State of California

WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER

State of California$77K — $127K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in water resource engineering or related field
  • Valid California driver's license
  • Current eligibility as Water Resource Control Engineer
  • Knowledge of emergency management systems (ICS, SEMS, NIMS)
  • Experience with project management and environmental policies
  • Strong communication skills for diverse audiences
  • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations

Responsibilities

  • Support emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts statewide
  • Coordinate with internal and external partners for effective collaboration
  • Participate in briefings, outreach activities, and tribal consultations
  • Develop communication materials and technical reports
  • Provide expertise on water quality and permitting during emergencies
  • Assist in the updating of emergency policies and procedures
  • Integrate principles of equity and climate resilience into planning

Benefits

  • Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Leave programs available for permanent employees
  • Potential for remote work options based on operational needs
  • Comprehensive retirement plans
  • Equity-focused work environment promoting inclusive practices
Full Job Description
The Emergency Management Program (EMP) is part of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance (ORPP) within the State Water Resources Control Board's Executive Office. ORPP staff collaborate across teams and support one another through:
• Rigorous excellence: Bring creativity and curiosity, supported by quality work and sound analysis.
• Accountability: Take ownership, adapt as needed, and deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Lead or support others and seek help when needed.
• Direct, respectful communication that strengthens our work.
• Commitment to equity through inclusive practices and decisions.

Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact protecting California's vital water resources. EMP is hiring a Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE) to support statewide emergency response and environmental resilience. This role contributes to safeguarding water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies while collaborating with state, federal, tribal, and local partners.

During emergency activations, duties may include working at the State Operations Center or other emergency facilities. This may require working weekends, holidays, extended or rotating shifts, and travel to remote locations, including navigating challenging terrain and weather conditions. Candidates must communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure, and work within structured emergency response systems.

The WRCE will:
• Support preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for statewide emergencies.
• Coordinate with internal programs and external partners.
• Participate in briefings, meetings, outreach, and tribal consultations.
• Develop communication materials, reports, and training resources.
• Provide technical expertise on water quality and permitting needs.
• Support updates to emergency plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist Water Board staff with coordination during emergencies.
• Integrate equity, climate resilience, and the Human Right to Water into planning efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and after-action materials.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not have experience in every area listed. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications and have eligibility. Strong candidates will demonstrate accountability, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively in complex environments.

The position is located at 1001 I Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, near light rail and public transportation.

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 .

Working Conditions

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.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.

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. E mployees 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.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524520

Position #(s):
880-240-3846-093

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

Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
  • RPA# 25-240-035 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. (This is subject to change based on classification). Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2925

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials 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 specification.

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: 7/28/2026
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 - Katie Hill
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 - Katie Hill
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 SOQ requirements.
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 and experience with emergency management systems, including the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
  • Proven ability to build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively with state, local, and federal agencies, as well as across internal divisions, teams, and offices, to achieve common objectives.
  • Experience supporting and/or leading project management activities, ensuring alignment with objectives, maintaining timelines, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
  • Knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of environmental or emergency management policies, procedures, and/or guidance documents.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities, successfully transition to new assignments while managing ongoing tasks, and complete high-quality work under tight deadlines.
  • Knowledge and understanding of racial equity and environmental justice principles, with an ability to incorporate them into everyday responsibilities and decision-making.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear and concise reports, developing briefing materials, and delivering engaging presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Skilled at rapidly distilling complex information into key points and conveying them effectively in written and verbal formats while preserving accuracy and context.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure in high-stakes situations, demonstrating sound judgment, composure, self-confidence, and decisiveness.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (such as GIS) used to support decision-making, work-planning, and/or policy development.
  • Current 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification.

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-S

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
Size
150 employees
Industry
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