Water Resource Control Engineer (JC-492842)

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 492842 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 10/3/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Link: CalCareers

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of 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.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s (Water Board) Division of Water Rights (Division) Enforcement Section has one vacancy for a Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE). The position is located at 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento. The position requires the use of teleworking, in-office work, and fieldwork. The position offers an exciting opportunity to utilize hydrologic data, field data, engineering principles, and interpretation of laws and regulations in application to California’s rich history of water rights.

Duties: 

Under the close supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer, the incumbent will lead and conduct water right investigations to determine if enforcement action is needed. The position includes the use of the Division’s CalWATRS database, Geographical Information System (GIS), Excel, Word, Teams. There are also opportunities to use various programming/coding tools (R, VBA, Python) and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau).

The incumbent will be required to manipulate and interpret water rights data to determine water availability, water use amounts, and compliance with the California Water Code and Code of Regulations. Incumbent will use ArcGIS Pro to analyze water rights compliance, hydrologic data, and prepare maps. The incumbent will need to interpret historical data in the form of physical and digital files such as maps, diversion reports, and property history. Interpretation and application of water right law is also required. The incumbent will also be required to contact water right holders to schedule inspections and conduct field investigations to ensure compliance of water right terms and conditions as necessary.

Inspection related activities include but are not limited to identifying current status of water use and conditions of the place of use and point of diversion; verify compliance to any water shortage notice; inspect pumps and related diversion infrastructure and potential installation of water stage surveillance equipment.  Incumbent will interview water right holders to gather additional information necessary to verify compliance with the right terms and conditions or a temporary water shortage notice.  Such information may include: the last date water was used, plans for future water use and alternative water supplies available.  Incumbents will measure or estimate the inflows into reservoirs, and flows entering and leaving the place of use; take photographs of diversion facilities and place of use; and gather Global Positioning System (GPS) points of important project facilities.

The incumbent will prepare a report for each inspection that details all findings and recommendations, including photographs and a map showing project facilities. The report should clearly identify if the water right holder is currently in compliance and provide corrective actions.

The incumbent will work with the supervisor and Office of Enforcement counsel on formal enforcement action for any violations noted. The incumbent will analyze report findings to prepare draft cease and desist orders or administrative civil liability complaints. If a hearing is requested, the incumbent will prepare written testimony and exhibits and appear as expert witness at hearings before the State Water Board.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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Job type: Full-Time

$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.