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Water Resource Project Manager Jobs in California

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Water Resource Project Manager information

See California salary details

$87.3K

$126.2K

$178.6K

How much do water resource project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource project manager in California is $126,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $142,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water resource project manager do?

A Water Resource Project Manager oversees the planning, design, and implementation of projects related to water resources, such as water supply, flood control, and environmental restoration. They coordinate teams of engineers, scientists, and other professionals to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements, timelines, and budgets. Their responsibilities may also include stakeholder engagement, risk management, and securing project funding. Water Resource Project Managers play a critical role in ensuring sustainable and efficient use of water resources for communities and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water resource project manager?

To thrive as a Water Resource Project Manager, you need expertise in hydrology, environmental engineering, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and professional licensure such as a PE. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, GIS systems, and regulatory frameworks is essential for overseeing technical project aspects. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These capabilities are crucial for delivering sustainable water resource projects on time and within budget while meeting regulatory and environmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced by water resource project managers in coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Water Resource Project Managers often coordinate teams that include engineers, environmental scientists, regulatory experts, and community stakeholders. A common challenge is aligning differing priorities and communication styles, especially when balancing technical requirements with regulatory compliance and community needs. Effective project managers foster open communication, establish clear roles, and facilitate regular progress meetings to ensure all team members are aligned. This collaborative approach not only helps mitigate misunderstandings but also drives project success.

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

AspectWater Resource Project ManagerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in environmental, civil engineering or related field; often PMP certificationBachelor's in civil engineering; licensure (PE) often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, environmental agenciesConstruction sites, design offices, consulting firms
Industry UsageWater management, environmental agencies, consulting firmsConstruction, infrastructure, transportation projects

While both roles require a background in civil or environmental engineering, Water Resource Project Managers focus on managing water-related projects, including planning and coordination, whereas Civil Engineers are involved in designing and constructing infrastructure projects. The Project Manager oversees project execution, budgets, and timelines, while Civil Engineers focus on technical design and engineering solutions.

Is a water resource project manager a high paying job?

Water resource project managers typically earn salaries above the national average for project management roles, with pay varying based on experience, education, and location. They often require skills in environmental regulations, budgeting, and stakeholder communication, which can influence compensation levels.

What cities in California are hiring for Water Resource Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Water Resource Project Manager job openings:

Water Resource Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Resource Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,164 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Water Resources Project Manager

Davis, CA • On-site

EKI Environment & Water Inc
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about EKI Environment & Water Incexternal

$113K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned, full service, engineering and environmental sciences consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States. If you are interested in improving water management strategies and practices, improving the environment, and advancing your career, then EKI is the place for you.

The Water Resources Project Manager position reports to the Team Leader (TL) and is responsible for project management and technical oversight of high-impact projects with California clients from initial project planning through implementation. Projects include Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance and implementation, groundwater basin characterization, development of water budgets and water accounting frameworks, litigation support, water supply planning, and more.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

  • Coordinate SGMA implementation for groundwater basins across multiple Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
  • Oversee hydrogeologic conceptual model development, water balances, numerical models, and projects and/or management actions deemed necessary by the client
  • Prepare well-written technical memorandums or reports and studies, including groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs), SGMA annual reports, and periodic evaluations of adopted GSPs 
  • Point of Contact for client; coordinate and lead client meetings and related meetings and coordination with external parties
  • Plan, organize, and manage staff to deliver quality project work products on time and within budget
  • Prepare effective presentations that efficiently communicate complex technical concepts to a broad audience
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, invoice preparation, and monthly progress reports
  • Provide quality assurance and quality control on and review of project deliverables
  • Support business development, including client development, preparing proposals, and presenting at conferences 
  • Other duties as required 


QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or related field; Master’s or PhD degree preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience, with eight (8) or more years desirable for SGMA and related water resources projects
  • At least two (2) years of proven project management experience
  • Master's or PhD degree, and Professional Registration, or more than 12 years of demonstrated professional experience where Professional Registration is not available for degree, is desirable
  • Technical knowledge of SGMA, Groundwater Sustainability Plans, data management and visualization, ArcGIS, quantitative analysis (including numerical modeling), land subsidence, and technical writing 
  • Knowledge of California groundwater and water planning regulations 

Competencies

  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with clients, subconsultants, regulatory agencies, and members of the public as may be necessary to accomplish assigned objectives
  • Must have ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate with various project teams
  • Must have demonstrated time management skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
  • Must have a strong desire to grow personally as well as professionally
  • Must have a great attitude and be eager to learn
  • Must have a current valid driver’s license


PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment 
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs
  • Must be able to work remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information
  • Must be able to assess the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to travel occasionally, possibly overnight for customer meetings and site visits up to 25% of the time


SALARY RANGE

  • The expected base salary range for this position is $113,000 - $160,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance.


As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.


EKI Environment & Water, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Notice to Third Party Agencies: 

EKI Environment & Water, Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

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