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Entry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in California

HDR

Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water ... Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate * Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design ...

State Water Resources Control Board

WRCE

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Water Resources Control Engineer (Supervisory) in the Technical Operations Section, the incumbent will perform varied and complex technical and ...

Stantec

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

... Engineer to our hydropower and dams group within the energy business line in Southern California ... If working on the most challenging water and natural resources projects around the world, building ...

Stantec

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

... Engineer to our hydropower and dams group within the energy business line in Southern California ... If working on the most challenging water and natural resources projects around the world, building ...

Stantec

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

... Engineer to our hydropower and dams group within the energy business line in Southern California ... If working on the most challenging water and natural resources projects around the world, building ...

Stantec

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

... Engineer to our hydropower and dams group within the energy business line in Southern California ... If working on the most challenging water and natural resources projects around the world, building ...

PACE - Advanced Water Engineering

Be Seen First

Design Engineer / Project Engineer

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain ... advanced water resource services with unique research and development capabilities through our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$92.7K

$131.8K

How much do entry level water resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource engineer in California is $92,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level water resource engineer do?

An entry level water resource engineer assists with the planning, design, and management of projects related to water resources, such as flood control, stormwater management, and water supply systems. Their tasks often include data collection, analysis, computer modeling, and preparing technical reports under the supervision of senior engineers. They may also support permitting processes and coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies. This role is ideal for recent graduates in civil or environmental engineering who are interested in sustainable water solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water resource engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resource Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering and a solid understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, and hydraulic modeling programs (e.g., HEC-RAS) is typically required, along with an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate project design, regulatory compliance, and collaborative problem-solving in water resource management projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level water resource engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level water resource engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex environmental regulations, adapting to the technical demands of hydrologic modeling software, and managing multiple project deadlines. Additionally, they may need to quickly develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including senior engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and help new engineers build a solid foundation in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Resource Engineer vs Water Resources Technician?

AspectEntry Level Water Resource EngineerWater Resources Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental Engineering or related field; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferredAssociate's degree or technical certification in water systems or environmental technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, project planning; office and fieldworkField data collection, equipment maintenance, site inspections
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companiesMunicipal water departments, environmental agencies, contractors

While both roles support water resource management, Entry Level Water Resource Engineers focus on designing and analyzing water systems, requiring a bachelor's degree and engineering credentials. Water Resources Technicians primarily handle field data collection and equipment, often with technical certifications. The engineer role involves more planning and analysis, whereas technicians focus on operational tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,664 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
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.
In the role of Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources, we'll count on you to:
  • Develop economic and life loss consequence models in HEC-FDA and LifeSim under the supervison of project engineers
  • Focus on understanding of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, assimilation, and presentations
  • Focus on projects including flood risk, dam safety, levee design, stream channel restoration/rehabilitation, reservoir operation, economics, climate change, watershed issues
  • Process data for model input, develop figures for reports and presentations, and draft technical reports
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualification
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate
  • Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
  • Experience with hydraulic modeling software such as HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS
  • Advanced technical writing skills

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task
  • 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.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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