Job Posting: Water Resource Control Engineer

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-492842
-
Water Resource Control Engineer
WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER

$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/3/2025

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract.The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s (Water Board) Division of Water Rights (Division) Enforcement Section has one vacancy for a Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE). The position is located at 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento. The position requires the use of teleworking, in-office work, and fieldwork. The position offers an exciting opportunity to utilize hydrologic data, field data, engineering principles, and interpretation of laws and regulations in application to California’s rich history of water rights.

Duties: Under the close supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer, the incumbent will lead and conduct water right investigations to determine if enforcement action is needed. The position includes the use of the Division’s CalWATRS database, Geographical Information System (GIS), Excel, Word, Teams. There are also opportunities to use various programming/coding tools (R, VBA, Python) and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau).

The incumbent will be required to manipulate and interpret water rights data to determine water availability, water use amounts, and compliance with the California Water Code and Code of Regulations. Incumbent will use ArcGIS Pro to analyze water rights compliance, hydrologic data, and prepare maps. The incumbent will need to interpret historical data in the form of physical and digital files such as maps, diversion reports, and property history. Interpretation and application of water right law is also required. The incumbent will also be required to contact water right holders to schedule inspections and conduct field investigations to ensure compliance of water right terms and conditions as necessary.

Inspection related activities include but are not limited to identifying current status of water use and conditions of the place of use and point of diversion; verify compliance to any water shortage notice; inspect pumps and related diversion infrastructure and potential installation of water stage surveillance equipment.  Incumbent will interview water right holders to gather additional information necessary to verify compliance with the right terms and conditions or a temporary water shortage notice.  Such information may include: the last date water was used, plans for future water use and alternative water supplies available.  Incumbents will measure or estimate the inflows into reservoirs, and flows entering and leaving the place of use; take photographs of diversion facilities and place of use; and gather Global Positioning System (GPS) points of important project facilities.

The incumbent will prepare a report for each inspection that details all findings and recommendations, including photographs and a map showing project facilities. The report should clearly identify if the water right holder is currently in compliance and provide corrective actions.

The incumbent will work with the supervisor and Office of Enforcement counsel on formal enforcement action for any violations noted. The incumbent will analyze report findings to prepare draft cease and desist orders or administrative civil liability complaints. If a hearing is requested, the incumbent will prepare written testimony and exhibits and appear as expert witness at hearings before the State Water Board.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-492842
Position #(s):
880-300-3846-015
Working Title:
Water Resource Control Engineer
Classification:
WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$9,137.00 - $11,437.00 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
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 25-300-044 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Water Resource Control Engineer list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam:  https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearch.aspx.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential’s evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specifications.

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: 10/3/2025

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:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources-Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources-Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
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:
  1. Ability to plan, organize, and work with a team of multidisciplinary professional staff.  
  2. Ability to promote collaborative relationships with internal and external customers. 
  3. Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following: environmental and/or water resource science, policy, and engineering; stream, wetland science; hydrology or hydrogeology; and regulatory compliance. 
  4. Working knowledge of California water rights, water quality, and environmental laws and regulations. 
  5. Experience enforcing, developing, reviewing, interpreting, or implementing environmental policies, laws, and regulations. 
  6. Experience organizing and participating in public outreach events, workshops, and public hearings before decision-making bodies. 
  7. Experience presenting data and findings to executive management, governing boards, or other decision-making bodies in private and public settings. 
  8. Experience conducting investigations, collecting data, and participating in field inspections.
  9. Experience in an agency focusing on water rights (public or private).

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Nina Lopez-Arendovich
(916) 341-6974
nina.lopez-arendovich@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Brian Coats
(916) 341-5389
brian.coats@waterboards.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:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.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.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12 pt. font, and normal margins.

  1. Please describe the knowledge, abilities, experiences, and attributes that make you uniquely qualified, keeping in mind the desirable qualifications listed above, and the main job duties described in the attached duty statement. 
  2. Please describe your experience conducting investigations, collecting data, and participating in field inspections. 

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

Additional Information

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job