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Water Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wallace Group

Water Resources Engineer III-IV

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$116K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water and wastewater master planning * Water and wastewater infrastructure hydraulic modeling * Water supply engineering * Recycled water systems feasibility studies and designs * Water distribution ...

Wallace Group

Water Resources Engineer III-IV

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$116K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water and wastewater master planning * Water and wastewater infrastructure hydraulic modeling * Water supply engineering * Recycled water systems feasibility studies and designs * Water distribution ...

Wallace Group

Water Resources Senior Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$129K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water and wastewater master planning * Water and wastewater infrastructure hydraulic modeling * Water supply engineering * Recycled water systems feasibility studies and designs * Water distribution ...

Wallace Group

Water Resources Senior Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$129K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water and wastewater master planning * Water and wastewater infrastructure hydraulic modeling * Water supply engineering * Recycled water systems feasibility studies and designs * Water distribution ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA

$75K - $103K/yr

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater mitigation, stormwater design, storm water master plans, mitigation planning, surface water assessment, and storm water quality in order to ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$77K - $105K/yr

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater mitigation, stormwater design, storm water master plans, mitigation planning, surface water assessment, and storm water quality in order to ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater mitigation, stormwater design, storm water master plans, mitigation planning, surface water assessment, and storm water quality in order to ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater mitigation, stormwater design, storm water master plans, mitigation planning, surface water assessment, and storm water quality in order to ...

Woolpert

Water Program Director (TX)

Houston, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Build and expand Woolpert's water resources, stormwater, and coastal engineering services while driving business opportunities in groundwater, water supply, and water master planning. * Inspire Teams:

Foth

Water/Wastewater Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Develop water and wastewater system reports and community-wide master plans. * Participate in capital improvement plans for growing Midwest communities. * Lead a hydraulic analysis team for pressure ...

Foth

Water/Wastewater Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Develop water and wastewater system reports and community-wide master plans. * Participate in capital improvement plans for growing Midwest communities. * Lead a hydraulic analysis team for pressure ...

Foth

Water/Wastewater Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Develop water and wastewater system reports and community-wide master plans. * Participate in capital improvement plans for growing Midwest communities. * Lead a hydraulic analysis team for pressure ...

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Water Master information

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$12

$58

$81

How much do water master jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for water master in the United States is $58.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water master do?

A Water Master is responsible for managing and allocating water resources within a specific jurisdiction, such as a watershed or irrigation district. They ensure water rights are upheld, distribute water fairly among users, and enforce regulations related to water use. Water Masters may also monitor water levels, inspect infrastructure, and resolve disputes between water users. Their role is crucial in maintaining sustainable water use and managing scarce resources efficiently.

What are the primary challenges a water master faces in their day-to-day responsibilities?

A Water Master often faces challenges such as managing fluctuating water demands, responding promptly to distribution system leaks or failures, and ensuring compliance with evolving water regulations. Balancing efficient water allocation with the needs of different user groups—such as agriculture, industry, and residential customers—can be complex, especially during drought or emergency situations. Additionally, working in the field may require being on call for urgent system issues and coordinating closely with maintenance crews and regulatory agencies. Adapting to these challenges is essential for maintaining reliable water delivery and safeguarding public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the water master position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Master, you need strong knowledge of water distribution systems, hydraulic principles, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by experience in water management or civil engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping tools, water metering equipment, and state or local water distribution certifications is often required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, reliable water delivery, regulatory adherence, and smooth coordination among operations and maintenance teams.

How much does a water master make?

A water master typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the water system they oversee. They often require knowledge of water management, regulatory compliance, and may hold certifications such as a water operator license.

How to become a water master?

To become a water master, typically one needs relevant experience in water management, environmental science, or related fields, along with knowledge of water systems and regulations. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and strong skills in problem-solving, communication, and technical tools are important. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help advance to a water master role.
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Cities with the most Water Master job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Master jobs?

The most popular types of Water Master jobs are:

What states have the most Water Master jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Master jobs include:

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Water Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Master job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,688 per year, or $58 per hour.

Water Resources Manager

Water Employee Services Authority

Lake Elsinore, CA • On-site

$15K - $20K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Position:
Summary:
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the work of staff involved in the water resources department including water resources planning, water systems engineering, water quality/laboratory, and wastewater systems engineering; manages the effective use of resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to assigned department director in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, and technical staff through lower-level supervisors.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the staff, operations, and activities of the water resources department. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include budget administration, program evaluation, and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards related to water resources. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:
  • Within the 3 months, show working knowledge of the District's water, sewer, RW master plan, Integrated Resources Plan, SNMP, Max Benefit, GSP, TMDL, and LEAMS programs .
  • Within the first 6 months, evaluate and be able to support well rehab and the well replacement program.
  • Within the first 9 months, represent the District at regional and interagency working group for Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, GSA, and Meeks and Daley assets.
  • Within the first 9 months, collaborate with Engineering and Operations to align Well Rehabilitation/Replacement Program outcomes with long-range capital planning.
  • Within the first 12 months, develop internal performance and compliance tracking tools (e.g., dashboards or status reports) for regulatory milestones, water supply reliability, and project performance.
  • Within the first 12 months, develop a water resources training matrix or knowledge transfer plan to improve organizational resilience.

