1

Water Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tailings & Water Engineer -Rio Tinto Borates and Lithium * Join our global leading businessoffering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities * Permanent employment which ...

Tailings & Water Engineer - Rio Tinto Borates and Lithium * Join our global leading business offering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities * Permanent employment which ...

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources ...

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources ...

New

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Lotus Water is seeking a mid-level design engineer, with 3-5 years of experience, to support our San Francisco office. Lotus is continuing to grow our Civil Engineering practice with design projects ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Lotus Water is seeking a mid-level design engineer, with 3-5 years of experience, to support our San Francisco office. Lotus is continuing to grow our Civil Engineering practice with design projects ...

Lotus Water is seeking a mid-level design engineer, with 3-5 years of experience, to support our San Francisco office. Lotus is continuing to grow our Civil Engineering practice with design projects ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$60.6K

$79K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in California is $60,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water engineer?

A water engineer works on projects to ensure water supplies stay clean, properly dispose of wastewater and sewage, and prevent flood damage. Job duties include designing and building structures for water resource control, overseeing project construction, monitoring technical systems, and analyzing technical data. They work on structures such as pumping stations, reservoirs, and sea defense walls. To effectively perform this job, you must stay current with environmental management legislation and government regulations related to water resources.

What does a water engineer do?

A Water Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources, such as water treatment plants, drainage systems, and flood defense mechanisms. They work to ensure the safe and efficient supply, distribution, and management of water for communities, agriculture, and industry. Their work often involves environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and compliance with regulations. Water Engineers collaborate with government agencies, contractors, and the public to solve water-related challenges and improve water infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Engineer, you generally need a degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, GIS systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is typically required. Effective communication, project management, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage complex projects. These skills ensure safe, sustainable water systems and successful project delivery in compliance with regulatory standards.

How do water engineers typically collaborate with other professionals on large-scale projects?

Water Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams that include civil engineers, environmental scientists, urban planners, and construction managers. Effective collaboration is essential for designing and implementing water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and flood control solutions. Regular meetings, clear communication, and shared project management tools help ensure all team members are aligned on objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements. This collaborative structure provides valuable learning opportunities and helps Water Engineers broaden their expertise across related fields.

What is the difference between Water Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental, Civil, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, managing water resources, working on water treatment and distribution projectsDesigning infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, including water-related structures
Industry UsagePrimarily in water management, environmental agencies, water treatment plantsConstruction, infrastructure, urban development sectors
Common Search/ComparisonWater Engineer vs Civil Engineer

Water Engineers focus on water-specific systems, resources, and treatment processes, often working within environmental and water management sectors. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, designing various infrastructure projects, including water-related structures. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in specialization and work environment.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers are in high demand due to increasing infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and water resource management challenges. The profession often requires knowledge of environmental regulations, CAD software, and sustainable practices, making it a stable career choice with growth prospects.

How much do water engineers make?

Water engineers in New York City typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications. Senior roles or specialized skills in water treatment, hydraulics, or environmental compliance can lead to higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of industry standards, engineering software, and regulatory requirements.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Water Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Water Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,608 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Engineer- Tailings & Water

SF Demo - Rio Tinto

Boron, CA โ€ข On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Tailings & Water Engineer -Rio Tinto Borates and Lithium
  • Join our global leading businessoffering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities
  • Permanent employment which includes a huge range of additional benefits
  • Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion - Boron, California
  • For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $92-240 - $126,830

About the role

We are looking for a Tailings & Water Engineer to join our team. Working with site operations and having access to Rio Tinto Experts, you will be responsible for providing technical support to site and project teams ensuring the safe and efficient operation of tailings and water storage facilities. You will collaborate with site leadership teams to ensure tailings storage facility integrity is maintained and the operations of tailings storage facilities is in accordance with the design intent and operational plan.


Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates, remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.


Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California's Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872. The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on
as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement. For more information about Borax and its world-class operations, please visithttp://www.borax.com

This role is a great opportunity for a self-motivated Engineer to see immediate results in plant efficiency, output and quality improvements as well as project implementation improvements. Reporting to the Process Principal Advisor, you will be:

  • Managing day-to-day operations of the Tailings Ponds
  • Operating/managing the facilities in accordance with the design intent
  • Conducting drone-based photogrammetry, thermal, and LiDAR scans, with willingness to obtain a UAV FAA Part 107 certification
  • Develop and maintain GoldSim models for tailings and water management
  • Keeping D5 Nominated Manager and Responsible Dam Engineer informed of the performance of the facilities
  • Reporting on all D5 Standard related incidents
  • Upkeep of OMS (Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance) Manual
  • Accountable for arranging collection, evaluation, and reporting of monitoring data as per the OMS Manual
  • Responsible, alongside the Responsible Dam Engineer, for liaising with the Engineer of Record, Designer of Record, Projects, HSEC, legal, communities and social performance and regulatory affairs and environment teams
  • Responsible for the monitoring system and communication of the results to the EoR, including performance reviews
  • Responsible for the implementation of a change management system
  • Support with compliance with Rio Tinto's Standards with an emphasis on Tailings and Water Storage Facility Risk Management
  • Have experience, knowledge, and competencies appropriate to the complexity of the facility and consequence classification
  • Have experience undertaking scoping of studies, site investigations and risk management for tailings facilities
  • Routinely communicate with the site management team on important tailings pond safety matters
  • Work with fixed plant personnel to reduce tailings and conserve water
  • Responsible for short-term planning of facilities by use of a quantitative model and weekly maintenance meetings
  • Supporting medium-, and long-term planning with Responsible Dam Engineer
  • Participate in internal and external Tailings Audits
  • Participate in regulatory visits and inspections to Tailings Ponds
  • Assist Environmental team with Water, Air, and Land Compliance with Pond Operations
  • Managing contractors with routine maintenance and site studies of the Ponds
  • Responsible for minor improvement projects of the Ponds
What you'll bring

To succeed in this highly visible leadership role you will need:

  • Bachelor's degree qualification in a relevant engineering subject (geotechnical, civil, chemical) from ABET accredited university
  • Candidates with a Master's Degree from an ABET accredited university in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering will be highly regarded
  • Experience supporting GISTM compliance and tailings governance requirements is required
  • Experience with tailings facility operations, surveillance, instrumentation monitoring, drone-based inspections, regulatory compliance, contractor coordination, and risk management
  • You will have experience on site, liaising with interdisciplinary stakeholders
  • Program, project or client management experience
  • A proactive approach to learning and development, open to collaborating in a team environment
  • Excellent Communication skills both written and verbal
  • Valid Driver's License
  • EIT preferred

What we offer

Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress

  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
  • Attractive share ownership plan
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges

Where you'll be working

Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world's demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1872.


About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.