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Natural Resource Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Consultant - Natural Resources

Redlands, CA · On-site

... engineering, utilities, commercial, and others. Your work will empower people to make meaningful ... natural resources, land-use planning, and geo-design. The team you will work with is collaborative ...

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All JobsNatural Resource Engineer JobsNatural Resource Engineer Jobs in California

Natural Resource Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.3K

$95.5K

$153.5K

How much do natural resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resource engineer in California is $95,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a natural resource engineer do?

A natural resource engineer designs and manages systems for the sustainable extraction, use, and conservation of natural resources such as water, minerals, and energy. They analyze environmental impact, develop solutions to reduce resource waste, and often use tools like GIS and modeling software to support their work. The role may require knowledge of environmental regulations and engineering principles.

What is the difference between Natural Resource Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectNatural Resource EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, environmental science, or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or related; PE license common
Work EnvironmentField sites, resource management projects, consulting firmsResearch labs, government agencies, consulting firms, fieldwork
Industry UsageNatural resource management, water and land development, resource extractionPollution control, waste management, environmental compliance

Natural Resource Engineers focus on managing and developing natural resources like water, land, and minerals, often working in resource extraction and management. Environmental Engineers concentrate on protecting the environment through pollution control, waste management, and environmental compliance. While both roles require similar credentials and may work in overlapping environments, their primary goals differ: resource development versus environmental protection.

What is a natural resource engineer?

Natural Resource Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement solutions to manage and protect natural resources such as water, soil, air, and land. They apply principles from engineering, environmental science, and ecology to address issues like water quality, erosion control, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use. Their work often involves conducting environmental impact assessments, designing conservation projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Natural Resource Engineers play a vital role in balancing human development needs with environmental protection.

How does a natural resource engineer collaborate with environmental scientists and government agencies on projects?

Natural Resource Engineers often work closely with environmental scientists to assess the ecological impact of engineering projects, such as water resource management or land reclamation. They also interact with government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to obtain necessary permits. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings, sharing technical data, and jointly developing sustainable solutions that balance project goals with environmental protection. This multidisciplinary teamwork is essential for successfully completing projects that meet both engineering standards and conservation objectives.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a natural resource engineer?

To thrive as a Natural Resource Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental engineering, hydrology, and resource management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with GIS tools, modeling software like HEC-RAS, and environmental impact assessment systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and develop sustainable solutions. These skills ensure that natural resources are managed responsibly, regulatory standards are met, and projects benefit both the environment and communities.
What are popular job titles related to Natural Resource Engineer jobs in California? For Natural Resource Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Natural Resource Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Natural Resource Engineer jobs in California are:
Natural Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Natural Resource Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,526 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Experienced Civil / Water Resources Engineer or Scientist

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Oakland, CA • On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Civil / Water Resources Engineer or Scientist in our Oakland or Walnut Creek, California office to join our water resources, green stormwater infrastructure, and urban stormwater compliance practice. In this position, you will work on complex municipal and public-sector projects involving green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), low impact development (LID), urban drainage, stormwater quality improvements, creek restoration, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis, NPDES/MRP compliance, construction documents, and project delivery from planning through design and implementation.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop civil and water resources engineering plans, specifications, estimates, technical memoranda, and basis-of-design documentation for municipal stormwater, drainage, GSI, LID, and resiliency projects.
  • Perform and support hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, storm drain capacity evaluations, stormwater quality infrastructure sizing, and assessments of existing flooding and drainage conditions.
  • Prepare and review construction drawings, technical specifications, engineer's estimates, construction schedules, and design deliverables at conceptual, preliminary, and final design milestones.
  • Support stormwater NPDES permit implementation, MRP compliance, stormwater control plan reviews, operations and maintenance plans, and technical review packages for municipal clients.
  • Conduct field investigations related to drainage facilities, curb ramps, ADA compliance, utility conflicts, infiltration conditions, GSI performance, and construction or retrofit feasibility.
  • Coordinate with clients, public agencies, subcontractors, vendors, internal technical teams, and regulatory stakeholders to support efficient project execution and permitting.
  • Manage task- and project-level scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, QA/QC, RFI/submittal documentation, and construction-phase coordination for multiple concurrent assignments.
  • Support feasibility studies and grant-funded stormwater quality improvement projects by developing conceptual designs, monitoring and O&M strategies, feasibility criteria responses, and funding application materials.
  • Assist with construction management, SWPPP construction monitoring, health and safety planning, vendor coordination, and long-term performance monitoring strategies.
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.

Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, natural resources science, or a closely related field. (required)
  • Advanced degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, natural resources science, or a closely related field. (preferred)
  • Professional registration (i.e., P.E., P.G., CPESC, CPSWQ) or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe. (preferred)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 7 years of experience in civil engineering, water resources engineering, municipal stormwater, green infrastructure, or environmental consulting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Demonstrated experience designing or managing green stormwater infrastructure, LID measures, drainage improvements, stormwater quality treatment systems, creek restoration, or urban greening projects. (preferred)
  • Experience preparing PS&E packages, conceptual through final design deliverables, engineer's estimates, schedules, technical reports, and basis-of-design documentation. (preferred)
  • Working knowledge of California stormwater regulations, NPDES permitting, MRP provisions, stormwater control plans, O&M plans, source controls, site design measures, and stormwater treatment requirements. (preferred)
  • Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, storm drain master planning data, flood condition assessments, infiltration testing, drainage design, utility coordination, and ADA curb ramp improvements. (preferred)
  • Strong project management skills, including scope development, budget management, schedule tracking, QA/QC coordination, subcontractor/vendor coordination, client communication, and delivery of multiple concurrent assignments. (preferred)
  • Excellent technical writing, verbal communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to prepare clear review comments, technical memoranda, feasibility documentation, and client-facing deliverables. (required)
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced consulting environment, meet strict deadlines, collaborate across disciplines, and travel to client facilities or project sites as needed. (required)
  • Experience with modeling and design software tools such as HydroCAD, EPA-SWMM, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and ArcGIS. (preferred)
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D or similar civil design software. (preferred)
  • Experience supporting grant-funded water quality, Safe Clean Water Program, resiliency, or sustainability projects. (preferred)
  • Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training and refreshers. (preferred)
  • Field work and overnight travel may be required.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec's total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
  • Minimum Salary: $106,275/year / Maximum Salary: $152,575/year (Oakland, Walnut Creek)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
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