FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer and energy storage company with operating and development assets in New England (ISO NE), Pennsylvania and New Jersey (PJM), New York (NYISO), and Ontario (IESO), with expansion to other regions actively underway. Our mission and vision is to accelerate the de-carbonization of the electric grid by developing, owning, operating, and integrating large-scale renewable energy and storage assets to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable.
We operate dozens of facilities across North America and proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.
Our operating assets comprise a diverse portfolio of over 1.6 GW of pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), battery storage, conventional hydroelectric generation, and solar generation.
Our development pipeline includes over 2,000 MW of solar, battery and offshore wind projects in various stages of development, and we are developing a portfolio of hybrid hydro, solar and battery projects that combine operational and development assets. We have approximately 180 employees based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ontario and Pennsylvania, and our corporate headquarters are located in Burlington, MA.
We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.
Position Detail:
We are looking for an experienced Chief Dam Safety Engineer to join our Operations team. This position is hybrid and will require travel approximately 25% of the time to our locations throughout MA, CT and PA.
The Chief Dam Safety Engineer reports to the VP, Operations and provides overall direction for all aspects of the Owner’s Dam Safety Program at FirstLight’s hydroelectric projects. The engineer will ensure the Dam Safety Program is fully implemented and ensure high standards are maintained for dam safety, regulatory compliance, and public safety, including oversight of structures, equipment, and associated project facilities and features are maintained in a safe, compliant, and reliable working manner.
The ideal candidate possesses experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLight’s continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.
Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:
Manages the Owner’s Dam Safety Program, to include all aspects of dam safety at FirstLight’s hydroelectric plants
Maintains compliance with all plant license requirements related to dam safety and works with the maintenance and operations staff in the administration of an effective dam safety program
Well-versed in dam safety, including regular training, for example, attendance at dam safety training courses and involvement in professional dam safety organizations such as the United States Society on Dams (USSD) and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO).
Coordinates with plant engineering staff assigned to dam inspections and monitoring; responsible for communicating policies and expectations regarding dam safety and regulatory compliance
Ensures that all work activities are performed in accordance with a maintained schedule and that company policies are followed at all times
Documents maintenance and repair activities; coordinates assignments with other departments and associated Company and contractor activities
Prepares specifications and evaluates proposals for contractor and consultant’s services and/or equipment purchases for dam safety compliance
Collaborates with the Company’s Compliance Manager to create and implement applicable programs and controls
Develop and administer budget for program costs
Prepares strategic plans, budgets, and periodic reports as requested by the Vice President of Operations and submits for approval
Collaborates with the FirstLight Director, Asset Management in developing and prioritizing the CAPEX and major maintenance short and long term budgets
Complies with all FirstLight policies and procedures and carries out other duties as assigned
Job Qualifications / Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution
Master of Science degree in an associated technical area, such as Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, a plus
Professional Engineering (PE) license in civil engineering is required
10+ years of experience working within the power generation industry OR 5+ years of experience in dam construction and design
Previous engineering experience within an operating hydropower plant, preferred
Superior problem solving, organization, and prioritization skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience with MS Office suite
Willingness to travel to FirstLight’s facilities on a regular basis
Physical Requirements
Ability to climb heights and work in confined spaces.
Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and also the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout the day/work hours.
Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment: 80% Indoors, 20% Outdoors
Why Work for FirstLight?
We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.
Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. Some of our benefits for eligible employees include:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Health and Wellness Programs
Mental Health Care
401(k) with Employer Matching
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Annual Performance Incentive Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Generous Paid Time Off Plan
Paid Holidays
Professional Development
Employee Referral Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program
FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer and energy storage company with operating and development assets in New England (ISO NE), Pennsylvania and New Jersey (PJM), New York (NYISO), and Ontario (IESO), with expansion to other regions actively underway. Our mission and vision is to accelerate the de-carbonization of the electric grid by developing, owning, operating, and integrating large-scale renewable energy and storage assets to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable.
We operate dozens of facilities across North America and proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.
Our operating assets comprise a diverse portfolio of over 1.6 GW of pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), battery storage, conventional hydroelectric generation, and solar generation.
Our development pipeline includes over 2,000 MW of solar, battery and offshore wind p...rojects in various stages of development, and we are developing a portfolio of hybrid hydro, solar and battery projects that combine operational and development assets. We have approximately 180 employees based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ontario and Pennsylvania, and our corporate headquarters are located in Burlington, MA.
We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.
