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Water Resources Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources EIT

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $123K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a Water Resources EIT to join our multidisciplinary team in Sacramento, California. You will apply and grow your understanding of water resources engineering ...

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Water Resources Specialist

Westminster, CO ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

In this position, you will support both our Colorado Water Resources team and our growing Hawai?i team. We are looking for someone who brings a strong foundation in technical writing, water resources ...

Water Resources Director

Orlando, FL

$73K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION Water Resources Director | Orlando, FL | Tampa, FL VHB's growing Southeast Environmental Services team has an immediate need for a Water Resource Director. This role can be filled ...

Water Resources Engineer

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$7.1K - $9.8K/mo

Water Resources Agency Opening Date: 12/23/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Open until filled Priority Screening January 23, 2026 Exam: 25/41E11/12JL The County of Monterey is ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

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 ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

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 ...

Water Resources Engineer

Kansas City, MO ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer with 4-10 years of experience to support our Water Resources Group in our Kansas City office. As part of ...

Water Resources Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer with 4-10 years of experience to support our Water Resources Group in our Phoenix office. As part of our ...

Water Resources Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer with 4-10 years of experience to support our Water Resources Group in our Albuquerque office. As part of ...

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Water Resources information

See salary details

$35K

$86.8K

$142.5K

How much do water resources jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resources in the United States is $86,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into water resources?

To pursue a career in water resources, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in hydrology and water management, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water resources management?

Professionals in water resources management often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental sustainability with the growing demands of agriculture, industry, and urban development. They must address issues like water scarcity, pollution, and the impacts of climate change while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Collaboration with engineers, environmental scientists, government agencies, and community stakeholders is essential to develop effective solutions. Adaptability and ongoing learning are important, as new technologies and regulations frequently shape project priorities and approaches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Resources Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Water Resources Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management principles, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with modeling software such as HEC-RAS, AutoCAD, and GIS tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you collaborate with stakeholders and address complex water-related challenges. These skills are vital for designing sustainable water systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting communities from water risks.

What degree do you need to be a water resource specialist?

A water resource specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, hydrology, civil engineering, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant certifications and experience in water management and analysis tools.

Is water supply a good career path?

A career in water resources, including water supply management, offers stable employment opportunities in public and private sectors. It often requires technical skills, environmental knowledge, and certifications, with roles involving infrastructure maintenance, planning, and policy development.

What is the difference between Water Resources vs Hydrologist?

AspectWater ResourcesHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Water Resources, Civil, Environmental EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Geosciences, Environmental Science
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsResearch labs, government agencies, environmental organizations
Industry UsagePlanning, management, and policy development for water systemsStudying water cycle, analyzing hydrological data, forecasting

Water Resources professionals focus on managing and developing water systems, while Hydrologists study water movement and distribution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their primary focus differs: one on resource management, the other on scientific analysis.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the water resources field, high-paying roles such as senior hydrologists, environmental engineers, or water resource managers with extensive experience and advanced degrees can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in leadership positions or consulting roles. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What are water resources professionals?

Water resources professionals are experts who manage, protect, and develop water supplies for communities, agriculture, industry, and the environment. They analyze water-related data, design systems for water treatment and distribution, and help ensure sustainable use of water resources. Their work often involves collaboration with government agencies, environmental organizations, and engineering firms to address issues like water quality, flood control, and drought management.
More about Water Resources jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Resources jobs? Cities with the most Water Resources job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resources jobs? The most popular types of Water Resources jobs are:
What states have the most Water Resources jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Resources jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Resources job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,796 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES

Department of Water Resources

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

State Water Project Aerial Tour 2021 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A1jHyfqp8E
Join a team of highly motivated professionals that are doing exciting work! We hope you'll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our State Water Project team and help deliver water to over 27 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.
Why Choose Us : We own and operate our own facilities, which is the largest water and power delivery system in the United States. As owners and operators of our own infrastructure, we are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and facility reliability. We are not driven by the cost-cutting measures or unrealistic expectations that you may find in the private sector. Instead, direct the operations and maintenance of the State Water Project to safely deliver and optimize the uses of available water with environmental sensitivity.
At DWR you will have the support of knowledgeable and helpful colleagues, robust training programs, and professional organizational memberships for your professional growth. Our large organization provides an opportunity for a long and promising career full of growth and opportunity.
Duties: Under the general direction of the Senior Engineer, Water Resources of the Water Transfer Conveyance Unit, the incumbent is responsible for assisting the development and operation of the Water Transfer Information Management System (WTIMS) and other water transfer tools, providing technical engineering assistance in the evaluation of water transfer proposals, and providing assistance related to the management of the water rights held by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for the operation of the State Water Project (SWP).
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-516198
Position #(s):
842-062-3137-010
Working Title:
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
Classification:
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES $6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$8,896.00 - $11,131.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Division of Operations and Maintenance, Assistant Division Manager - Water Management, State Water Project (SWP) Administration and Integration Branch, Non-SWP Agreements Section, Water Transfer Conveyance Unit, Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements
Must be available to work outside normal business hours, including overnight travel. Travel throughout the state of California may be required. Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
The Department of Water Resources is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/10/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento , CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other - Cover Letter
  • Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
It is desirable that the incumbent have experience and/or knowledge of technical engineering documentation; contract development and administration; environmental regulatory requirements; preparation and coordination of presentations; environmental processes; the State Water Project; California Water Rights and Water Code; database development and GIS applications; engineering modeling assumptions and results; tool development; and data processing.
Benefits
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
We are located in downtown Sacramento right next to Light Rail for an easy commute - we will even reimburse you for a portion of your monthly public transit pass!
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Cynthia Pollard
(916) 940-4420
cynthia.pollard@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Special Instructions
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), cover letter, resume and SOQ. Please reference SAP Position # 50001882 and Job Control # 516198 in the "examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying" section of your application.
This is readvertisement with the same JC. Previous applicants will be considered and need not re-apply.
The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
Cover Letter
The Cover Letter should include a statement as to why you are interested in this position and highlight skills that are most applicable to the Duty Statement.
Statement of Qualifications
This is a (1-page maximum) separate typed document entitled Statement of Qualifications in Arial 12-point font that addresses the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as it relates to the job description .
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.
Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Examination/Assessment
For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To learn more about how to get a State job, click here .
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link:
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.