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Water Resource Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water ... HDR is looking for a water resources engineer to join our Water Resources team in Sacramento, CA.

Lotus Water

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of basic hydrology and water resource ... Engineer in Training (EIT) certification * Proficient in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word ...

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water ... HDR is looking for a water resources engineer to join our Water Resources team in Sacramento, CA.

County of Monterey

Water Resources Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve difficult water resource and civil engineering problems Read, understand and interpret and effectively communicate complex technical ...

Stantec

Water Resources Planning Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Your Opportunity Our Sacramento, California, office is seeking an experienced Water Resources Planning Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team of integrated water management professionals, each ...

Stantec

Water Resources Planning Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Your Opportunity Our Sacramento, California, office is seeking an experienced Water Resources Planning Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team of integrated water management professionals, each ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Resource Engineer JobsWater Resource Engineer Jobs in California

Water Resource Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$92.7K

$131.8K

How much do water resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineer in California is $92,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer is a civil engineer who oversees the construction and implementation of new equipment and systems for a water plant. They are responsible for plant management, new equipment design and maintenance of the various systems that clean and treat our water supplies. They are in charge of virtually every aspect of how a water resource plant functions and they also manage natural resources like underground springs or a well. Their job responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with government regulations and budget management. Additional skills necessary for success include planning, interpersonal and communication skills.

What does a water resource engineer do?

A Water Resource Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources. This includes projects such as water treatment facilities, dams, flood control systems, irrigation networks, and stormwater management. They analyze data on water availability, quality, and distribution to develop sustainable and efficient solutions. Their work helps ensure safe water supply, proper wastewater disposal, and protection against water-related hazards. Water Resource Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

What are some typical collaborative projects a water resource engineer might work on with other professionals?

Water Resource Engineers frequently collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including environmental scientists, civil engineers, urban planners, and government agencies. Common projects involve designing flood control systems, developing sustainable water supply strategies, or restoring wetlands. These projects require effective communication and coordination to balance technical requirements, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations. Working closely with stakeholders ensures that solutions are practical, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

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

Water Resource Engineers need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools like HEC-RAS or SWMM, and CAD systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help engineers collaborate with stakeholders and address complex water-related challenges. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and sustainability of water resource projects that protect communities and the environment.

What is the difference between Water Resource Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater Resource EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed civil engineers
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control, water treatment projects, often in environmental or water-focused firmsBroad construction projects including roads, bridges, water systems, and infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in water-related projects within environmental, municipal, or consulting firmsGeneral construction and infrastructure projects across various sectors

Water Resource Engineers focus specifically on water systems, flood management, and water treatment, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their project focus differs significantly.

Are water resource engineers in demand?

Water resource engineers are in demand due to increasing concerns over water management, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as governments and organizations invest in water-related projects and require expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental regulations.

What is the work of a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water, as well as flood control and water conservation projects. They analyze water data, use modeling tools, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to support sustainable water management. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and environmental engineering are essential in this role.
More about Water Resource Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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Cities in California with the most Water Resource Engineer job openings:

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For Water Resource Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,664 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 453 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

HDR is looking for a water resources engineer to join our Water Resources team in Sacramento, CA.  Candidates for the position should have experience in hydrologic & hydraulic (H&H) modeling and analysis, flood risk analysis, drainage design, dam safety, and H&H in support of civil design. Our clients include local, state, and federal agencies.

Our team is growing and has a range of challenging and innovative projects. We work within multi-disciplinary teams on projects related to water resources planning, flood hazard and consequence analysis, H&H modeling, and H&H in support of civil design. Project types will include dam safety analysis, flood risk analysis for planning and asset management, FERC relicensing, water supply, flood management, and environmental mitigation support for flood management projects. The preferred candidate would have experience in a combination of these subject areas.  

Skills such as scripting (Python or VBA) and experience using HEC-RAS 1D/2D, HEC-HMS, HEC-ResSim, consequence modeling (LifeSim & HEC-FDA), linear programming and optimization would be considered beneficial.  

The candidate is expected to be a key part of project delivery teams; mentor junior staff; manage small- to medium-sized projects; and effectively interact with clients and peers. Candidates should be able to work independently but also enjoy working in a collaborative team environment. The candidate must have strong writing skills and good quality control/quality assurance processes.  
 

In the role of Water Resources Engineer, we'll count on you to: 

  • Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures

  • Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task

  • Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation

  • Assist in water resources permitting efforts

  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5 or more years of experience

  • MS degree

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

  • Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment

  • Experience with water infrastructure planning studies, extreme hydrology, and/or consequence analysis

  • Experience in H&H Modeling (HEC-RAS & HEC-HMS)

  • Experience with data management analytical tools and datasets

  • Experience with GIS and Geospatial modeling

  • Experience with risk-based planning and risk-informed decision making

  • Familiarity with integration of resiliency into the planning process

#LI-JC8

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
  • Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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