Department of Water Resources
JC-479027 – Habitat Restoration Engineer
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
$6,299.00 – $11,798.00 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: 7/25/2025
Job Description and Duties
WHY CHOOSE US:
Do you love engineering, have a passion for the environment and want to be part of engineering solutions to complex environmental problems? Want to work on projects that restore native fish habitats and design fish passage projects to enhance and complement the Sacramento Delta, streams, and river ecosystems? Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of professionals and technical specialists, bridging typically siloed disciplines to develop and construct projects? Are you motivated, organized, and effective at leading tasks? Then joining the Engineering, Planning, and Implementation Unit of Riverine Habitat Restoration Section as a Water Resources Engineer is the role for you!
DUTIES:
This Water Resources Engineer position will work under the direction of the Senior Water Resources Engineer. This position works within the unit and larger multidisciplinary section to provide project planning, project management, civil engineering design, construction oversight, and operations and maintenance engineering support for a wide variety of restoration type infrastructure projects.
This position has the unique position of being involved in projects from initial planning to design development, through construction, commissioning and initial operations, participating in scientific studies, reviewing and revising adaptive management planning for optimal success of our target species of salmon and sturgeon.
The position will be heavily involved with project management responsibilities: coordinating within the Division, leading external consultant task orders, and collaborating with other engineers across the department on tasks for new and ongoing investigations in hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, groundwater investigations, surface water monitoring, field surveys, operational and scenario planning, impact analysis for restoration projects both at the local and regional scale.
Engineering work is centered around a variety of restoration projects including hydraulic structures, floodplains, channels, road crossings, weirs, dams, and gates. Engineers collaborate with others in the department to develop conceptual design and alternatives analyses, answer engineering questions, design development and review, analysis of existing projects and designs, construction design support, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, and coordination of engineering related items for operations and maintenance for a variety of restoration projects including hydraulic structures, floodplains, channels, road crossings, weirs, dams, and gates.
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-479027
Position #(s): 840-380-3137-002
Working Title: Habitat Restoration Engineer
Classification: ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
$6,299.00 – $11,798.00
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: Yolo County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Riverine Habitat Restoration Branch, Engineering, Planning & Implementation Unit, West 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.
Special Requirements
Must possess a valid California Driver License in order to drive to various sites and attend meetings.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. DWR offers a hybrid workplace model that is designed to support a workforce of both office-centric and remote-centric workers. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
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: 7/25/2025
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.
- Other – See Supplemental Questionnaire information under Special Instructions below.
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 should have a solid understanding of engineering principles and a strong interest in environmental engineering and design. We prefer that the ideal candidate have experience working in a team environment, have a strong aptitude for learning, and be self-motivated, adaptable, and organized. It is preferred that the ideal candidate has a combination of experience, training, and education with leading tasks, project management, project design, construction, performing engineering calculations and estimates, computer aided drafting (AutoCAD Civil 3D) and proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote) and ArcGIS (ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro). It is also preferred that the ideal candidate has effective written and verbal communication skills, be detail oriented, and has experience in project management.
The ideal candidate will be proficient in communication and computer software and tools, such as video conferencing, data sharing, collaboration tools, and virtual approval applications. Preferred technical skillsets and knowledge include review of design packages, project specifications, plans; estimating quantities and costs; reviewing technical documents and reports; synthesizing of complex information to communicate to a variety of audiences; flood and water infrastructure, communication with other civil, geotechnical, structural, geological, mechanical, electrical, engineers as well as cultural and environmental specialists; construction and contracting processes (e.g., submittals, RFIs), decision making and ability to convey recommendations.
Benefits
DWR employees are eligible for a number of 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, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees’ wages, hours, and conditions of employment.
Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:
Flexible Work Hours
Free Parking
Telework Opportunities
Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
Paid Sick & Vacation
Retirement
Basic Group Term Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
11 Paid Holidays
401(k) & 457 plans
Student Loan Forgiveness
Long Term Care
Group Legal Services
We are located in West Sacramento right off Highway 50 close to shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Rikki Metcalf
(916) 701-7663
DISE_HR@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, and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50001794 and Job Control #479027 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.
The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant’s abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the advertised position. Please complete the following questions and identify a reference who can verify your knowledge and/or experience. If you do not have experience regarding the question, then include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function. Please limit your answers to a maximum of three pages (double-spaced, Arial 12-point font).
- Background and Motivation – Please summarize how your education, training, experience, and certifications as a whole align with this role. Additionally, please describe what motivates you to pursue this position.
- Project Management – Please describe your experiences with project management, share specific examples of projects or tasks you have led, including the scope of each project or task, your role, challenges you encountered, what actions you took to solve problems, and lessons learned during your experiences.
- Engineering and Design Support –Please describe your experience with development and review of project plans and specifications, supporting project design through construction, and steps taken to address the engineering requirements and owner’s needs on projects.
- Technical Review – Please describe your experience writing, reviewing, editing, and summarizing technical documents such as permits, owner’s manuals, and technical reports.
Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: Â List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.
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:
ENGINEER, WATER RESOURCES
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.
