Exam Bulletin - Supervising Water Resource Control Engineer

State Water Resources Control Board

Exam Code: EX-2879

Examination Plans Included:

  • SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY): $11,957.00 - $14,967.00 per Month

View the SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY) classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY) - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2879

For SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02879

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00103849 - SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY)

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a bachelors or advanced degree curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology with major work in environmental, chemical, sanitary, mechanical, agricultural, geotechnical, or civil engineering, or a related engineering discipline. (If the Accreditation Board accredits any engineering curriculum for Engineering in the institution from which the degree is earned, all engineering curricula from that institution will be considered accredited.) Possession of equivalent qualifications may be demonstrated by graduation from an unaccredited curriculum in any of the above specialized engineering fields, which includes the basic engineering courses normally covered in a standard four-year course, and by qualifying in a written examination covering water quality control engineering. (Registration as a Senior or graduate student in any of the above specialized engineering fields will admit the applicant to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation before they will be considered eligible for appointment.) And


Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a civil or professional engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. And

Either 1

Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer.

Or 2

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible professional engineering experience in water quality management, water pollution control, sanitary, environmental, chemical, civil, or water rights engineering, or a related field (two years of which must have been supervising an engineering staff responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of a major portion of a water program at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer in the California state service).

Position Description

00103849 - SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY)

The Supervising Water Resource Control Engineer (Supervisory) is the full supervisory level in the series. Positions supervise at least two or more major units of a Division at the State Board or a Regional Water Quality Control Board. Incumbents are responsible for the flow of work, the utilization of personnel, instruction of supervisory technical personnel, and the coordination of their activity with other organizational components. Supervising Water Resource Control Engineers (Supervisory) typically report to a Principal Water Resource Control Engineer, Division Chief, or Executive Officer.

Additional Desirable Qualification

Willingness to travel in performing fieldwork throughout the State.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Principles of water quality control, water rights, and water resource management
  2. Environmental, chemical, civil, agricultural, geotechnical, and sanitary engineering principles relating to the treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial and other wastes
  3. Design of and construction of water and wastewater facilities
  4. Physical, biological, and chemical factors relating to the control of water pollution and quality, and the management of surface and ground water
  5. The State Water Quality Control Act
  6. Principles, policies, regulations, and requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
  7. State and regional water quality control and water rights programs and related programs of other State and Federal agencies
  8. Bacteriological, biological, and chemical factors relating to the control of water pollution and quality, and the management of surface and ground water quality
  9. The Board's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives
  10. A manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employment development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment
  11. Methods and techniques of effective leadership
  12. California's legislative, budget, and general administrative processes
Ability to:
  1. Evaluate cases of water quality degradation and pollution or nuisance conditions and make recommendations for their elimination and control
  2. Prepare, review, check, or interpret engineering reports, plans, estimates, and specifications for varied water and wastewater control facilities
  3. Conduct and/or have lead responsibilities over monitoring and surveillance activities
  4. Assist in conducting water quality and water rights oriented studies, and assist in the preparation of water quality control plans
  5. Dictate correspondence and prepare engineering reports
  6. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
  7. Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of the work
  8. Communicate effectively
  9. Interpret and apply the rules, regulations, and requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
  10. Interpret and apply the State and Federal Water Quality Control Acts, water rights principles, and the policies, regulations, and requirements for the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards in all program areas
  11. Interpret engineering plans, estimates, and specifications
  12. Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of others
  13. Direct major field investigations and surveys
  14. Conduct special studies
  15. Analyze technical data and prepare recommendations for the abatement or control of water pollution or nuisance
  16. Effectively contribute to the Board's equal employment opportunity objectives

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SUPERVISING WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER (SUPERVISORY) Classification will be established for:

  • State Water Resources Control Board

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Supervising Water Resource Control Engineer (Supervisory) Training and Experience Examination Preview

