Water Monitoring Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $9,331.92 - $12,745.72 Monthly
Location : Water Resources Agency 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26/41C14/08GM
Department: Water Resources Agency
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Position Description
Open until filled
Priority Screening:Thursday, August 27, 2026
Exam: 26/41C14/08GM
Associate Water Resources Hydrologist
$9,332 - $12,746 Monthly
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA or Agency) is an independent, special purpose public agency staffed with dedicated employees and focused on water resources management in Monterey County. The Agency was created via a California Water Code Appendix in a statute known as the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Act. The Agency is governed by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors for larger policy matters and a nine-member Board of Directors for more in-depth oversight.
The Agency provides the following services: control of flood and storm waters, flood warning and monitoring, water conservation, protection of water quality, reclamation of water and the exchange of water. Fundamental to the Agency's mission to sustainably manage water resources while minimizing impacts from flooding, the MCWRA owns and operates the Nacimiento and San Antonio reservoirs and dams, a hydroelectric facility at Nacimiento Reservoir, the Salinas River Diversion Facility, the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project, the Salinas Valley Reclamation Project, various drainage facilities, and numerous wells.
MCWRA executes long-term groundwater and surface water monitoring programs throughout the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and provides technical expertise on water resource management and planning throughout Monterey County.
The Position:
MCWRA seeks qualified candidates to fill two Associate Water Resources Hydrologist vacancies: one in the Operations section and one in the Hydrology and Environmental Resources section.
This position is responsible for supervising assigned program functional activities and professional and technical level personnel. The candidate must perform a variety of complex hydrologic and hydrogeologic assignments and projects that include overseeing aspects of the operations and evaluation of the reservoir release program, flood warning system and other programs related to MCWRA facilities, and the groundwater monitoring program.
The ideal candidates will demonstrate integrity; flexibility and adaptability; be able to navigate complex situations with professionalism and poise; be able to communicate technical and policy information effectively to diverse audiences; and be organized and efficient to complete multiple projects concurrently. This candidate must be able to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment, seek multi-benefit solutions for new and ongoing projects or programs, and demonstrate good independent judgment.
The ideal candidate for the position in the Operations Section will have a strong background in the operation of water resource-related facilities such as dams, reservoirs, water diversion structures, or flood conveyance systems; flood warning systems; water rights compliance and reporting; and project and grant management.
The ideal candidate for the position in the Hydrology and Environmental Resources section will have a strong background in groundwater and surface water data collection methodologies, equipment, and industry best practices; data management and monitoring network evaluation; and analysis and reporting of complex datasets.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis County-wide.
Examples of Duties
Examples of duties:

• Supervises and participates in the work of professional hydrology staff responsible for the planning, design, development, operation and maintenance of the department or agency capital improvement projects and programs including flood control, surface and groundwater quality and water supply, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems; ensures work quality and adherence to professional codes, standards and department or agency specifications; may provide supervision over assigned maintenance or operations functions.
• Counsels employees, appraises performance, prepares documentation, recommends merit increases, and issues discipline; provides for or participates in employee training and development; conducts interviews and recommends selection of candidates; coaches and mentors subordinate staff.
• Performs the more complex, difficult and large scale hydrologic and hydrogeologic planning, specification, feasibility analysis and calculations for water resources related projects and programs; functions as an expert in assigned area of expertise; prepares conceptual designs and supervises detail design of project phases by other staff and engineers.
• Reviews and evaluates groundwater and surface water supply, availability and/or quality, as well as trends over time; maintains water quality assurance documentation; supervises the operation/evaluation of the Agency's reservoirs including the conservation release program.
• Oversees the operation and maintenance of water quality, hydrologic, hydrogeologic, land use, well, or groundwater extraction reporting data base; graphs and charts data; prepares maps and reports based on data analysis. presentations
• Represents the department or agency in meetings or presentations to the general public, customers, consultants, vendors, contractors, advisory and legislative bodies of federal, state and local agencies as assigned; prepares materials for public meetings and hearings; interacts with the public and answers questions on technical, environmental, policy, economic and social issues of an assigned project or program.
• Coordinates and oversees groundwater extraction reporting, or surface and groundwater field data collection efforts.
• Reviews annual groundwater extraction reporting, water resources and/or water quality data reports including visual representation of data.
• Prepares and reviews a variety of hydrologic and administrative reports including agenda packets, permit applications, correspondence, work unit annual budgets, and capital budgets.
• Analyzes projects proposed by other agencies, determines their impact on the department or agency; develops recommendations.
• Participates in the preparation of project management plans, project plans, annual work plans, summary reports, project team mission statements, and project objectives, scope, sub-tasks, schedules, budget and resources; prepares project schedules; identifies tasks and resources required; monitors project progress and prepares status reports; performs project close out and maintain project files.
• Assists in selecting, training, motivating and evaluating professional and technical personnel; provides or coordinates staff training.
• Monitors and makes recommendations regarding work unit fiscal expenditures.

To view the complete job description visit the Monterey County website: Associate Water Resources Hydrologist.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Thorough knowledge of:

• Methods, procedures, analysis and equipment used in either water quality, hydraulic, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), groundwater extraction reporting and water conservation, or hydrologic data collection.
• Principles, practices, and theories used in floodplain management, hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, hydraulics, water quality, irrigation water and nitrate water quality management.
• Principles and issues of surface and groundwater hydrology, groundwater modeling, water resource management, water quality, chemistry, hydrogeology and geology; principles of groundwater protection including well standards.
• Computer usages including the following software: Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, as well as Internet research methods.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, and database management methods; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Global Positioning Systems (GPS); and Web-based applications.
• Methods used in surface water and groundwater hydrologic analysis or sampling.

Working Knowledge of:

• Advanced water resources program management and planning methodologies.

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform complex hydrologic and hydrogeologic studies, including planning, specification, feasibility analysis and calculations for water resources related projects.
• Analyze complex water resources hydrologic and hydrogeologic problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend and implement effective courses of action.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, regulatory authorities, contractors, consultants, the public and all others encountered in the performance of duties.
• Prepare effective technical and administrative reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Function with multiple, critical and changing priorities.
• Provide training and technical support to assigned staff.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and written, i.e. prepare and make effective oral presentations representing the department or agency.
• Set project priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment listed above is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience: Two years of experience at a level equivalent to Monterey County's Water Resources Hydrologist or four years experience in hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, engineering or a closely related field,
AND
Education: Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field is desired.
AND
License: Valid California certificate of registration as a Professional Geologist, in accordance with Section 7830 of the California Business and Professions Code, is desirable.
Additional Information
REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
• Depending on assignment, may need to demonstrate the ability to swim safely for 50 yards in order to safely work on and around large bodies of water.

BENEFITS:
Monterey County offers an excellent benefits package. To view theJ Unit Benefit Summary please visit our website , This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution PPPR or Memorandum of Understanding MOU prevail over this listing.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Apply On-Line at:
Priority Screening August 27, 2026 at 11:59PM(PST)
Or
Hard copy applications:
may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting
County of Monterey Human Resources Department
Attn: Gabriela Munoz, Human Resources Analyst
Email: munozg2@countyofmonterey.gov | Phone: (831) 755-5899
168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Answers the supplemental questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View t