Demo

DWR Project Engineer

GEI Works
Bakersfield, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/6/2026
DWR Project Engineer Location: Bakersfield, CA, United States Description Your role at GEI. GEI’s West Region is seeking a motivated, project level engineer to work with one of GEI’s premier clients, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) – Operations and Maintenance Division. This position will allow you to work as embedded staff with DWR where you will be exposed to and develop expertise in the following areas: DWR’s Southern Field Division facilities, including Pyramid Dam, Warne Powerplant, Castaic Dam, Cedar Springs Dam, Devil Canyon Second Afterbay, Crafton Hills Dams and Perris Dam Dam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staff Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual reporting, and inspections Dam Safety Risk Assessment, Potential Failure Mode Analyses and Level 2 Risk Assessment FERC Part12D and DSOD Dam Safety Review Board meetings and process The ideal candidate for this position will build upon their specific technical skills and expand their knowledge in other areas that could cover geologic, geotechnical, hydraulic, hydrologic, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and operations from a dam safety perspective. Additionally, you will build strong project management skills while engaging and supporting key decision makers to ensure the continued performance of the DWR’s State Water Project. This position requires a full-time dedication to GEI’s Support Staff role, with up to 50% of your time working in DWR’s Sacramento office. Remote working is possible after an initial period. Assignments are typically 1-2 years, after which the skills developed in the assignment will enable you to transition into a project management or technical position with other key GEI clients. Essential Responsibilities & Duties Support project managers and technical leads in engineering projects and tasks regarding dam safety items associated with hydropower infrastructure including conveyance (pipelines, canals, penstocks, pump stations, and tunnels), bridge facilities; instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, annual FERC/DSOD inspections, and engineering consultant coordination and oversight Prepare technical scopes of work for proposals and projects, project budgets, requests for proposals for contractors, and technical reports Perform engineering evaluations related to water resource facilities Provide effective leadership role in proposal teams and presentations Participate in multi-disciplinary, multi-geographic project teams Maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client-based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events Manage assigned projects and staff Assist in recruiting and training additional staff This position has a field component; travel and some overnight travel is required Minimum Qualifications Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural or other related engineering disciplines; M.S. preferred 6-8 years of previous professional experience in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering; project management experience, including proposal preparation and budgeting support; understanding knowledge of state and federal regulations Willingness and ability to travel on short-term assignments as needed Willingness and ability to perform field tasks and oversight Valid U.S. driver’s license Professional Engineering license required; California license preferred We are GEI. Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow. We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges. With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here. Employee-owned. Employee-focused. As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here. GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus Pay Range For This Position: $36.06-55.76/hourly Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave Commuter Benefits Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program Rewards and Recognition GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k) Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here) A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion And More… PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ENVIRONMENT Functional Demands: Sedentary X Light Medium Other Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) Physical Activity Requirements Occasional (0-35% of day) Frequent (33-66% of day) Continuous (67-100% of day) Not Applicable Sitting X Standing X Walking X Climbing X Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds) X Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds) X Carrying objects X Push/pull X Twisting X Bending X Reaching forward X Reaching overhead X Squat/kneel/crawl X Wrist position deviation X Pinching/fine motor skills X Keyboard use/repetitive motion X Taste or smell (taste=never) X Talk or hear X Accurate 20/40 Very Accurate 20/20 Not Applicable Near Vision X Far Vision X Yes No Not Applicable Color Discrimination X Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X Environment Requirements Occupational Exposure Risk Potential Reasonably Anticipated Not Anticipated Blood borne pathogens X Chemical X Airborne communicable diseases X Extreme temperatures X Radiation X Uneven surfaces or elevations X Extreme noise levels X Dust/particulate matter X

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