Civil Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
Civil Engineer (Water Resources Focus) - Northern California
HDR's Northern California Civil Design Section is seeking a mid-level, Licensed Civil Engineer who is passionate about water resources and environmental resilience to help deliver impactful, water-focused infrastructure projects. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable water systems across the region.
You'll collaborate with and be mentored by experienced senior engineers while taking on increasing responsibility in the design and delivery of complex water projects. If you're driven by protecting communities, restoring natural systems, and shaping resilient water infrastructure, this role is for you.
What You'll Work On
Levees, dams, and flood risk reduction system
Wetland and habitat restoration project
Water conveyance and hydraulic infrastructure
Nature-based and multi-benefit water solution
Primary Responsibilitie
In this role, you will:
Lead or support the development of construction documents for water resources projects, including plans, specifications, and design report
Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated solutions for complex hydraulic and civil system
Develop innovative, sustainable solutions to address unique water resource challenges, including projects with limited prescriptive guidance
Prepare engineering calculations, cost estimates, bid schedules, and technical documentation
Manage and contribute to projects within budgets and schedule
Coordinate design efforts with AutoCAD/Civil 3D designers and drafters; perform design work directly as needed
Conduct site visits and field assessments to verify existing conditions and inform design decision
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative team environment
Support projects from concept through construction, gaining exposure to real-world implementation
What Makes This Role Unique
Work on mission-driven water projects that improve community resilience
Be part of a team shaping California's water future through both traditional and nature-based solution
Gain hands-on experience across a diverse portfolio of civil design project
Learn directly from industry leaders in water resources and infrastructure design
Preferred Qualification
Experience in water resources and civil infrastructure design project
Field experience supporting construction of water or civil infrastructure project
Familiarity with levees, dams, stormwater systems, or restoration project
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
• Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.