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Water Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$41K/yr

The selected intern will learn about the work that helps protect water quality and supports ... skilled trades, engineering technology, or a related field. Experience through school, work ...

Field Investigations and Water Quality Monitoring Plan and participate in groundwater and surface ... Engineering/Scientific Analysis and Technical Support Compile, manage, and analyze groundwater ...

Water Resources Engineer

Salinas, CA

$84K - $116K/yr

... Engineer. Agency Summary Prior to its formal establishment in 1991, the Monterey County Water ... of water quality, reclamation of water, and the exchange of water. Fundamental to the agency ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Quality Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$82.9K

$117.4K

How much do water quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for water quality engineer in California is $82,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges water quality engineers face when working on municipal water projects?

Water Quality Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing regulatory compliance with budget constraints, addressing emerging contaminants, and coordinating among various stakeholders including government agencies, contractors, and the public. They must also adapt to changing environmental regulations and incorporate new technologies to ensure safe and efficient water treatment. Effective communication and project management skills are crucial for navigating these complexities and delivering successful outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Water Quality Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental engineering, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Familiarity with water quality modeling software, laboratory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and address complex water quality challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable water resources management.

What is the difference between Water Quality Engineer vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Quality EngineerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsBachelor's in environmental engineering or related field; certifications like CWE or WQ certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; state licensing often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and monitor water quality; office and lab settingsOperate and maintain water treatment equipment; plant facilities
Industry UsageDesigning water systems, ensuring compliance, quality testingRunning daily operations of water treatment facilities

Water Quality Engineers focus on designing and analyzing water systems to ensure safety and compliance, often working in offices or labs. Water Treatment Plant Operators handle the daily operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in water management but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

Are water quality engineers in demand?

Water quality engineers are in demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable water management. They often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or utilities, and skills in water treatment processes, environmental regulations, and data analysis are highly valued.

What does a water quality engineer do?

A water quality engineer designs, implements, and monitors systems to ensure water meets safety and environmental standards. They analyze water samples, develop treatment processes, and use tools like laboratory testing and data analysis to maintain water quality in various settings such as treatment plants or environmental projects.

What are popular job titles related to Water Quality Engineer jobs in California?

For Water Quality Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,939 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Water Quality Analyst I (50.26)

San Dimas, CA • On-site

Golden State Water Company
Utilities • 501 - 1,000 employees

$29.36 - $47.09/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
POSITION DEFINITION:
The incumbent in this position is a part of the Water Quality Team and maintains databases, manages records, and tracks compliance. The Analyst is also responsible for preparing reports from databases to support the daily activities and long-term goals of the department.
Accountability
• Performs tasks to implement, maintain and comply with all water quality and environmental regulations and programs within the district
• Assists in the preparation of reports for compliance purposes that may include but not be limited to: State Water Resources Control Board - Division of Drinking Water (DDW) Annual Report, Consumer Confidence Report, Public Health Goal Report, NPDES report, etc.
• Researches technical documents and assists in conducting water quality studies to achieve business objectives and goals
• Maintains water quality and environmental databases
• Maintains water quality monitoring schedules and tracks samples and laboratory reports.
• Conducts data analysis, summarizes data with tables and graphs, and prepares reports and/or presentations as directed by the Water Quality Engineer or Water Quality Manager
• Coordinates document management of records, reports, and regulatory correspondence
• Maintains Cross-Connection Control Program. This may include maintaining administration functions and/or functions as performed by a Cross Connection Control Specialist (conducting surveys and making decisions related to backflow protection requirements). May be required to obtain Cross Connection Control Specialist certification and conduct field work
• Uses hydraulic modeling to develop flushing plans using ArcGIS
• Coordinates meetings, agendas, action items and project schedules
• Maintains organized compliance records and tracking system.
• Initiates corrective action for procedural, product, or process deficiencies.
• Manages database and prepare procedures and protocol for database entry.
• Performs other duties as assigned
Skills and Competencies
• Analytical and attentive to details
• Able to analyze data, make observations, and draw preliminary conclusions
• Able to perform QA/QC on database and make necessary corrections
• Able to conduct data analysis, summarize data with tables and graphs, and prepare reports and/or presentations
• Skilled in the use of computer systems, business software, cloud-based applications, and digital communication tools such as Microsoft Teams to perform assigned duties
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or related discipline strongly preferred
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in three or more of the following areas: water quality, environmental regulations, compliance tracking, database management, data analysis, cross connection control, hydraulic modeling, and reporting writing
• A Bachelor's Degree can substitute for the required experience
• Familiarity with local, state, federal environmental regulations or safety practices preferred
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Qualities / Core Competencies:
• Familiar with database management and able to perform data query
• Good organizational skills
• Attentive to details
• A team player
• Excellent critical and analytical thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.