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Civil Engineer – Water Distribution & Infrastructure

Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Location: Chico, CA (On-Site) Relocation required if not a commutable distance from Chico.

Salary: $113K – $173K DOE

About the Role

We are partnered with California’s largest regulated water utility to recruit a Civil Engineer – Water Distribution & Infrastructure for their Chico district. This is a permanent, direct-hire role for civil or mechanical engineers with experience in water distribution, potable water, pump station design, pipeline design, or related water infrastructure — seeking real capital project ownership, long-term stability, and one of the last true defined benefit pension plans in private-sector engineering.

This is a permanent position supporting the planning, design, and delivery of water infrastructure capital improvement projects (CIP), including potable water distribution systems, wells, pump stations, storage tanks, pipelines, and treatment facilities.

About Chico, CA

Chico sits at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley — 90 minutes north of Sacramento and within easy day-trip distance of the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Northern California coast. That proximity means you maintain access to major airports, professional networks, entertainment, and city amenities — without paying city prices to live there.

Chico is built around Chico State University, Bidwell Park (one of the largest municipal parks in the US), and a strong local food, arts, and outdoor culture with year-round hiking, cycling, and access to the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Housing costs run roughly 40% below Sacramento and 70% below the Bay Area. For engineers relocating from higher-cost markets, the same compensation buys a materially different quality of life here.

Key Responsibilities

•     Plan, design, and deliver capital improvement projects (CIP) — wells, pump stations, storage tanks, pipelines, pressure tanks, and water treatment facilities (new installations and modifications to existing infrastructure)

•     Manage projects through the full lifecycle: concept, design, procurement, construction, and closeout — including scope, schedule, budget, and cost tracking

•     Oversee construction activities; manage consultants, contractors, change orders, RFIs, inspections, and invoices

•     Prepare and review permit applications, bid documents, and technical specifications; communicate with permitting agencies including the Division of Drinking Water (DDW)

•     Perform hydraulic analysis, engineering calculations, and civil design analysis to solve water system problems

•     Prepare and review drawings; work with engineering technicians on standard infrastructure improvements using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS tools

•     Support capital budgeting, cost estimating, and CPUC rate case filings — including project justifications, data requests, and settlement support

•     Review easements, legal descriptions, and infrastructure records for proposed water system facilities

•     Assist in developing long-term water distribution system plans and potable water supply reliability assessments

•     Coordinate with district operations, regulatory agencies (DDW, SWRCB), and public stakeholders

•     Conduct project safety planning in accordance with AWWA standards and company safety protocols

Qualifications

Required

•     BS in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field

•     2+ years of experience in the design and project management of water distribution, potable water, wastewater, oil and gas, or related civil infrastructure — water main design, pump station design, or well construction experience highly valued

•     Hands-on experience with engineering calculations, hydraulic analysis, civil design, and construction management oversight

•     Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or GIS tools

•     Working knowledge of AWWA standards, Title 22 (California), and applicable water system codes and regulations

•     Experience preparing permit submittals and communicating with regulatory agencies (DDW, SWRCB, or equivalent)

•     Project management fundamentals — scope, schedule, and budget tracking

•     Strong technical writing skills for reports, bid specifications, and regulatory filings

•     Valid California Driver’s License

Preferred

•     EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification; California PE license strongly preferred — candidates actively pursuing licensure encouraged to apply

•     Hydraulic modeling experience (WaterGEMS, EPANET, or equivalent)

•     PMP certification

•     Master’s degree or advanced specialty certification

Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire — The selected candidate will be hired as a full-time employee directly with our client.

Salary: $113K – $173K depending on experience (DOE)

Pension: Defined benefit pension — guaranteed retirement income; fewer than 20% of private-sector engineers have access to this today

Wage Increases: Union-negotiated annual wage increases with transparent pay bands and employment protections backed by a collective bargaining agreement

Capital Investment: Stable, ratepayer-funded capital budgets — your projects are funded and moving regardless of market conditions

Growth: Growth path within a $1.6B capital investment program (2025–2027): increasing project complexity, mentorship, and a clear ladder toward senior and principal engineer classifications

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.