Application Guide

How to Apply for AVP, Dams Growth Leader

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM stands out as a global infrastructure consulting firm that prioritizes sustainable development and innovative solutions, particularly in environmental and water resources projects. Their commitment to 'building sustainable legacies' means employees work on projects with long-term positive impacts, such as dams and hydropower that balance energy needs with environmental stewardship. This focus on meaningful, large-scale infrastructure makes AECOM appealing for professionals seeking to contribute to resilient communities and ecosystems.

About This Role

As AVP, Dams Growth Leader, you'll drive business expansion for dams and hydropower projects in the Colorado, Mountain, and Four Corners regions by identifying market opportunities and leading major proposals. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on project leadership, requiring you to serve as program manager or technical lead on key initiatives while building client relationships. Your work will directly influence AECOM's growth in sustainable water infrastructure, impacting energy production and water management across the Western U.S.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning meetings with the Dams & Hydropower Division Manager to align on pursuit strategies, followed by client calls with Colorado water districts to discuss upcoming dam safety projects. Afternoons could include leading a proposal team for a major hydropower upgrade, then reviewing market analysis reports to identify new opportunities in the Four Corners region, all while coordinating with technical practice leads to match team capabilities with emerging projects.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of senior-level experience specifically in dams/hydropower business development, with a proven track record of securing major projects in the Western U.S. market
  • Demonstrates deep existing relationships with key clients in the Colorado/Mountain region water resources sector, including utilities, government agencies, and tribal nations
  • Can provide concrete examples of leading multi-disciplinary teams on complex dam projects from proposal through execution
  • Shows ability to analyze market trends in renewable energy and water infrastructure to develop actionable growth strategies for the Four Corners area

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your dams/hydropower business development achievements using specific metrics (e.g., 'Grew pipeline by $50M in Colorado region over 2 years') rather than generic descriptions

2

Highlight any experience with AECOM's existing dam projects or clients in the Mountain region to show immediate relevance

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize both strategic growth planning AND technical dams expertise, as this role requires balancing business development with project leadership

4

Reference AECOM's 'Sustainable Legacies' framework in your application materials, connecting your experience to their sustainability mission

5

Include specific examples of coordinating between technical teams and business units on dam projects, as this is explicitly mentioned in the requirements

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience developing growth strategies for dams/hydropower in Western U.S. markets, particularly Colorado and Four Corners regions', "Examples of building long-term client relationships in the water resources sector and how you'd leverage them for AECOM", 'How your technical dams/hydropower project experience complements your business development skills', "Your alignment with AECOM's sustainability focus and how you'd advance their 'sustainable legacies' mission through dam projects"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • AECOM's current dams/hydropower projects in the Western U.S. (check their project portfolio and recent press releases)
  • The company's 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy and how it applies to water resources projects
  • Key leaders in AECOM's Dams & Hydropower division and their professional backgrounds
  • Market trends in Colorado/Mountain region dam safety, hydropower expansion, and water storage needs

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your approach to developing a 3-year growth strategy for dams/hydropower in the Mountain region given current market trends
2 Walk us through how you would coordinate a major dam proposal between technical teams, division managers, and the Growth Lead
3 How would you identify and pursue opportunities in 'adjacent sectors' to dams/hydropower in the Four Corners area?
4 Share an example of a complex stakeholder relationship you managed on a dam project and the outcome
5 How do you balance business development responsibilities with serving as project manager on major dam programs?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting generic business development experience without specific dams/hydropower examples from the Western U.S.
  • Focusing only on technical dam engineering without demonstrating growth strategy capabilities
  • Failing to show understanding of AECOM's sustainability focus and how dams/hydropower fit their mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!