According to a 2004 survey by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), employers are experiencing increasing difficulty in finding qualified candidates for positions requiring knowledge of dam engineering and safety. The body of knowledge and experience in dam engineering and dam safety is shrinking as experts in the field retire, and there are fewer initiates into the field who can gain hands-on experience or training from experts. At the same time, ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure consistently indicates that the number of dams identified as unsafe is increasing at a faster rate than those being repaired. In 2005, approximately 3500 non-federal dams were identified as unsafe; today that number exceeds 4,000. ASDSO, through its Committee on Education Outreach, has undertaken initiatives to stimulate interest in the field of dam engineering and dam safety among students of all ages. These efforts include establishing an internet-based Speakers Bureau, a Student Employment Opportunities Clearinghouse, scholarships awards, solicitation of student papers and student participation in ASDSO conferences. This paper will discuss the need for more qualified graduates, problems in attracting students to the field, and current ASDSO initiatives to encourage students to explore careers in dam engineering and dam safety.
展开▼
