Job Posting: Engineer, Water Resources

Department of Water Resources

JC-537476
-
Engineer, Water Resources
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: 11/19/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Central Valley Modeling Section (CVM) in the Modeling Support Office, is responsible for developing and maintaining present and future levels of hydrologic inputs of CalSim models, the jointly developed water resources planning model by DWR and Reclamation to simulate operations of State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) as well as much of the water resources infrastructure in the Central Valley of California and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Central Valley Modeling Section (CVM) is responsible for planning facilities, conducting studies, and implementing projects in the Sacramento - San Joaquin Valley to improve water conveyance and State Water Project (SWP) water supply reliability, water quality, and fish protection.

 

CVM staff conducts scenario studies, evaluates proposed improvements to existing SWP facilities, analyzes alternatives for new facilities, directs planning and permitting activities, prepares environmental documentation, coordinates activities with State and federal regulatory agencies, performs hydrologic and hydrodynamic computer modeling, and educates the public about Delta issues.

 

Are you looking for a job that can support water resources management of the State of California with your insight, knowledge and modeling and data analysis skills? Discover your full potential and develop your career with us. The Central Valley Modeling Section is seeking a qualified candidate who can solve complex challenges associated with the Central Valley of California and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.

 

Under the supervision of a Senior Engineer, Water Resources in the Central Valley Modeling Section of the Modeling Support Office, is responsible for developing and maintaining present and future levels of hydrologic inputs of CalSim models as well as conducting various CalSim model studies.

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-537476
Position #(s):
841-380-3137-037
841-380-3137-008
Working Title:
Engineer, Water Resources
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:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Modeling Support Office, Central Valley Modeling 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.

 

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: 11/19/2026

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.
  • School Transcripts
  • Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
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 must have a strong background in hydrology and water resources planning and management; knowledge of computer programming, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methods for hydrology modeling; knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining surface water and groundwater hydrologic input data; carrying out modeling studies; post-processing results of CalSim 3; and communicating the results both orally and in writing. Programming knowledge and experience in PYTHON, FORTRAN, MS Excel, WRESL, GIS and water resources simulation modeling. The incumbent is also required to work cooperatively with others; maintain regular, consistent, and predictable attendance; and exercise good judgment. Training will be provided commensurate with experience, skill level, and assigned responsibilities.

Benefits

Click here to read about the outstanding benefits. Our work environment is also well-balanced with life, and our team members are very diverse. Our office is conveniently located right next to a light rail station in downtown Sacramento. The incumbent will have access to amenities such as the Wellness Gym and Career Center in the new State Resources Building. We can accommodate flexible time schedules and telework options that are consistent with Department and MSO policies, which must be approved by the supervisor. The Department offers a variety of professional training opportunities including online classes from LinkedIn Learning. See the link above about the benefits of the State service such as leaves, pension, insurances, retirement saving, etc.

 

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:
Rebecca Daniel
(916) 804-2974
Rebecca.Daniel@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

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume, Statement of Qualifications, and transcripts.  Please reference SAP Position #50006051/50000942 and Job Control # JC-537476 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

 

A Statement of Qualifications is a one-page typed (12-point Arial font) document that describes your knowledge, skills and experience that qualifies you for the position.

 

The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.

 

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

 

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