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Water Engineering Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Technician

Dickinson, ND ยท On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Focused on Transportation projects, but may also support our Municipal and Water/Wastewater groups ... Engineering Technicians are expected to possess and apply basic civil engineering design principles ...

Engineering Technician

Hopkins, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Focused on Transportation projects, but may also support our Municipal and Water/Wastewater groups ... Engineering Technicians are expected to possess and apply basic civil engineering design principles ...

Engineering Technician

Bismarck, ND ยท On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Focused on Transportation projects, but may also support our Municipal and Water/Wastewater groups ... Engineering Technicians are expected to possess and apply basic civil engineering design principles ...

Engineering Technician

Fargo, ND ยท On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Focused on Transportation projects, but may also support our Municipal and Water/Wastewater groups ... Engineering Technicians are expected to possess and apply basic civil engineering design principles ...

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Water Engineering Technician information

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$32.5K

$63K

$95.5K

How much do water engineering technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineering technician in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Water Engineering Technicians when working on water treatment projects?

Water Engineering Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, adapting to varying water quality conditions, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Coordinating with engineers, operators, and regulatory personnel can also present communication hurdles, especially when project requirements change or issues arise on short notice. Staying up to date with technological advancements and maintaining detailed records are critical to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Water Engineering Technician vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Engineering TechnicianWater Quality Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in engineering or water resourcesAssociate degree or certification in environmental science or water testing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork and laboratory testing related to water systems and infrastructureLaboratory analysis and field sampling of water quality
Employer & IndustryMunicipal water departments, engineering firms, water utilitiesEnvironmental agencies, water testing labs, public health organizations

Water Engineering Technicians focus on supporting water infrastructure projects, system design, and maintenance, while Water Quality Technicians primarily analyze water samples to ensure safety and compliance. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are Water Engineering Technicians?

Water Engineering Technicians assist engineers in designing, maintaining, and operating water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and related infrastructure. They collect and analyze water samples, monitor system operations, and help ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their work supports the safe and efficient management of water resources for communities and industries. Water Engineering Technicians often use specialized equipment and software to perform their duties, making them vital to the water management field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Engineering Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Engineering Technician, you need a solid understanding of water systems, hydraulics, environmental regulations, and typically an associate degree or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS mapping tools, water quality testing equipment, and industry standards like EPA regulations is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate project execution, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of safe, reliable water infrastructure.
More about Water Engineering Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Water Engineering Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Engineering Technician I/II (Water)

City of Vallejo, CA

Vallejo, CA โ€ข On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary : $68,006.64 - $98,204.70 Annually
Location : Water Department - 202 Fleming Hill Road, Vallejo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-AR-07
Department: Water
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
THE POSITION
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.
The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for one Engineering Technician position, as a collaborative member of the City's Water Department.
The ideal Engineering Technician is a flexible, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. They will perform a range of technical duties to support the City's water projects, including drafting, design, construction inspection, and office engineering.
While not required, any of the following would be highly desirable: previous experience working in AutoCAD 3D and/or ArcGIS, and an equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or related field.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to approximately 151,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, 600 miles of distribution pipe, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations, and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is California State certified a Treatment-5/Distribution-5 system. The Water Department has six Divisions: Treatment Operations, Distribution, Facilities, Administration, Engineering, Water Resources, and Water Quality.
The Vallejo Water Department operates as an Enterprise Fund, meaning it is fully supported by ratepayer revenues rather than the City's General Fund. This structure allows the Department to maintain a dedicated focus on long-term infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance, and reliable water service delivery to the community.
THE WATER RESOURCES AND ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division of the Vallejo Water Department works to manage and implement the Water Department's capital improvement program (CIP), consisting of the replacement and renewal of water assets in the City of Vallejo's water system, including tanks, reservoirs, pump stations, pipelines, dams, valves, and water treatment plant facilities. In addition, the Engineering Division provides engineering reviews for new development projects, and reviews projects from outside agencies that may affect the Water Department. The Engineering Division aids the Distribution, Facilities, and Operations divisions with their goals to safely and efficiently operate the water system; to help the City meet all Federal and State requirements; to protect public health, and to ensure the system meets the fire-flow needs of the City. The Division also aids in the management of the City's long-term water supply and in protecting the City's water rights for future generations.
THE CITY OF VALLEJO
The City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo's delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer's market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America's only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Engineering Technician I
This is the lower level class in the Engineering Technician series. This class is distinguished from the Engineering Technician II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this class can be used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Engineering Technician II
This is the full journey level class in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series. Incumbents perform the full range of technical work in all of the following areas: field observations and construction inspection, researching engineering topics, and updating maps and drawings, in addition to performing office and field work related to assigned engineering projects and programs. Positions at this level are distinguished from the 1 level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The paraprofessional Engineering Technician classification series is distinguished from the professional engineering series in that the latter is a professional series requiring completion of a four-year degree.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Engineering Technician I
  • Receives immediate supervision from higher level engineering staff.
Engineering Technician II
  • Receives general supervision from higher level engineering staff.

