H-1B Visa Water Engineer Jobs
Water Engineer jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit firmly in specialty occupation territory: the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering. Sponsoring employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering an initial three-year status period.
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Senior Engineer, WR
Department of Water Resources
JC-536956
Salary: $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES
Why Choose Us: First, the single greatest advantage of working for us is that you can practice civil engineering in its purest form. Because California’s Department of Water Resources is the owner and operator of its facilities, our engineers are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and longevity of the infrastructure. Our engineers are at the forefront on design and construction projects, and they make design decisions based on good engineering practice for safety, durability, and performance—in that order.
At DWR you will have the advantage of numerous resources to support your work and your professional growth—including training, organizational memberships, and knowledgeable colleagues, of which many are under one roof and all of which collaborate for project success.
We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our team and help deliver water to over 26 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.
Duties: Under general direction of the Manager, Pearblossom Project Headquarters (PBPH), supervises engineering tasks and office contract administrative duties for all PBPH construction contracts; and personally performs the more difficult work. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-536956
Position #(s): 843-815-3261-5xx
Working Title: Senior Engineer, WR
Classification: SENIOR ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Los Angeles County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Division of Engineering, Construction Branch, Pearblossom Headquarters, Pearblossom
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid California driver's license when conducting State business that requires driving a vehicle.
The Department of Water Resources is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Our ideal candidate will have experience in field Inspection/Quality Control, construction management and contract administration; have technical civil engineering knowledge of pipelines, pumping plants, reservoirs, dams and other structures; can handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines; take initiative and be resourceful in meeting challenges; liaison with construction contractors, negotiate extra costs, and maintain a high level of professional and technical expertise. We are looking for candidates who have strong written and verbal communication skills, can take independent action, pay close attention to detail, work in a team environment, have excellent organization skills, and have computer skills in spreadsheets, project scheduling, computer-aided drafting, and word processing.
BENEFITS
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Nicolaus Seppi
(916) 764-9763
nicolaus.seppi@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Resume, and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please reference SAP Position 50002766 and Job Control 536956 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.
A SOQ is a minimum one page, maximum 3 pages, in length, single-spaced and 12-point Arial font document that addresses the candidate’s education and experience as it relates to the duties listed in this job advertisement.
Failure to provide requested documents and information may result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section. You are not required to be on an eligibility list at the time you apply for this position. Simply submit your application today using the provided instructions. List eligibility will eventually be required, however, prior to hiring. You may qualify for list eligibility by visiting www.calcareers.ca.gov, clicking on Exam/Assessment Search, entering Exam Code “8PB64,” clicking “Search,” click to view the Exam Bulletin, and then clicking the “Training and Experience Evaluation” under the Taking the Examination section.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.
Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link: SENIOR ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
INTRODUCTION
Senior Engineer, WR
Department of Water Resources
JC-536956
Salary: $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES
Why Choose Us: First, the single greatest advantage of working for us is that you can practice civil engineering in its purest form. Because California’s Department of Water Resources is the owner and operator of its facilities, our engineers are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and longevity of the infrastructure. Our engineers are at the forefront on design and construction projects, and they make design decisions based on good engineering practice for safety, durability, and performance—in that order.
At DWR you will have the advantage of numerous resources to support your work and your professional growth—including training, organizational memberships, and knowledgeable colleagues, of which many are under one roof and all of which collaborate for project success.
We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our team and help deliver water to over 26 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.
Duties: Under general direction of the Manager, Pearblossom Project Headquarters (PBPH), supervises engineering tasks and office contract administrative duties for all PBPH construction contracts; and personally performs the more difficult work. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-536956
Position #(s): 843-815-3261-5xx
Working Title: Senior Engineer, WR
Classification: SENIOR ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Los Angeles County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Division of Engineering, Construction Branch, Pearblossom Headquarters, Pearblossom
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid California driver's license when conducting State business that requires driving a vehicle.
