Entry Level Water Resources Engineering Jobs in California

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
Your Opportunity
Stantec is seeking a Water Resources EIT to join our multidisciplinary team in Sacramento, California. You will apply and grow your understanding of water resources engineering, analysis, and planning to help answer our clients' water resource management questions.
We're looking for inquisitive professionals who are passionate about water and bring experience in one or more areas of water resources engineering and planning-such as engineering analysis and design, modeling of physical systems (hydrology, water operations, reservoir and river temperature, hydrodynamics), or integrating technical analysis and stakeholder input into water management planning and decision-making. Our Water Resources team in California tackles the State's water problems from drought resilience to climate change vulnerability. This role will support water resources planning and management and infrastructure projects for local, regional, state, and federal water-related agencies and organizations throughout California and other locations. As the successful candidate, you will use your technical abilities to assist in a wide variety of projects in a dynamic planning and design team setting.
Are you ready to advance your career with a collaborative team that puts people first, lives its corporate values, and works on some of the most challenging water projects in the world?
Your Key Responsibilities

• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams on water resources projects across California.
• Conduct technical evaluations supporting planning and design of water supply, flood risk management, and ecosystem/fisheries restoration projects.
• Assist with project management activities associated with the planning and execution of water resources planning and engineering projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, project engineers, other resource specialists (biologists, economists, etc.), clients, regulatory agencies, and subcontractors.
• Tasks may include performing feasibility studies, water (hydraulic, hydrologic, or system operation) modeling, engineering calculations, preparing planning and technical engineering reports, research, data entry.
• Analysis of water resources management issues and infrastructure at local, regional, and statewide scales.
• Assist with preparing reports, gathering information, drafting proposals, drafting correspondence, completing progress reports, and conducting project management.
• Support engineering and senior project staff in producing high-quality work products for our water clients.
• Maintain consistently high standards of delivery, quality, flexibility, and innovation.
• Assist with site visits and field investigations as necessary.
• Perform other duties as required.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• An understanding of water resources planning, management, and design, such as: - Water allocation, reservoir operation, water system hydrologic and temperature models
• Engineering feasibility analysis and design
• Hydrology and hydraulics
• Integrated water management, including water systems and hydrologic modeling
• Water resources planning and decision-support processes, including stakeholder engagement
• Planning and design of water resources infrastructure, including conveyance, groundwater and surface storage, pumping, and treatment facilities.
• An understanding of California water resources (including river systems/water-related infrastructure and applicable laws/policies/regulations) and federal/state planning processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and Access.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking experience.
• Commitment to client satisfaction and the delivery of high-quality work products.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize, and take direction.
• Strong interpersonal abilities for working in diverse team environments with staff, clients, and stakeholders.
• Geographically based in California or willingness to relocate.
• Typical office environment working with computers and working at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
• Candidate must be willing and have the ability to travel, and on occasion, spend time working away from home office.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Civil, Environmental, Bioresources or Agricultural, or Water Resources Engineering, hydrology, or related field. Advanced degree desirable.
• Must have taken and successfully passed the FE exam and be an EIT or ability to obtain registration within 6 months required, or other professional certification/registration in appropriate field of expertise.
• 0-5 years of experience in the planning, design, and/or permitting of water resources, stormwater management, municipal water, and/or wastewater infrastructure
• Must have a safe driving record and valid Driver's License.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
Pay Range:
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ, VA Areas-$85,000.00 - $123,300.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | CA | Sacramento
Organization: 1840 Water-US Pacific-Sacramento CA
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 29/07/2026 03:07:33
Req ID: 1006981
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.