You will rate yourself on series of statements comprised of essential tasks, knowledge, and skills required to successfully perform in the Supervising Water Resource Control Engineer position. Respond to each statement by briefly indicating how it applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement and provide relevant examples.
  1. Directing the technical activities of staff to assess and resolve complex water quality, water rights, and administrative issues while providing supervisory guidance and administrative direction.
  2. Directing the activities of supervisors and between groups of staff to coordinate work responsibilities in accordance with best personnel and supervision practices.
  3. Developing and tracking work plan commitments and assigning work to ensure timely completion of tasks and assignments.
  4. Managing program budgets, setting and tracking performance objectives, and recommending modifications by evaluating resources and personnel for program implementation.
  5. Proposing changes to program budgets to address lack of funding and resource capacity to carry out existing statutory mandates, including Program Change Proposals (PCPs) and Budget Change Proposals (BCPs).
  6. Preparing formal budget and resource augmentation documents to address new program responsibilities for which existing resources and budget cannot adequately support.
  7. Coordinating with various agencies and stakeholders to resolve technical and regulatory issues.
  8. Coordinating with various staff to ensure good customer service practices and goals.
  9. Managing and prioritizing tasks and resources to ensure that critical public health and environmental issues are addressed.
  10. Documenting employee performance for coaching, counseling, and disciplinary activities.
  11. Implementing specific actions to resolve problems impacting work progress or assignments (such as reprioritizing work and resources, modifying schedules, adjusting deliverable dates) in a timely manner.
  12. Developing and presenting reports regarding various programs and water resources issues for executive management, general public, industry, elected officials, other governmental agencies or departments.
  13. Communicating expectations and priorities to staff and direct staff to adhere to policy provisions, departmental regulations, work unit procedures, and/or project/program milestones and deadlines.
  14. Interacting effectively with managers, supervisors, peers, staff from other agencies, stakeholders, and contractors, contributing to the overall efficiency and productivity.
  15. Preparing and reviewing complex reports and correspondence to interpret and explain departmental policy, laws and rules, and guidelines.
  16. Ensuring compliance with the equal employment opportunity policies and practices in making hiring and employment decisions.
  17. Evaluating the ramifications and possible impact of decisions and/or actions in an effort to select the most appropriate course of action.
  18. Promoting and directing the work activities in a manner that supports awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences of a diverse work force, which includes cultural, race, and gender diversity, amongst individual subordinate staff members.
  19. Effectively assessing the capabilities and talents of staff and capitalizing upon their strengths to advance the program goals and objectives.
  20. Planning and implementing methods and means (including completion of performance evaluations) of monitoring and improving employee performance to ensure and enhance employee productivity.
  21. Overseeing the development or the evaluation of studies to address issues such as water rights, the occurrence of water contaminants, wastewater, recycled water, and the efficiency/effectiveness and quality of drinking water supplies.
  22. Providing professional testimony in legal proceedings such as formal hearings and depositions.
  23. Working to resolve conflicts and disagreements with the stakeholders, including the regulated community and other interested parties, to promote consensus consistent with program goals and objectives where possible.
  24. Developing policies, guidelines, and requirements to assist in the interpretation and uniform application of regulations and statutes.
  25. Interacting with the press to communicate important and critical data or information regarding things such as new regulations, water quality issues, water rights activities, incidents, or critical public health announcements.
  26. Reviewing and analyzing staff recommendations on proposed and existing legislation to determine impacts on the State.
  27. Applying engineering principles and practices in order to oversee review and approval of permits, plans, materials, and technologies related to drinking water supply, water rights, water quality improvement, and drinking water and waste water treatment.
  28. Implementing or enforcing State laws and regulations pertaining to water quality, drinking water, water rights, and public health.
  29. Proposing new or modifying existing regulations as necessary to improve effectiveness and efficiency, meet program goals and requirements, and/or meet new state and/or federal mandates.
  30. Proposing legislative concepts to provide for new or expanded statutory program authority to address important public health, water quality, and environmental issues.

Testing Departments

  • State Water Resources Control Board

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 341-5127

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.

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.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State 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.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

State Water Resources Control Board reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)