Water Engineer Jobs
Water engineer jobs are open from entry-level to senior and principal across municipal utilities, environmental consulting, civil engineering firms, and construction, with common specializations in hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, and water treatment systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Posting: Water Resource Control Engineer
State Water Resources Control Board
WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 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
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career in water resources engineering with focus on protecting water quality? If you enjoy a career helping others and working in an office and field environment, then this may be the position for you! Apply today and join our team. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening for a Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE) in the Confined Animal Facilities Unit. The position is located at 1685 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706.
Duties: The incumbent will perform professional duties related to the Confined Animal Facilities Program of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. This work includes compliance evaluation, site inspections, enforcement, engineering report reviews, technical memo report writeups, permit application reviews, timely and courteous responses to general public related to the program and participation in meetings with other state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, dischargers, consultants, and the public. Please see the attached Duty Statement for additional details on roles and responsibilities of the position.
Additional information:
Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.
In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.
Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.
In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.
Position Details
Department Information
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.
Special Requirements
- RPA# 26-155-012 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application. Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
-
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.
Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.
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: 11/24/2026Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 - Please see below for specific requirements.
- Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
Desirable Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience reviewing and working with water quality data, scientific reports, and technical documents.
- Experience with preparation of scientific reports, memos, permits and/or technical and enforcement documents
- Experience conducting site or field investigations.
- Experience conducting field water quality sampling.
- Knowledge of water quality related to animal waste constituents or animal waste management systems.
- Knowledge of Central Valley Water Board adopted General Waste Discharge Requirements Orders for dairies, feedlots, and poultries.
- An understanding of and experience with environmental regulations.
- Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work both in a team environment and independently as well as establish good working relationships with peers and non-peers.
- Working knowledge of computer applications (such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Suite) and experience with SharePoint.
- Agricultural irrigation and nutrient management, hydrology, environmental, and chemistry training or experience.
Benefits
Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Jennifer Fiederer-Luna
(916) 341-5018
jennifer.fiederer-luna@waterboards.ca.gov
Balraj Tammali
(559) 445-5568
balraj.tammali@waterboards.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:Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than 2 pages in length, using Arial Font and 12 size, and normal margins.
Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:
- Describe your understanding of environmental water quality concerns associated with various discharges to land.
- Describe your experience and knowledge of surface and/or groundwater quality sampling, data analysis, maximum contaminant levels, and laboratory analytical methods.
- Describe your experience working in interdisciplinary teams: Include the team objective, your role in the team, and what made the team succeed or fail in meeting its objective.
- Describe your experience writing technical reports and reviewing engineering plans and designs.
- Describe your knowledge of quality customer service principles and experience providing accurate and timely responses.
Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.
For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.
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.
Job Posting: Water Resource Control Engineer
State Water Resources Control Board
WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 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
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career in water resources engineering with focus on protecting water quality? If you enjoy a career helping others and working in an office and field environment, then this may be the position for you! Apply today and join our team. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening for a Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE) in the Confined Animal Facilities Unit. The position is located at 1685 E Street, Fresno, CA 93706.
Duties: The incumbent will perform professional duties related to the Confined Animal Facilities Program of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. This work includes compliance evaluation, site inspections, enforcement, engineering report reviews, technical memo report writeups, permit application reviews, timely and courteous responses to general public related to the program and participation in meetings with other state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, dischargers, consultants, and the public. Please see the attached Duty Statement for additional details on roles and responsibilities of the position.
Additional information:
Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.
In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.
Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.
In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.
Position Details
Department Information
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.
Special Requirements
- RPA# 26-155-012 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application. Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
-
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.
Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.
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: 11/24/2026Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 - Please see below for specific requirements.
- Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
Desirable Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience reviewing and working with water quality data, scientific reports, and technical documents.
- Experience with preparation of scientific reports, memos, permits and/or technical and enforcement documents
- Experience conducting site or field investigations.
- Experience conducting field water quality sampling.
- Knowledge of water quality related to animal waste constituents or animal waste management systems.
- Knowledge of Central Valley Water Board adopted General Waste Discharge Requirements Orders for dairies, feedlots, and poultries.
- An understanding of and experience with environmental regulations.
- Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work both in a team environment and independently as well as establish good working relationships with peers and non-peers.
- Working knowledge of computer applications (such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Suite) and experience with SharePoint.
