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Water Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $113K - $173K DOE About the Role We are partnered with California's largest regulated water utility to recruit a Civil Engineer - Water Distribution & Infrastructure for their Chico district.

A current D1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) must be submitted along with application. Applications submitted without a ...

Water Utility Worker

Lakewood, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Water Resources Opening Date: 07/22/2026 Closing Date: 8/5/2026 3:00 PM Pacific Description Under general supervision, assists in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water services, valves ...

... of water utility systems, facilities, and related appurtenances; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides complex and responsible support to the ...

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Water Utility information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do water utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility in California is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Utility vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater UtilityWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; state-specific operator license
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, office, customer servicePlant facilities, technical equipment
Industry UsagePublic water supply managementOperation and maintenance of water treatment systems
Job FocusOverseeing water services, infrastructureOperating treatment equipment, ensuring water quality

Water Utility professionals manage overall water services, infrastructure, and customer relations, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus on operating treatment systems to ensure safe water quality. Both roles require certifications and work within the water industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professionals working in a water utility, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in water utilities often encounter challenges such as maintaining aging infrastructure, responding quickly to emergency repairs, and ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental regulations. Adapting to new technologies and managing customer expectations can also present difficulties. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, effective teamwork, and proactive maintenance planning. Collaboration with engineers, field technicians, and regulatory agencies is essential to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water utility professional?

To thrive as a Water Utility professional, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, and relevant regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and applicable state certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and maintenance tools is vital for daily operations. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance your ability to respond to emergencies and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure the safe, reliable delivery of clean water and compliance with regulatory standards.

What is a water utility?

Water utility workers are professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, and ensuring the safe delivery of clean water to homes and businesses. Their duties include operating water treatment plants, repairing water lines, testing water quality, and responding to emergencies such as leaks or contamination. They play a crucial role in public health and environmental protection by making sure communities have reliable access to safe drinking water.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Utility jobs in California? The most popular types of Water Utility jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Water Utility jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Water Utility jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Water Utility jobs? Cities in California with the most Water Utility job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Utility job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,491 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

$115K - $176K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


California Water Service rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the thirdlargest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purposedriven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.
The Water Utility Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and delivering capital projects. These projects include wells, storage tanks, pump stations, pressure tanks, pipelines and treatment plants. Projects may be new installations or modifications to existing facilities. This position is located in San Jose, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Plan and design capital projects based on Cal Water standards and specifications.

  • Oversees the progress of construction or consultant work, change orders, invoices, inspection/validation and requests for information (RFI).

  • Meets with districts to schedule, obtain basic permits, and coordinate proposed work and projects.

  • Prepares permit submittals and communicates with permitting agencies.

  • Prepares and reviews bid specifications.

  • Reviews drawings and works with technicians to prepare drawings for typical infrastructure improvements.

  • Develops and monitors the scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects.

  • Utilizes Company financial software to accurately monitor project costs during and at the end of construction.

  • Assists in planning and preparing projects and for the Company's capital budget and Public Utility Commission (PUC) rate case filings including cost estimating and justification for projects, as well as data requests, tours, rebuttal, and settlement support.

  • Assesses and analyze basic problems to recommend corrective actions.

  • Reviews the legal description of easements and properties for proposed facilities.

  • Assists in developing water distribution system long term plans.

  • Organizes and attends meetings with other Cal Water staff members and public agencies to assess problems and determine solutions.

  • Conducts research on existing infrastructure using databases, maps, drawings, photos and paper files.

  • Performs engineering calculations/civil design analysis to solve problems.

  • Conducts project safety planning and develops project safety documentation.

  • Performs work on site at assigned location.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Science degree (4 years) in Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.

  • Master's Degree or other advanced specialty certification desirable.

  • Engineering in Training Certificate (EIT) desirable or Professional Engineering License (PE) in California preferred.

  • Project management professional (PMP) certification desirable.

  • Minimum of two (2) years prior experience in design and management of water distribution or treatment system projects or related experience within the water, wastewater, or oil and gas fields.

  • Prior experience in design and management of water treatment system projects is preferred.

  • Good working knowledge of English and ability to effectively communicate with their supervisor, co-workers and the public.

  • Ability to read and understand general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

  • Ability to write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers.

  • Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail applications.

  • Ability to perform accurate engineering or water supply, demand and reliability calculations.

  • Exercises good judgement to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity.

  • Ability to apply engineering principles and theory.

  • Ability to apply pertinent laws, regulations and codes applicable to primary job functions.

  • Basic project management skills, including creating and monitoring schedules and budgets.

  • Knowledge of water and waste water systems desired.

  • Valid California Driver's License required.

Salary Range: $115,058.42 - $176,959.38 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is: OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

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, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico 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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