Job Posting: Geotechnical Engineer

Department of Water Resources

JC-503814
-
Geotechnical Engineer
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES

$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: 3/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

WHY CHOOSE US:

Join a highly respected team of dedicated geotechnical and civil engineering professionals who are responsible for California's State Water Project. Our team leads projects for our 34 dams and hundreds of miles of Aqueduct across California, from the Upper Feather River Dams and Oroville Dam to Lake Perris and the Salton Sea. Projects may also include levee construction, environmental restoration, water related infrastructure improvements, and even exciting emergency response repairs. We collaborate with other disciplines, divisions, and agencies and foster a team environment to bring projects from conceptualization to design and construction.

We are in the heart of downtown Sacramento, within walking distance to the Golden1 Center, the State Capitol, and many of the city’s farm-to-fork eateries. Come work with us in the new, modern Natural Resources building with amenities such as complimentary gym facilities, bike lockers, rooftop terraces, and plenty of collaboration spaces.

 

DUTIES: 

The Geotechnical Engineering Section (GES) is hiring an Engineer, WR, team member who will work under the direction of a Senior Engineer, WR. The incumbent will be cooperating with clients and peers to perform geotechnical and civil engineering analyses, studies, and investigations, and prepare reports, presentations, designs, drawings, quantity and cost estimates, and specifications for a variety of State Water Project facilities and other water infrastructure. The analyses and designs will range from new structures to studies, improvements, emergency repairs, and enlargements of existing facilities such as earthen dams, canal embankments, concrete and asphalt liners, levees, reservoirs, and pipelines.

The incumbent will also prepare written responses to a wide variety of communications; prepare reports documenting analyses, design recommendations, and final construction documents; and support construction activities by making site visits and providing design support such as assisting with construction inspection and answering submittals and requests for information. In addition, GES Engineers may work as first responders during floods and other State Water Project facility emergencies and are often requested to assist with construction inspection on their projects. 

 

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-503814
Position #(s):
843-480-3137-027
Working Title:
Geotechnical Engineer
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 Engineering, Design, Geotechnical Services Branch, Geotechnical Engineering Section, 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

Applicants must be able to travel on short notice, including overnight lodging on some assignments, and be willing to work irregular and extended hours during outages or emergencies.

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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

 

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: 3/2/2026

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
  • Other - See Supplemental Questionnaire information under Special Instructions below.
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:

The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding, background, knowledge and/or strong interest in geotechnical engineering and design. It is preferred that they also have a Professional Engineering (Civil) license or have an EIT Certificate and are working towards a Professional Engineering (Civil) license, and/or a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering, along with a strong desire to develop expertise in geotechnical engineering. We prefer that the ideal candidate have experience working in a team environment, have a strong aptitude for learning, and be self-motivated, adaptable, and organized.

 

It is preferred that the ideal candidate has experience using engineering analysis software (Slope/W, Seep/W, LPILE, PLAXIS, FLAC, ProShake) and computer aided drafting (MicroStation, OpenRoads, Civil 3D) and proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote) and ArcGIS (ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro). It is also preferred that the ideal candidate has effective written and verbal communication skills, be detail oriented, and has experience in project management.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in modern communication and computer software and tools, such as, but not limited to, communication devices, video conferencing, data sharing, collaboration tools, and virtual approval applications. Preferred technical skillsets and knowledge include seepage, slope, and seismic stability analyses, finite element analysis, high mobility and compaction grouting, geotechnical laboratory testing and data analysis, complex engineering calculations, site investigations, making geotechnical engineering design recommendations, drafting, preparing specifications, estimating quantities and costs, construction inspection, and contracting processes (e.g., submittals, RFIs). 

Benefits

Click here to read about some of the benefits available to eligible employees. 


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:
Nikisa Rayej
(916) 574-9752
nikisa.rayej@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

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants must submit a: (1) State Employment Application (STD 678), (2) Cover letter, (3) Resume, and (4) Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position number 50049104, and JC-503814 con your application. Failure to provide requested documents and information may result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. A resume is required but does not take the place of the requested statement answer.

Supplemental Questionnaire: one-page maximum typed response to the following statement:

Based on the job description, explain why you are interested in this position and want to come join our Division of Engineering Geotechnical team. Include examples of relevant experience, and how it has prepared you to be a good candidate for this position.

You are not required to be on an eligibility list at the time you apply for this position. Simply submit your application today using the provided instructions. List eligibility will eventually be required, however, prior to hiring. You may qualify for list eligibility at any time prior to hiring by clicking on the exam link below, and then clicking under the Official Exam Bulletin. You may also find the exam information by visiting www.calcareers.ca.gov, clicking on Exam/Assessment Search, entering Exam Code “0PBEA,” clicking “Search,” click to view the Exam Bulletin, and then clicking the “Training and Experience Evaluation” under the Taking the Examination section.


Examination Link:

https://jobs.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/0PBEA.PDF


Read the information and then click on the link under “Taking the Examination.”


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:


 

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