Entry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in California

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career protecting water quality on California's beautiful Central Coast? Do you enjoy working with others in a fast-paced environment to do important work?
The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Coast Water Board) has an opening for a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer Specialist in the Permitting Section. The individual coming into this position will use engineering and wastewater knowledge and technical expertise to lead complex and high priority engineering investigations, enforcement actions, studies, and permits to protect water quality. Apply today and come join our innovative and passionate team at the Central Coast Water Board.
The position is located in the Central Coast Water Board office located at 895 Aerovista
Place, Suite 101, San Luis Obispo, California, with a hybrid telework option.
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 and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.
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. E mployees 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.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525198
Position #(s):
880-130-3844-112
Working Title:
Senior WRCE Specialist
Classification:
SENIOR WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 26-130-002 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)
• Must have Professional Engineers license - Senior level and above only

Must have Senior Water Resource Control Engineer list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list. (This is subject to change based on classification). Here is the link to the exam: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearch.aspx .
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: 9/4/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Water Resources Control Board
Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 - See below for specific requirements
• Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing engineering reports, water quality data, technical writing, and presentations.
• Knowledge of state and federal water quality laws, regulations, and policies related to waste discharge including the California Water Code, basin plans, water quality standards.
• Knowledge of groundwater and surface water protection activities, advanced wastewater treatment technologies, and recycled water.
• Experience with large scale nutrient and salt management water quality or wastewater regionalization projects and programs.
• Experience in leadership and team building and working effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with environmental justice and tribal outreach.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management, legal counsel, internal and external partners, and the public.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management, decision making, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, ability to prioritize assignments in order to meet deadlines, and work independently.
• High level of professionalism; excellent leadership skills; commitment to practice continuous self-improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management systems.

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.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Danielle Klemencic
(916) 319-8293
danielle.klemencic@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Tamara Anderson
(805) 549-3334
Tamara.Anderson@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
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
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 two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12 pt. font, and normal margins.
Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:

Describe your experience interpreting regulations, laws, and policies that resulted in the development and implementation of new strategies for regulating waste discharges that resulted in improved water quality and protection of beneficial uses.

Describe your experience using various leadership and communication styles to successfully reach a positive outcome for a complex and politically charged project that resulted in improved w