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Water Resource Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering ...

In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering ...

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Water Resource Engineering information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$92.7K

$131.8K

How much do water resource engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineering 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 water resource engineering?

Water resource engineering is a branch of civil engineering focused on the management and distribution of water resources. It involves designing, planning, and implementing systems to control water for various uses, including drinking water supply, irrigation, flood control, and wastewater treatment. Water resource engineers work on projects such as dams, levees, canals, and stormwater systems to ensure safe and efficient water use while protecting the environment. Their work is critical in addressing issues like water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable development.

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

To thrive as a Water Resource Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, often supported by a relevant degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Proficiency with technical tools such as GIS software, hydraulic modeling (e.g., HEC-RAS), and CAD systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing complex environmental challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing sustainable water solutions and ensuring public safety in water infrastructure projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by water resource engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Water resource engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing competing demands for water between agricultural, industrial, and municipal users, while ensuring environmental sustainability. They must also navigate complex regulatory requirements and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental groups, and community members. Additionally, adapting designs to changing climate patterns and unpredictable weather events can require creative problem-solving and flexibility. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including hydrologists, environmental scientists, and urban planners, is essential to developing effective and sustainable solutions.

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

AspectWater Resource EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Water Resources, Civil, or Environmental Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed engineers
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control, hydrology projects, often in specialized agencies or consulting firmsBroad construction projects, infrastructure, transportation, and water systems in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental firms, consulting companies focused on water systemsConstruction firms, government agencies, private sector infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Water Resource Engineering focuses specifically on water systems, hydrology, and flood control, while Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Water Resource Engineers specialize in water-related projects within the civil engineering field.

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 systems, flood control, and environmental protection projects, often requiring skills in hydrology, GIS, and sustainable design.

What do you do as a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for water supply, flood control, and environmental protection. They analyze water data, use modeling tools, and ensure compliance with regulations to optimize water use and sustainability. The role often requires knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and environmental engineering principles.

What is the average salary for a water resource engineer in the US?

The average salary for a water resource engineer in the US is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced certifications or specialized skills in hydrology or environmental modeling may earn higher salaries.

What job categories do people searching Water Resource Engineering jobs in California look for?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Water Resource Engineering jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,664 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

Lotus Water

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Lotus Water is seeking a mid-level design engineer, with 3-5 years of experience, to support our San Francisco office.  Lotus is continuing to grow our Civil Engineering practice  with design projects that integrate sustainable water management design elements, onsite water reuse, resilient design, and/or green stormwater infrastructure.  Candidates should have a strong technical understanding of the site development process and the ability to manage their own design and CAD tasks. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of basic hydrology and water resource analysis, and a strong interest in improving these skills through their work on site development projects of various scales that include forward-thinking water management strategies.  Experience working on multidisciplinary design teams (landscape architects/architects/urban designers/planners) is preferred.


In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering, geographical information systems, onsite non-potable water reuse planning and design, technical writing, green infrastructure feasibility analysis, and infrastructure master planning.  The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following tasks with oversight from senior engineering staff:


  • Develop technical design documents, including construction document plan sets for site development projects;
  • Provide grading, drainage, circulation and utility design;
  • Set up design drawing sheets and manage CAD files for individual projects;
  • Perform hydrologic & hydraulic analyses and prepare stormwater control plans;
  • Coordinate directly with designers from other disciplines (e.g. surveyors, landscape designers, architects and plumbing engineers) regarding design issues;
  • Perform earthwork cut/fill analyses;
  • Create maps and perform spatial analysis;
  • Attend design meetings and site visits;
  • Develop green infrastructure design details;
  • Perform construction observation visits and write follow-up reports.


The ideal candidate will possess demonstrable knowledge and strong technical skills. The candidate should have firsthand experience producing civil engineering design documents for site development projects.  We have a flat organizational structure and encourage candidates who work independently with limited supervision to apply; however, candidates should expect senior staff to support and mentor the successful candidate. Strong interpersonal skills are essential within our close and client-focused environment.  Qualifications include:


Required

  • 3-5 years working on site development projects
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Proficient in AutoCAD and set up of plan sheets
  • Minimum of 1-year experience with Civil3D modeling software
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel)
  • Strong initiative and technical problem-solving expertise


Bonus

  • Experience working on LID/green infrastructure and water reuse projects
  • PE
  • Experience working on site development projects within the Bay Area
  • Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering (Water Focus)
  • H&H modeling (e.g., SWMM, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS)
  • ArcGIS
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications


Lotus Water is a growing and dynamic water resource and civil engineering design firm headquartered in downtown San Francisco.  We offer a culture of technical excellence and creativity in a flexible and fun work environment.  We believe that each of us brings a toolbox of unique experiences and backgrounds that together can build stronger, dream bigger, and innovate faster. Lotus recognizes the value of inclusive and equitable design in strengthening our diverse communities, especially as it pertains to water as a vital resource for global survival. We firmly believe that policies and designs that eliminate inequity for our most vulnerable communities are crucial to creating better opportunities and outcomes for all.


Team members at Lotus have been at the forefront of innovation in the design and planning of award-winning built projects, high-profile campuses, climate adaptation studies, and large capital infrastructure projects that rethink our society’s relationship with water, sustainability, and equitable design.  We have developed extraordinary cutting-edge technical tools to implement green stormwater infrastructure, non-potable water reuse systems, and resilient water resource planning at all scales.  We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities across the nation and as a result, our staff are helping to solve some of the most interesting and complex water and design challenges in the country. 


Lotus Water offers highly competitive compensation packages, health, and retirement benefits, individualized professional development support, and a flexible work environment.