The Ideal Candidate:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Professional Hydrogeologist (PHG) in the State of California.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in water resources planning, water/wastewater engineering, or water quality management. This should include:
  • Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role, leading cross-functional teams in water resources projects.
  • Experience in water resources with hands-on experience leading water supply planning, water rights administration, groundwater management, and regulatory compliance issues.
  • Experience in the development of technical plans including groundwater sustainability plans, water distribution system master plans, wastewater collection system master plans, recycled water master plans, integrated water resource plans, and water supply assessments. Experience in distribution, collection systems, and groundwater hydraulics including hands-on experience with hydraulic and groundwater models.
  • Experience in collaborating with local, state, and federal regulators on issues pertaining to the water and the wastewater industry.
  • In-depth understanding of California Water Code, CEQA, SGMA, Urban Water Management Plans, and Clean Water Act requirements.
  • Knowledge of surface and groundwater systems, distribution networks, treatment processes, and storage facilities.
  • Experience with integrated regional water management (IRWM), drought contingency planning, recycled water, and sustainability planning and Familiarity with climate adaptation and long-range supply and demand forecasting.
  • Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, work with engineers, planners, and legal staff, and represent the agency in regional forums.
  • Ability to adapt to changing regulations, climatic conditions, and emerging technologies in water management and policy

Responsibilities:
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
  • Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the water resources department including water resources planning, water systems engineering, water quality/laboratory, and wastewater systems engineering.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the section; recommends within policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
  • Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of assigned budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
  • Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships.
  • Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Manages multi-disciplinary water resources and engineering projects and studies through all phases including planning, design, construction and implementation, and close-out; leads project teams, consultants, and/or contractors in the execution of projects; develops or reviews and approves work plans including, scope of work, budget, schedules, and baseline and/or service requirements; ensures project compliance with District safety requirements.
  • Ensures established District standards, policies, and procedures, and water resources/engineering best practices are consistently applied; analyzes, interprets, and explains regulations and policies related to area(s) of assignment; researches and tracks legislative and regulatory developments; recommends, and upon approval, implements operational, compliance, and/or policy solutions.
  • Directs and oversees the procurement process of contractors and consultants; prepares Invitation for Bid, Requests for Proposals, bid analysis, and evaluation documents; reviews proposals and provides recommendations for selection; verifies compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and/or funding agreements; prepares, negotiates, and manages contracts; directs, reviews, and reports on the work performed by consultants and/or contractors.
  • Manages the development, revision, and implementation of water resources, water quality, operations, engineering, and environmental/regulatory compliance reports and plans such as groundwater sustainability, urban water management, integrated resources water management, and master plans; reviews and submits reports to local, state, and federal agencies and provides responses to state regulators.
  • Manages complex water resources planning and analysis activities such as estimating water demand and conservation impacts and performing modeling based on historical usage data, land use trends, and other factors.
  • Manages complex water quality planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance program management functions to ensure the District complies with all United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) water quality regulations and programs.
  • Represents the District in applying and negotiating for new permits and permit renewals and amendments with regulatory agencies for water sources, treatment, storage, recycled water, and water discharges.
  • Oversees and conducts water resources and/or engineering studies, investigations, and analyses; researches, collects, and analyzes data and evaluates results to determine project- specific feasibility, requirements, and parameters; prepares various water quality, engineering, and/or compliance reports and other supporting documentation for assigned projects/programs.
  • Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned programs, projects, activities, and services; presents reports to the Board of Directors and various commissions, committees, and boards.
  • Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
  • Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other District departments, divisions, and outside agencies; represents the District to regulatory agencies, the public, community interest groups, and contractors or consultants at meetings.Monitors and stays abreast of new trends and innovations in water resources programs; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to District needs; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
  • Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
  • Ensures staff compliance with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Compensation:
  • Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
  • CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for "Classic" Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for "New/PEPRA" Members.
  • Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
  • Employees accrue vacation at a rate of 3.08 hours per two-week pay period for the first 4 years of employment; 4.62 hours for years 5-9; 6.16 hours for years 10-14; 6.47 hours for years 15-19; and 6.78 for 20+ years of service.
  • Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
  • Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.
The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:
  • Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
  • Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
  • Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
  • Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
  • Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. This position will be open until filled with the next review on Wednesday July 29, 2026.
For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

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