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Water Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brio Water Technology

Quality Engineer

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer full home water solutions designed to elevate the way people hydrate, combining ... About the role The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing test methods and protocols ...

INTERA Careers

Water Resources Engineer / Scientist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Intera

Water Resources Engineer / Scientist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

County of Monterey

Water Resources Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$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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All JobsWater Quality Engineer JobsWater Quality Engineer Jobs in California

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 18, 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:

What job categories do people searching Water Quality Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Quality Engineer jobs in California are:

Water Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,939 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Interim Water Quality Program Specialist

California Water Service Group

Commerce, CA • On-site

$74K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

California Water Service

Job Description:

The Interim Water Quality Program Specialist (WQPS) performs complex tasks to assist with compliance of water quality regulations and programs. Primary responsibilities focus on drinking water public health, regulatory planning and compliance. Capital project support including Division of Drinking Water (DDW) permitting, developing compliance strategy, and new regulation implementation for capital projects. This includes water quality support during the general rate case development, integration of new water systems for new business efforts, and partner state projects. The WQPS will also be responsible for providing ongoing backup and coverage for the Water Quality Program Manager (WQPM) team during emergencies or personnel transitions. This position is located in East Los Angeles, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Reviews of Monitoring Schedules, permit monitoring requirements, DDW web site, analytical results of raw/finished water and sample tracking, and coordination to ensure regulatory compliance

  • Assists WQPM with creation of Consumer Confidence Reports, Annual Water Quality reports, Monthly reporting, and any other internal and external reporting

  • Understand permits conditions, including operations plans for distribution and treatment facilities and update plans as required

  • Serves as the primary water quality stakeholder to provide input and support to the Engineering department project management process of key capital projects

  • Provides WQ support for all capital projects - to include planning, permitting, implementation, final DDW inspections, and training

  • Works as water quality lead with Engineering to develop priorities, schedule, and justifications for General Rate Case

  • Supports capital planning for deficiencies from the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) Sanitary Surveys (inspections) and incorporation of water quality deficiencies in to a tracking program and monitor and prioritize for completion

  • Assists WQPM in developing water quality monitoring schedules for sources, water treatment plants, and distribution systems in accordance with applicable regulations

  • Supports of partner state water quality projects and integration/implementation of new water systems for new business

  • Completes new water supply source data review and appropriate treatment technologies review for removal of contaminants under the direction of the WQPM and Manager of WQ

  • Participates in training and presentation techniques, including media training

  • Develops reports, technical summaries, and data summaries to assist with water quality studies, treatment system design review, and permitting

  • Coordinates within Water Quality Department, other Departments, and Districts to ensure regulatory requirements are met

  • Exhibits behavior that supports a safety culture; attends and participates at all required safety training programs; adheres to Company Safety Policies; uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate, reports safety issues/concerns to management in a timely manner, and encourages others to behave in the same manner

  • Participates in and supports the Company's Continuous Improvement program and projects

  • Performs work onsite at assigned office location

  • Performs other similar duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience

  • California Division of Drinking Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certification within 1 year of employment

  • California Division of Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certification within 1 year of employment

  • Valid California Driver License

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal customers, outside vendors, and consultants

  • Knowledge of applicable drinking water laws and regulations to include SDWA, Title 22, and Title 17

  • Knowledge of internal Policy and Procedures related to drinking water, safety, and operations support

  • Ability to prepare manage and analyze data

  • Strong knowledge of and experience in project management

  • Good interpersonal skills

  • Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills

Salary Range: $74,600 - $138,400 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawai'i Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Texas Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.

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