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Water Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lotus Water

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · 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

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · 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

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Brown and Caldwell

Water Reuse Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Brown and Caldwell (BC) is seeking a Water Reuse Engineer to join our growing Reuse practice and to help our clients increase their environmental sustainability and the resilience of their water ...

HireOTS

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Alamo, CA

$105K - $155K/yr

Perform engineering work in water and wastewater treatment plants * Work on engineering planning, design, and construction projects * Serve as Project Manager on medium and large scale water ...

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All JobsWater Engineer JobsWater Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Water Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$13.5K

$75.2K

$98K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in Berkeley, CA is $75,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $91,200.00 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.
More about Water Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA?

The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Water Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Water Engineer jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Water Engineer job openings:

Water Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,196 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER IV/PROJECT MANAGER

Lotus Water

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Job:
Lotus Water Engineering is the home for planners and designers that have a passion for finding multi-benefit, community-driven solutions to our generation's biggest water resources and climate change challenges. If that sounds like a fit for you, please check out our latest job posting. We are looking for an experienced project engineer to help lead our diverse portfolio of green infrastructure design projects.
Role:
Lotus Water is seeking an experienced engineer to lead design projects that integrate sustainable water management, resilient design, and green stormwater infrastructure. The candidate should be able to manage their own design and CAD tasks, as well as delegate to junior staff and CAD drafters. The ideal candidate is one that has been working as a project engineer for years and is ready to start managing projects as well. The position is for our San Francisco office, where you will be mentored by our senior engineers and will integrate as a key member of our civil/water resources team.
Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
  • Leading multi-disciplinary civil and water resources design projects, under the direction of a principal and/or senior engineer;
  • Developing technical design documents, including construction document plan sets for waterfront, park, campus, and other site redevelopment projects;
  • Conducting site visits to local projects under construction and responding to contractor submittals and RFIs;
  • Developing nature-based stormwater solutions, grading, drainage, cut/fill analyses, circulation and utility design;
  • Supporting hydrologic & hydraulic analyses and preparing stormwater management plans.

Qualifications include:
Required
  • 6-10 years working on site development projects
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Expert in AutoCAD and set up of plan sheets
  • Proficient with Civil3D modeling software
  • PE license
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel)
  • Strong initiative and technical problem-solving expertise

Preferred
  • Experience working on LID/green infrastructure and water reuse projects
  • Experience working on site development projects within the Bay Area
  • Master's degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering (water focus)
  • H&H modeling (e.g., SWMM, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS)
  • ArcGIS
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications

Lotus Water is an award-winning water resources and civil engineering design firm headquartered in downtown San Francisco. We offer a culture of technical excellence and creativity in a flexible and fun work environment. Lotus recognizes the value of inclusivity in strengthening our workplace and equitable design in strengthening our diverse communities. Lotus Water offers highly competitive compensation packages, health and retirement benefits, and professional development support.

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