Job Posting: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-504854
-
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

$6,488.00 - $12,215.00 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: 2/17/2026

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 a 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 Los Angeles Region has an opening for an Engineering Geologist in the Land Disposal Unit and Wastewater Consolidation Unit. This is an opportunity to do meaningful and challenging work to protect the Water quality resources in the Los Angeles Region. The position location is 320 W. 4th Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Duties:

Under the close supervision of a Senior Engineering Geologist, the incumbent is responsible for overseeing complex engineering geologist assignments associated with waste management units including landfills, land treatment units, surface impoundments, and compost facilities. Duties include managing multiple land disposal cases, performing site inspections, maintaining electronic database, working collaboratively in groups, communicating with stakeholders and the public, and maintaining health and safety training.

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.

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-504854
Position #(s):
880-140-3756-011
Working Title:
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
Classification:
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$9,142.00 - $11,449.00 C
$9,754.00 - $12,215.00 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:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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# 25-140-077 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 Engineering Geologist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1685

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 their 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: 2/17/2026

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:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Tiffani Pace
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 Branch - Tiffani Pace
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:

  • Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to solid waste landfill disposal for the protection of water resources, public health, and environment, with specific emphasis on Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations and Title 40, Part 258 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Knowledge of principals and investigative techniques used in geotechnical, hydrogeologic, and environmental site characterization.
  • Knowledge of water quality monitoring program design and implementation, including sampling protocols, QA/QC, data management and analysis, compliance monitoring and reporting, and identification of data needs to support effective water quality management and regulatory decision-making for waste management units.
  • Ability to perform technical review and assessment of geological and geotechnical reports and to evaluate water quality, leachate, and groundwater monitoring data contained in technical studies and compliance reports.
  • Demonstrate project management skills, including the ability to scope, plan, organize, implement, and track complex technical and regulatory projects.
  • Demonstrate attention to detail, including thorough review of technical reports, regulatory correspondence, and supporting documentation.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical and regulatory information through correspondence, presentations, and stakeholder discussions.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and database and data management software, as well as familiarity with other technical or regulatory databases.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and to coordinate with internal staff and external stakeholders, including regulated entities and other agencies.
  • Professional Geologist (PG) and/or Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) license is preferred.

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:
Tiffani Pace
(916) 327-7001
Tiffani.pace@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Enrique Casas
(213) 576-6641
Enrique.Casas@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 (SOQ)

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 size 12 pt. font, and normal margins.

When responding to each statement or question below, please indicate your total years of relevant experience and provide examples.

 

  1. Describe your knowledge of principles and investigative techniques for geotechnical, hydrogeologic, and environmental characterization.
  2. Describe your knowledge of general water quality monitoring protocols including design, quality assurance, data analysis, compliance monitoring and reporting, and data needs for effective water quality management and decision making for waste management units.
  3. Describe your ability to perform technical assessment of geological and geotechnical reports and review and evaluate water quality data from technical and monitoring reports
  4. Describe your knowledge or experience in reviewing the design and operation of waste disposal sites, the protection of water resources, public health, and environment, specifically with regard to Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations and Title 40, Part 258 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  5. Provide examples of your effective project management skills: scoping, planning, organizing, implementing, and tracking projects.
  6. Provide examples of your ability to pay attention to detail, specifically regarding thorough review of reports and correspondence.
  7. Provide examples of your strong communication skills: verbal, written, and oral presentations.
  8. Provide examples of your ability to work in teams, independently, and with internal staff and external stakeholders.
  9. Describe your experience with the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, or similar programs), Adobe Acrobat (including ADA accessibility), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database software, other databases.

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

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

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