- Agricultural irrigation and nutrient management, hydrology, environmental, and chemistry training or experience.
Benefits
Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Jennifer Fiederer-Luna
(916) 341-5018
jennifer.fiederer-luna@waterboards.ca.gov
Balraj Tammali
(559) 445-5568
balraj.tammali@waterboards.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:Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than 2 pages in length, using Arial Font and 12 size, and normal margins.
Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:
- Describe your understanding of environmental water quality concerns associated with various discharges to land.
- Describe your experience and knowledge of surface and/or groundwater quality sampling, data analysis, maximum contaminant levels, and laboratory analytical methods.
- Describe your experience working in interdisciplinary teams: Include the team objective, your role in the team, and what made the team succeed or fail in meeting its objective.
- Describe your experience writing technical reports and reviewing engineering plans and designs.
- Describe your knowledge of quality customer service principles and experience providing accurate and timely responses.
Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.
For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.
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 950+ Water Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Water Engineer JobsWater Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- CDM Smith41
- Black & Veatch39
- Arcadis38
- Consor34
- Carollo Engineers19
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services133
- Construction & Real Estate9
- Aerospace & Defense5
- Manufacturing4
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in water engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software such as WaterGEMS, EPANET, or SWMM
- Professional Engineer license or active EIT with a clear path toward PE
- Experience designing water distribution, wastewater, or stormwater conveyance systems
- Familiarity with EPA regulations, NPDES permits, and state environmental compliance requirements
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports, permit applications, and client deliverables
Tips for Your Water Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to project types
Water engineer postings vary sharply between potable water, wastewater, and stormwater work. Restructure your resume summary and project bullets to mirror the specific system type in each job description, so reviewers see direct project-type alignment immediately.
List your hydraulic modeling software explicitly
Hiring managers scan for software proficiency before reading anything else. Name the platforms you use, such as WaterGEMS, SWMM, or HEC-HMS, in a dedicated skills section so your resume clears automated screening filters tied to those tools.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists water engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by regulatory environment
Municipal clients operate under different compliance regimes than private developers. When targeting roles, look for whether the posting references EPA regulations, state environmental permits, or NPDES compliance, and frame your cover letter around the specific regulatory context they work in.
Prepare a technical portfolio of project deliverables
Many water engineering interviews include a design review component. Compile redacted examples of hydraulic models, pipe network calculations, or stormwater reports you authored so you can walk interviewers through your methodology and design decisions with concrete artifacts.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
Water engineers often have leverage on project assignment and professional development budgets, not just base pay. During final-round interviews, ask directly which project types you would own and what the path looks like toward professional engineer licensure support or advanced project management responsibility.
Water Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most water engineers?
The most active employers for water engineers right now are CDM Smith, Black & Veatch, and Arcadis, and the most openings are in Texas, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated at municipal engineering consultancies and civil infrastructure firms managing aging utility systems.
How many water engineer jobs are remote?
About 70% of water engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on field and site inspection requirements of most roles. The sub-areas with the most remote flexibility are hydraulic modeling, water quality data analysis, and report writing, where deliverables are primarily software-based and document-driven.
How do you become a water engineer?
Becoming a water engineer starts with earning a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET-accredited program. After graduating, you pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training, then accumulate supervised project experience before sitting for the Professional Engineer exam. Building hands-on exposure to hydraulic modeling software and regulatory permitting during internships accelerates that path considerably.
How do you get hired as a water engineer with little experience?
Entry-level water engineer candidates land roles most effectively by demonstrating software proficiency and project coursework that mirrors real deliverables. Highlighting senior design projects, internship field work, or academic hydraulic modeling exercises in a portfolio gives hiring managers concrete evidence of technical capability. Many firms hire EITs specifically to mentor toward PE licensure, so showing a clear commitment to that credential strengthens early applications.
What does the water engineer interview process look like?
Water engineer interviews typically begin with a recruiter or HR screening call focused on your background and project experience. A technical interview follows, often including a scenario-based design question or a review of past project deliverables. Final rounds usually involve meeting a project manager or department lead who assesses how you'd collaborate with clients, field crews, and regulatory agencies on active infrastructure work.
Where can I find and apply to water engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to water engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your experience level, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 950+ Water Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Water Engineer Jobs