Water Resources Engineer

Salary : $6,915.31 - $9,445.11 Monthly
Location : Salinas, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 25/41E11/12JL
Department: Water Resources Agency
Opening Date: 12/23/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Position Description
Open until filled
Priority Screening January 23, 2026

Exam: 25/41E11/12JL
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) is recruiting for the position of Water Resources Engineer.
Agency Summary

Prior to its formal establishment in 1991, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) was the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, established in 1947 and organized as a division of the Public Works Department of Monterey County. MCWRA provides services related to the control of flood and storm waters in Monterey County, conservation, protection of water quality, reclamation of water, and the exchange of water. Fundamental to the agency's mission to sustainably manage water resources while minimizing impacts from flooding, MCWRA owns and operates two dams on principal tributaries to the Salinas River (Nacimiento and San Antonio), along with the associated reservoirs. The Agency also owns a recycled water irrigation distribution system for agricultural users in the farmland surrounding Castroville, CA. A handful of other water conveyance and diversion facilities are also under the Agency's management.

The Agency's primary objective is to manage water resources throughout the County with a concentration in the Salinas Valley. The Agency collaborates and works with many other public agencies such as the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Monterey One Water, and other local, state and federal agencies.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Water Resources Engineer position in the Operations Section will have a strong background in construction, repair, and maintenance of various water resource-related facilities such as reservoirs, ponds, pipelines, valves, pump stations, groundwater wells, culverts, and earthen dams, and channels. This position will be primarily working on the Water Resources Agency Water Recycling Projects that include the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project and the Salinas River Diversion Facility. Experience working on Recycled Water Projects or other pipeline distribution systems is desired but not required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity, flexibility, and adaptability, navigating complex situations with professionalism and poise. They will be able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and remain organized to complete multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in both an office setting and, more importantly, being outdoors doing field work for inspections, system monitoring, construction projects and repair oversight, or minor surveying work. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with a variety of people, including other staff within the Agency, consultants (environmental, engineering, construction), technicians, field maintenance staff, and regulatory or cooperative agency staff.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of engineering duties in the planning, design review, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Agency's flood control, water quality, and water production, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems; ensures adherence to professional standards, codes and Agency specifications
• Conducts various engineering studies, investigations and analyses; participates in the preparation of reports regarding issues such as the environmental, hydraulic, geotechnical, seismic, hydrologic, geomorphic, water quality, and treatment process aspects of water supply and flood control facilities and sites
• Assists in the preparation of engineering specifications, drawings, sketches, cost estimates, and other supporting documentation for proposed engineering projects; reviews drawings, plans, and other work submitted by external consultants, engineers, contractors, and developers for conformance with professional codes, standards, and Agency specifications; drafts and prepares technical and administrative correspondence
• Conducts field work involving engineering studies related to the research, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of flood control and water supply facilities such as channels, culverts, bridges, roads, retaining walls, pipelines, dams, treatment distribution, fishways and appurtenant structures
• Participates in and may coordinate regulatory or construction permit activities and related projects with other Agency staff, outside agencies and consultants ensuring that deadlines, standards and specifications are met appropriately
• Provides engineering support to Agency construction projects and contractors; assists in the inspection of contractor installations as necessary; provides technical support during project construction, including design changes, submittal review, request for information from contractors, interpretation of contract documents and assistance with change orders; prepares and reviews construction contract documents as assigned
• Develops and maintains various databases and computer files; uses engineering software or programs to solve specific engineering problems
• Uses a variety of office and field equipment, such as hydrological measuring devices, surveying equipment, calculators, computers, and related software used in Water Resource engineering
• Uses a variety of office and field equipment, such as hydrological measuring devices, surveying equipment, calculators, computers, and related software used in Water Resource engineering
• Confers with Agency staff, contractors, the public, and other agencies or organizations as needed regarding assigned work
• Reviews statutes and regulations; interprets and applies the regulations with respect to Agency compliance; assists in compliance strategies for regulations; may analyze proposed regulations

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Water Resources Engineer
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of hydrology and civil engineering with emphasis on flood control, water quality, and water supply, storage, treatment and distribution systems and facilities
• Hydrology and engineering math principles; advanced mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry and statistics; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques, and instruments used in Water Resource management and planning; methods and techniques of statistical analysis
• Construction materials, methods, testing, specifications, codes and equipment
• Drafting techniques, nomenclature, symbols, methods & instruments used in field and office engineering work
• Computer applications, languages and their engineering applications
• Principles, practices, and theory of hydrogeology and water quality
• Terminology, methods, practices and techniques used in technical engineering report preparation
• Civil engineering theory and design concepts for flood control/hydraulic structures, buildings, bridges, pipelines, dams and water treatment plants

Some knowledge of:

• Contract administration, grants and project budget reports, contract compliance review for contract specification adherence
• Geotechnical applications in the design of levees, earthfill dams, soil stability analysis, groundwater quality monitoring and contamination investigation and cleanup
• Principles and practices of project scheduling and management including work plans and budgets
• Construction cost estimating principles and practices
• Requirements for safe construction methods and performance of operations and maintenance (e.g. close space regulations)

Skill and ability to:

• Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve difficult water resource and civil engineering problems
• Read, understand and interpret and effectively communicate complex technical information, such as engineering data, maps, survey notes, legal descriptions and other materials
• Independently perform detailed analysis of designs, specifications, and plans.
• Perform complex engineering and mathematical calculations
• Plan, assign and check the work of subordinate staff and consultants/contractors
• Exercise sound, independent judgment in managing assigned projects
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, such as the public, management, and co-workers
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, staff, other agencies, engineering firms, contractors, etc.
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service
• Prepare and/or review reports, such as environmental impact reports, data, and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate data and records
• Operate computer equipment and use computerized mapping, drawing, and analysis software, and other related software programs
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to prepare reports and correspondence, and make presentations before groups for the purpose of explaining complex data
• Prepare scopes of work, resource allocation, work scheduling, and completion timelines for assigned work and projects

Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience:
Two years of experience in engineering, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, or a closely related field
AND
Education:
Equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree in water resources, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited college program
OR
Certification:
Possession of a valid California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate with two years of associated professional engineering experience
Additional Information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and a valid California Class C drivers license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.

BENEFITS
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty
Priority Screening January 23, 2026or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Jovany Luna, Supervising Human Resources Analyst
Attn: Human Resources
168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 755-5395 or Email:

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link:

To apply for veterans' preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the priority screen date to

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jovany Luna, Supervising Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755-5395 or
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Your responses to the questions will be reviewed and scored in a Qualifications Appraisal evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as this information will be critical in the competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your responses to the supplemental questions as incomplete. Note: All application materials submitted will be reviewed along with your supplemental questions and County of Monterey application.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02

Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in performing engineering duties in the planning, design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of water production, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems.
03

Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in reviewing, interpreting, and complying with engineering specifications, drawings, cost estimates and other supporting documentation for infrastructure projects?
04

Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability related to construction projects and contractors. Include topics such as your role in the inspection of contractor installation, providing technical support during project construction including design changes, submittal review, request for information from contractors, interpretation of contract documents and assistance with change orders.
05

Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability to use a variety of office and field equipment, such as hydrological measuring devices, surveying equipment, calculators, computers, and related software used in support of engineering investigations, reports, or projects.
Required Question