To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 512559 to locate the job posting and apply.
Link: CalCareers
Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 4/7/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.
Job Description and Duties
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Are you looking for a rewarding and impactful career in environmental protection, focused on safeguarding California’s vital water resources? The Central Valley Water Board’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit is currently seeking an Engineering Geologist to join our team. We offer a collaborative, team-oriented work environment where your efforts directly contribute to the health and sustainability of our water systems. If you’re passionate about public service and making a difference, this could be the opportunity for you! Apply today and be part of a mission-driven organization. Our office is located at 11020 Sun Center Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, offering ample free parking with multiple electric charging stations, and within walking distance of the Sunrise Light Rail Station.
Under the close supervision of a Senior Engineering Geologist (Supervisory), this position provides an exciting opportunity to apply geologic and groundwater science to protect water quality throughout the Central Valley region. In alignment with the State and Regional Water Boards’ Strategic Plan and commitment to excellent customer service, the incumbent evaluates geologic and hydrogeologic conditions at a variety of regulated facilities, including wastewater treatment plants, landfills, food processing facilities, and other discharge sites, to support compliance with water quality regulations.
The Engineering Geologist reviews technical reports, analyzes subsurface and groundwater conditions, and applies geologic principles to help ensure facilities operate in compliance with policies and regulations established by the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Valley Water Board. The position also assists the regulated community and the public by explaining regulatory requirements and providing technical guidance related to groundwater protection.
This role offers the opportunity to develop technical expertise while working on meaningful environmental protection efforts. The successful candidate will be able to work independently to complete assignments while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team to achieve program goals. Strong written and verbal communication skills are important for preparing technical correspondence, reports, and presentations. Proficiency with common computer software and the ability to communicate technical information clearly through various media are essential for success in this role.
Duties:
The Engineering Geologist (EG) performs professional-level engineering geology duties in support of the Regional Board’s Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) and Title 27 Land Disposal Programs. Responsibilities include reviewing technical reports and permit applications; evaluating compliance with WDRs, Title 27 regulations, and applicable Basin Plan requirements; conducting inspections and investigations; reviewing and evaluating monitoring and technical data, preparing technical memoranda, staff reports, and enforcement recommendations. The EG participates in compliance assurance, enforcement actions, and regulated-facility outreach by providing technical guidance and regulatory education to dischargers, stakeholders and other regulatory agencies. The EG works independently to plan and complete assigned tasks and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects. Effective communication is required through written reports, correspondence, presentations, and verbal interactions with internal staff, regulated entities, and the public.
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. Employees 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.
Job type: Full-Time
Salary: $6,488.00 – $12,215.00 per Month
The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.
