Entry Level Water Engineer Jobs
New grad water engineer jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a focused portfolio can carry more weight than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Consulting & Professional Services, Aerospace & Defense, and Energy, with employers like Brown and Caldwell, SpaceX, and Simpson Gumpertz & Heger hiring at this level now.
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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.
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- Aerospace & Defense3
- Energy1
- Insurance1
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Entry Level Water Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level water engineer job?
Entry level water engineer roles typically look for a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering, along with any hands-on experience from internships, co-ops, or academic projects. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software like EPANET or AutoCAD gives candidates a real edge. Highlighting coursework in hydrology, stormwater management, or water treatment helps your application stand out when professional experience is limited.
Which companies hire entry level water engineers?
Companies hiring entry level water engineers right now include Brown and Caldwell, SpaceX, and Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from municipal utilities, environmental consulting firms, and civil engineering practices that bring on junior engineers to support infrastructure and water systems projects.
Are there remote entry level water engineer jobs?
Yes, though most entry level water engineer roles are site-based. About 32% of entry level water engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on fieldwork and site inspections the role often requires. Remote-eligible positions tend to involve design, modeling, or reporting tasks rather than on-site construction or systems monitoring.
Are these new grad water engineer jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior water engineer roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-ops toward that requirement, or accepts a strong academic portfolio in lieu of full-time history. Look for language like "entry level," "new graduates welcome," or "recent grads encouraged to apply" in the job description.
Which industries hire the most entry level water engineers?
Entry Level water engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Aerospace & Defense, and Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they manage large-scale water infrastructure, environmental compliance, or utility systems that require a consistent pipeline of junior engineers to support project delivery and regulatory work.