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Natural Resource Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... 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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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 Sep 6, 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 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.

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.

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 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 do natural resource engineers do?

Natural resource engineers design and implement solutions to manage and conserve natural resources such as water, minerals, and land. They analyze environmental data, develop sustainable practices, and often use tools like GIS and modeling software to optimize resource use while minimizing environmental impact.

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:

Infographic showing various Natural Resource Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,526 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Sanger, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$40K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary
About the Position: Serve as a natural resource management staffer for a major water resource project. Perform a variety of assignments involving all aspects of project operations including natural resources, recreation and dam safety.
Relocation and Recruitment incentives, including student loan repayment, may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • At the GS-05 and GS-07 levels, the duties are developmental in nature leading to the full performance level of GS-09. The duties are described at the GS-09 level.
  • Participate in the development of various planning documents including Master Plans and Operational Management Plans (OMP), for management of natural resources.
  • Participate in conservation, preservation, restoration and use of project natural and cultural resources.
  • Patrol project lands and waters to prevent unauthorized use, trespass, destruction of property, and to insure compliance with rules and regulations.
  • Conduct public relations services for the general public and for special groups.
  • Participates in all aspects of recreation management at the project to which assigned.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • The employee may be required to wear the Corps' authorized uniform in the performance of duties.
  • This position requires the incumbent to work nights and weekends frequently.
  • Position meets the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Subject to re-employment screening, and random testing thereafter.
  • Incumbent may be required to possess or be able to acquire first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and blood-borne pathogen training.
  • Incumbent may be required to receive a minimum of 24 hours of personal protection/unarmed self defense, situational evaluation and tactical communication training within two years of employment
  • Acquire a Corps of Engineers boat operator's license within 12 months
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (0401):
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
GS-05
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For the GS-07/09 levels, in addition to meeting the Basic Requirement (education) above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-07
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience in the Federal service which includes assisting with the following: developing plans and schedules for project employees, recreation management functions associated with project safety and security, and the development and maintenance of recreation/project programs.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:
(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR
(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR
(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achshonor.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-09
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: developing plans and schedules for project employees, performing recreation management functions associated with project safety and security, and developing and maintaining recreation/project programs. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Construction, Engineering, and Infrastructure (CF) Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • There is no government housing available.

Salary Details:
Cochiti Pueblo, NM:
GS-05: $41,178 to $53,531
GS-07: $51,007 to $66,311
GS-09: $62,392 to $81,114
Hasty, CO:
GS-05: $40,736 to $52,957
GS-07: $50,460 to $65,599
GS-09: $61,722 to $80,243
Sanger, CA:
GS-05: $40,941 to $53,224
GS-07: $50,714 to $65,930
GS-09: $62,033 to $80,648
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US