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Entry Level Water Resource Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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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Entry Level Water Resource information

What is an entry level water resource?

Entry level water resource jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the water resources field, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, hydrology, or a related discipline. These roles typically involve tasks such as data collection, environmental monitoring, assisting with water quality analysis, and supporting senior staff in project planning or regulatory compliance. Entry level professionals may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, helping to manage and protect water supplies, assess environmental impacts, and develop sustainable water management solutions.

What types of projects does an entry level water resource professional work on?

As an Entry Level Water Resource professional, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as watershed analysis, stormwater management design, environmental impact assessments, and hydraulic modeling. These projects often involve data collection in the field, report preparation, and assisting senior engineers or scientists with technical analyses. Working on diverse projects helps you develop a broad skill set and gain exposure to industry-standard tools and regulations. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams also provides valuable learning opportunities and can accelerate your professional growth within the water resources field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level water resource professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resource professional, you need a background in environmental science, civil engineering, or hydrology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrologic modeling tools (such as HEC-HMS or SWMM), and data analysis platforms is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this field. These competencies ensure accurate data interpretation, effective project collaboration, and the delivery of sustainable water management solutions.

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

AspectEntry Level Water ResourceEntry Level Water Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Science, Civil or Water Resources EngineeringBachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or Biology
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data collection, analysis, and planningLaboratory testing, field sampling, data recording
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizationsWater treatment plants, environmental labs, regulatory agencies

Entry Level Water Resource roles focus on planning, managing, and protecting water systems, often involving fieldwork and data analysis. In contrast, Entry Level Water Quality Technicians primarily perform laboratory testing and sampling to ensure water safety and compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

How to get into entry level water resource management?

To enter water resource management at an entry level, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, hydrology, civil engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in data analysis and GIS software, and obtaining relevant certifications like the Water Resources Professional (WRP) can improve job prospects.

What degree is needed to be an entry level water resource?

An entry-level water resource position typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, civil engineering, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of water management, environmental regulations, and proficiency with GIS or modeling tools.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Design Engineer / Project Engineer

PACE - Advanced Water Engineering

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

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Job description

Job Description

Engineering position that will be involved in stormwater engineering analysis and design. Emphasis is on technical aspects including hydrology, hydraulics, one dimensional modeling, and two-dimensional modeling. The person in this role will learn the modeling packages currently in use at PACE and will take the lead in learning new modeling software as motivated by client and project needs. This engineer will work with the Technical Director to help troubleshoot different aspects of complex design and analysis problems and computer models for multiple projects. Will be involved with internal training, internal and external project communication and will contribute to written analysis and design reports.

This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain significant understanding and expertise in their role at PACE, and leverage that expertise to assist with multiple projects, and to help educate internally. The candidate should be comfortable in a learning environment, and comfortable working with problems and projects that are not routine.

Responsibilities/Tasks:

  • Efficiently learn modeling software currently in use at PACE, e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, WSPG, and others, on a project-by-project basis
  • Learn relevant agency guidance and analysis and design standards on a project-by-project basis
  • Gather, prepare, and organize data for analysis, including watershed delineation, hydrologic parameters, design storm patterns, design rainfall, rainfall gage data, and stream gage data
  • Assists and perform watershed analysis, hydrologic modeling, hydraulic modeling, and floodplain analysis using industry software, proprietary software, and novel calculation
  • Efficiently research and learn new software packages, as motivated by project and client needs, and contribute to adoption and learning within PACE
  • Working with Technical Director and others, assist in troubleshooting problems with various hydrologic and hydraulic modeling projects
  • Use hydrology and hydraulics understanding, and analysis results to contribute to project design efforts
  • Assist with project report preparation and documentation
  • Communicate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to present findings and obtain necessary approvals
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and interface with all levels of employees, managers and officers
  • Ability to solve problems independently, and as part of a team

The responsibilities described above have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, Masters preferred, in Civil Engineering, or related field, with a strong technical foundation

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision is very helpful. Occasional field work may be required and includes walking through uneven, rugged terrain, requiring good balance, ability to walk moderate to long distances, and good general vision and depth of field vision.

Work Environment

The noise level in the office work environment is moderate. May be required to work in an external environment in all weather conditions. Must have reliable transportation and flexibility to travel locally to project sites and meetings. Occasional overnight travel in California and states surrounding California may be required.

PACE is an equal opportunity employer.

At this time, PACE will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization. Local candidates are preferred, and no relocation package is offered.

If interested, please respond to this posting by submitting your resume with references.

NO RECRUITERS PLEASE.

Company Description

PACE is a specialized civil engineering firm focusing on advanced water resource services with unique research and development capabilities through our onsite water quality and piloting laboratories. We offer a wide range of engineering services related to water, wastewater, stormwater management, water resource planning, regulatory compliance and energy sustainability to ensure projects are both economically viable and environmentally sensitive. Our engineering approach focuses on maximizing value by applying state-of-the art analytical tools and designing water infrastructure systems that include environmental, aesthetic and recreation uses. PACE staff members include licensed professional engineers, scientists, PhDs, university instructors and policymakers in the water resource arena.

When you join our PACE family, you join a group of individuals with a shared passion for water, a desire to grow, and a determination to make a difference. We believe it is important to cultivate a team-oriented, purpose-driven, and encouragement-led culture to best achieve our goals and deliver quality work to our clients.
We provide an environment that incorporates professional and personal team building and growth through various interactive programs intended to cultivate a comfortable, collaborative and advanced-thinking environment. We promote these values with programs and events such as company-sponsored luncheons with group activities, training events, project presentations, iponsoring community support events, offsite gatherings, and more. We also welcome feedback to best understand our team's needs and concerns and continuously improve our company as a whole. With the following characteristics embedded in our culture, you will feel the difference in working for a company that cares:

Collaborative
Client-Focused
Have Fun
Thrive

Additionally, we maintain an active office environment to promote collaboration and efficient delivery of projects, with a wide variety of office perks:

• Complimentary breakfast and casual attire every Friday
• Complimentary tea, coffee, breakfast bars, and snacks offered daily
• Health Incentive program
• Stand up desks
• Yoga ball chair
• Café style break room with big screen TV

In addition to the competitive compensation, PTO, paid holiday, insurance and retirement (401k) benefits, PACE also offers:

• Bonus pay opportunities
• Potential future shareholder opportunities
• Reimbursement for personal health and wellness programs (such as gym memberships)
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses (such as co-pays/deductibles, expenses not qualified for insurance coverage, etc.)
• Tuition, training and association due reimbursement
• Flexible spending accounts based on pre-tax payroll contributions for dependent care, medical, dental and vision expenses
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program providing counseling for well-being, legal services, financial wellness and identity theft resources

* These programs each have guidelines for eligibility and reimbursement limits. Details of these programs can be provided upon request.