The Department of Water Resources is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Our ideal candidate will have experience in field Inspection/Quality Control, construction management and contract administration; have technical civil engineering knowledge of pipelines, pumping plants, reservoirs, dams and other structures; can handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines; take initiative and be resourceful in meeting challenges; liaison with construction contractors, negotiate extra costs, and maintain a high level of professional and technical expertise. We are looking for candidates who have strong written and verbal communication skills, can take independent action, pay close attention to detail, work in a team environment, have excellent organization skills, and have computer skills in spreadsheets, project scheduling, computer-aided drafting, and word processing.
BENEFITS
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Nicolaus Seppi
(916) 764-9763
nicolaus.seppi@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Resume, and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please reference SAP Position 50002766 and Job Control 536956 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.
A SOQ is a minimum one page, maximum 3 pages, in length, single-spaced and 12-point Arial font document that addresses the candidate’s education and experience as it relates to the duties listed in this job advertisement.
Failure to provide requested documents and information may result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section. You are not required to be on an eligibility list at the time you apply for this position. Simply submit your application today using the provided instructions. List eligibility will eventually be required, however, prior to hiring. You may qualify for list eligibility by visiting www.calcareers.ca.gov, clicking on Exam/Assessment Search, entering Exam Code “8PB64,” clicking “Search,” click to view the Exam Bulletin, and then clicking the “Training and Experience Evaluation” under the Taking the Examination section.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.
Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link: SENIOR ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See all 170+ H-1B Visa Water Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Water Engineer
Align your degree to water engineering
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to your duties. A civil, environmental, or water resources engineering degree maps cleanly. If yours is in a related field like mechanical or geotechnical engineering, document how your coursework and experience apply to water systems work.
Use OFLC Wage Search before negotiating
Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Pull the current wage level from OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer so you know whether the salary clears the LCA threshold for that specific county or metro area.
Target municipalities and water utilities
Public water authorities, regional utilities, and municipal engineering departments sponsor H-1B petitions for water engineers regularly. Use Migrate Mate to search employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history in this role, narrowing by city to match where you want to work.
Verify site-specific LCA coverage before accepting
If the role involves multiple project sites or field assignments, each primary worksite needs its own certified LCA. Confirm with your prospective employer before signing an offer that they'll file amended LCAs if your worksite changes materially during your status period.
Get your credentials evaluated early
If you earned your engineering degree outside the United States, obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization before the employer begins the petition. USCIS expects the evaluation to confirm your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a directly related engineering field.
Understand the cap timeline before the offer stage
H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap, and the selection rules have changed recently. Confirm with your employer whether they qualify for a cap-exempt filing pathway, such as working at a university or nonprofit research institution, which bypasses the cap entirely and allows year-round petitioning.
H-1B Visa Water Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Water Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Water engineering typically qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires at least a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering. USCIS evaluates both the theoretical and practical application of engineering principles in the role. Employers strengthen the petition by documenting degree-specific duties such as hydraulic modeling, watershed analysis, and infrastructure design.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Water Engineers?
Engineering consulting firms, municipal water authorities, federal contractors, and environmental services companies are among the most active H-1B sponsors for water engineering roles. To find employers with verified filing history in this occupation, search Migrate Mate by role and location. Filtering by employers who have already filed LCAs for water or civil engineering positions narrows your list to realistic targets.
How does the LCA process work for Water Engineers who move between project sites?
Your employer must file a certified Labor Condition Application with DOL for each primary worksite before you begin work there. If your project assignments shift you to a new metro area or county, an amended LCA is required. Short-term placements under ten days can sometimes qualify for a short-term assignment exception, but anything longer requires a separate certified LCA for that location.
Can a Water Engineer on H-1B work toward a PE license while sponsored?
Yes. Pursuing Professional Engineer licensure while on H-1B status is fully permissible and does not affect your visa status. Many employers in the water sector expect engineers to work toward PE licensure, and some include exam support as part of the offer. Licensure can also strengthen a future green card application under employment-based preference categories.
What happens to H-1B status if a water infrastructure project ends early?
If your employment ends before your H-1B period expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another visa status, or depart the United States. A new employer can file an H-1B transfer petition during this window, allowing you to begin work once the petition is filed, without waiting for USCIS approval, under portability rules.