Utility Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

* This is a re-advertisement. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.*
Under the general direction of the Manager, Acquisition and Appraisal Section, the incumbent serves as a Sr. Right of Way Agent (Specialist) and performs highly specialized, complex and sensitive negotiation work for the acquisition, disposal, and exchange of all types of real property interests and rights of way statewide. The position provides support to all Department of Water Resources (DWR) Divisions, in support of State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) infrastructure projects including coordinating utility relocations, providing relocation assistance (RAP), and acquiring mitigation properties. This position will also support other (non-SWP and CVFPB) DWR projects including multi-benefit and habitat restoration projects. The incumbent will also perform real property transactions to clear title encumbrances and record conservation easements on fee owned property and work closely with the Office of the General Counsel, Geomatics Branch, Program Managers, and the Property Management and Encroachment Permit Section as necessary. The incumbent will prepare and process Right of Way documents including contracts, agreements, permits, leases, licenses, deed clauses, etc in coordination with the Office of the General Counsel and Program staff. This position provides contract manager support services for active service contracts that are used to assist in managing the Real Estate Branch workload. Contract manager support services include developing task orders, reviewing and approving invoices, tracking work progress and payments, and developing/renewing new contracts as needed.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR RIGHT OF WAY AGENT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-519529
Position #(s):
843-240-4962-900
Working Title:
Senior Right of Way Agent (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR RIGHT OF WAY AGENT $8,678.00 - $10,783.00
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent Intermittent - 1500 Hours
Department Information
Division of Engineering, Real Estate Branch, Acquisition & Appraisal Section, Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements
Varying working conditions include out of town assignments, overnight travel, and working flexible hours as necessary. Must possess a valid California driver's license when conducting State business that requires driving a vehicle. This position is listed in the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and requires financial disclosure.
The Department of Water Resources is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
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: 9/8/2026
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:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento , CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.

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:
Our ideal candidate will have excellent verbal communication and writing skills; excellent interpersonal skills and experience communicating at all levels within an organization; a demonstrated sense of initiative; expert-level knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite; right of way industry specific training and/or certifications, leadership training and experience, knowledge of preliminary reports and methods of clearing title encumbrances, conservation easements, mineral rights, water rights, negotiating and coordinating complex, experience in politically sensitive high profile real estate transactions under the threat of condemnation; Experience preparing and processing Right of Way documents including contracts, agreements, permits, and leases; Experience in participating in the development of or influencing the creation of policies and procedures; experience using Administrative Settlements. Experience in utility relocation, working on multi-benefit and habitat restoration projects ,and experience with conservation easements. Lastly, experience with large scale projects involving the acquisition of rights of way for governmental or public utility use.
Benefits
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees. We're also located right next to Light Rail for an easy commute - we'll even reimburse you for a portion of your monthly public transit pass!
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Sofia Khan
(916) 764-9689
sofia.khan@water.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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.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.
Special Instructions
Interested applicants must submit a State Employment Application (STD 678) along with a one-page cover letter, resume, and a Statement of Qualifications. A Statement of Qualifications is a separate one-page typed document that addresses the candidates experience and education as it relates to the duties listed in the job advertisement. Please reference SAP Position number 50095032 and Job Control JC-519529 on your application.
The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.
Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Examination/Assessment
For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To learn more about how to get a State job, click here .
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
The Department of Water Resources will be using the examination(s)/assessment(s) listed below:
SENIOR RIGHT OF WAY AGENT
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.