SALARY
Engineering Technician I: $32.69 - $39.74 hourly; $2,615.64 - $3,179.33 bi-weekly; $5,667.22 - $6,888.54 monthly; $68,006.64 - $82,662.53 annual
Engineering Technician II: $38.84 - $47.21 hourly; $3,107.42 - $3,777.10 bi-weekly; $6,732.75 - $8,183.73 monthly; $80,793.02 - $98,204.70 annual
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Engineering Technician I
  • Apply survey information and reduce field notes to layout and draft designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects including base mapping, overlay preparation, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, street designs, site plans, presentation layouts and publication mockups.
  • Research records, maps and other data to obtain engineering data pertaining to assigned public works projects.
  • Update maps of the City as new roads, plats or other changes are made; duplicate maps as required for City or other use.
  • Answer questions from the public regarding property descriptions, set back lines, water main locations, street and traffic engineering, and related information.
  • Serve as a member of a survey crew; act as an instrument operator or rod/chainperson; operate a full range of survey equipment including theodolites, automatic levels, rod level, transits, electronic measuring devices, and other equipment to measure distances, horizontal angles and elevations.
  • Compile field notes, complete preliminary drawings, plot plans and profiles, elevations and improvement of sewers, streets, water mains and related public works projects.
  • Participate in the design of horizontal and vertical street alignments including curbs, gutters and sidewalks; prepare all necessary engineering calculations.
  • Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather, analyze and record data and otherwise assist engineers in the preparation of bid specifications or construction design specifications.
  • Assist in performing construction inspections of public improvement projects and other work completed within the street right-of-way by overseeing assigned public works projects to assure conformance to plans and specifications; process inspection records with appropriate departmental personnel.
  • Perform entry level drafting activities in preparation of plans for public works projects.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Engineering Technician II
  • Perform drafting in preparation of plans for public works projects.
  • Provide information to the public, contractors and consultants relative to engineering office business and technical matters.
  • Coordinate public works projects with applicable city, state and federal officials and other relevant agencies and parties.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
When assigned to the Construction Inspection function:
  • Perform necessary calculations to facilitate construction staking layout of approved engineering drawings.
  • Conduct research of ownership, legal descriptions, or other such data needed to complete information required in preparation for construction.
  • Perform construction inspections of public improvement projects and other work completed within the street right-of-way by overseeing assigned public works projects to assure conformance to plans and specifications; process inspection records with appropriate departmental personnel.
  • Meet with contractors to coordinate construction schedules.
When assigned to the Office Engineering function:
  • Check plans for accuracy and compliance with City standards and general construction practices.
  • Research, investigate and analyze complex land title problems; prepare recommendations for professional staff.
  • Participate in the preparation of legal descriptions and plat maps for right-of-way or public Perform basic engineering calculations in determining various quantities as required; calculate distance, angles, and traverses.
  • Assist in preparing waterline easements as required.
  • Prepare and process water services applications; prepare required materials.
  • Calculate water connections fees for residential and commercial consumers, acquisitions including easements, abandonments, lease parcels and real property.
  • Assist engineering staff in the preparation of engineering designs, related drawings, specifications and construction project estimates.
  • Check subdivision maps for accuracy and compliance with City standards, ordinances, and Subdivision Map Act/Land Surveyors Act.
  • Maintain and update a variety of water supply and water distribution systems records, charts, and transactions.
  • Provide information on water service regulations, procedures, cross-connections requirements including size of piping and assembly, fire protection systems, testing and monitoring, and health and plumbing codes.
  • Act as a liaison with other agencies to monitor projects in areas where water distribution mains are located; monitor, investigate, implement water use surveys, and insure compliance with regulations of the recycled water use program and the backflow prevention program.
  • Contact customers to market recycled water and coordinate modifications necessary to convert existing services to recycled water including steps to verify separation of potable and non-potable systems.
  • Prepare feasibility studies for the acquisition of technical survey equipment.
  • Perform purchasing activities for the division.
  • When assigned to the Drafting function:
  • Apply survey information and field notes to create designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects.
  • Perform skilled drafting in preparation of plans for public works projects; uses programs such as AutoCAD Civil 3d, as well as manual drafting to prepare drawings; utilize various drafting equipment and tools including computers, plotters, scanners, digital cameras and specialized drafting instruments.
  • Gather field data for design input to various projects; compute and file data on new and existing public works projects.
  • Prepare, revise and maintain various drawings and maps.
  • Assist various employees in the use of computer-aided drafting applications and related programs.
When assigned to the Construction Inspection function:
  • Lead and facilitate construction staking layout of approved engineering drawings.
  • Conduct research of ownership, legal descriptions or other such data needed to complete information required in preparation for construction.
  • Participate in the preparation of legal descriptions and plat maps for right-of-way or public acquisitions including easements, abandonments, lease parcels and real property.
  • Assist engineering staff in the preparation of engineering designs, related drawings, specifications and construction project estimates.
  • Perform construction inspection for various projects; insure project is built to the plans and specifications.
  • Meet with contractors to coordinate construction schedules.
  • Assists with the American Public Works Association accreditation process by participating in meetings, sharing information, and facilitating the adoption of new procedures directly related to the function.
When assigned to the Office Engineering function:
  • Lead and perform the checking of plans for accuracy and compliance with City standards and general construction practices.
  • Apply survey information and field notes to create designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects.
  • Research, investigate and analyze complex land title problems; prepare recommendations for professional staff.
  • Act as project manager, project designer, project inspector, and project administrator for various Capital Improvement Projects.
  • Prepare feasibility studies for the acquisition of technical equipment.
  • Perform purchasing activities for the division.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Engineering Technician I
Knowledge of:
  • Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting and computer aided design.
  • Trigonometry as applied to the computation of angles, areas, distances, and traverses.
  • Basic principles and practices of surveyin...