Water Resources Engineer

MUST apply through the CalCareers/DWR Job Application process - NOT through LinkedIn.

TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION PLEASE GO TO:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=524816

Four (4) DAYS REMAINING! Application Windows closes on 8/4/2026.

Join our team of highly motivated engineering professionals who are performing important and exciting hydrology and water resources work! One of the California Department of Water Resources' (DWR) most vital responsibilities is to provide accurate hydrologic runoff forecasts that aid water management decisions, flood and drought management response, environmental and water quality decisions, and even help the public plan recreational opportunities. DWR's Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit (SSWSFU) seeks an innovative and passionate engineer who can maintain and periodically update, create, and calibrate hydrologic models to provide timely and accurate water supply forecasts to State, federal, and local agency water managers across California. Position is office-based - meaning reporting in-person to the Sacramento office four days per week. This is a unique opportunity to combine passions for hydrology, hydrometeorology, engineering ingenuity, and public service into an exciting career opportunity supporting one of DWR’s most innovative, important, and impactful programs and contributing to California's water resilience and climate adaptation efforts. 

As California’s primary water management agency, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) leads statewide snow hydrology and water supply forecasting efforts through several programs within its Hydrology Section. These include the California Cooperative Snow Surveys program, the Aerial Remote Sensing of Snow program, the statewide hydrometeorological monitoring network, and the Water Supply Forecasting program. Together, these programs generate essential data and forecasts that support water management, flood operations, environmental stewardship, and decision-making for agencies and stakeholders throughout California.

At DWR you will have the support of knowledgeable and helpful colleagues, robust training programs, and professional organizational memberships for your professional growth. Our large organization provides an opportunity for a long and promising career full of growth and opportunity.

Under the direction of the Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit manager, the incumbent will develop and maintain runoff forecasting models and hydrologic analyses, use Python, machine learning, and advanced modeling tools to improve forecasting capabilities, collect and analyze field data from remote mountain and watershed locations, produce and communicate water supply forecasts to water agencies, reservoir operators, stakeholders, and the public, and collaborate with State, federal, academic, and industry partners on innovative water forecasting initiatives, and help manage the interagency CCSS program. Periodic travel and fieldwork, including winter snow surveys, is required. This position may also serve in one of the management sections established in the Incident Command System to assist the Department in performing its emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation functions.

The full list and description of responsibilities are contained in the Duty Statement here:

https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32738353&name=7.21.26(50001010)525JC524816Engineer.pdf

Qualifications

Graduation from a curriculum in civil engineering or engineering curriculum.

Must possess a valid CA driver's license.

Requires desire to travel and perform field work. Backcountry experience preferred.

Requires  reporting and working in the Sacramento office four days per week.

Check minimum qualifications here:

https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=3137

For more information about the California State hiring process, click here:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx