culture?

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 jobrequirements

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

Robust written and verbal communication skills in English

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

Asset: Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping

Asset: Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems

Asset: Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)

Asset: Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design

AboutBBA
BBA is one of Canada's leading private consulting engineering firms, with over 45 years of experience serving the energy and natural resources industry.

Our people are the foundation of our success. Their passion and excellence have earned us recognition as one of Canada's Best Employers and Best Managed Companies, and we're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead and be themselves.

Our teams bring together engineering, environmental and commissioning expertise to deliver practical, innovative and sustainable solutions-from strategy to execution. With 20 offices across Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, we combine local presence with international reach, offering clients close collaboration and field-ready support.

Learn more about our culture and projects on LinkedIn or connect with our talent team.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams (Alberta)
🏢 Careermine
📍 Alberta

Reply to this offer

Impress this employer describing Your skills and abilities, fill out the form below and leave Your personal touch in the presentation letter.

Subscribe to this job alert:

Get the latest job offers by email for: principal engineer lead, hydrology & hydraulics - mining & dams (alberta) / alberta

Subscribe to this job alert:

Get the latest job offers by email for: principal engineer lead, hydrology & hydraulics - mining & dams (alberta) / alberta