Senior Engineer, Water Resources

Job Description and Duties

We are hiring a Senior Water Resources Engineer, Supervisory, to lead our Engineering Support Unit. Our team implements multi-benefit projects that integrate flood risk reduction with ecosystem enhancement, agricultural sustainability, and recreation from planning into construction, including working with a diverse group of partners. The Engineering Support Unit assists with technical work and project management.

We work on small and large projects throughout California’s Central Valley including setback levee projects that deliver multiple benefits and other floodplain projects. These projects include civil engineering and related designs and analyses that need to be developed and reviewed. This unit assists with these reviews and with managing smaller projects. Projects require a balanced approach with many factors including the sustainability of the flood system with climate change.
The position is in the Systemwide Multibenefit Initiatives Branch, Systemwide Engineering Section and leads the Engineering Support Unit. The incumbent will lead a team of three in planning, design, and implementation of major and smaller multi-benefit projects in California’s Central Valley. This team performs a combination of technical engineering work and project management.

We are looking for someone with a broad understanding of engineering practices related to the flood system and ecosystem restoration combined with strong organizational skills to lead project teams. The position requires collaboration and effective communication across organizational units and disciplines within DWR as well as with State, federal, and local partners, and other interested parties. This position also requires supervisory skills to lead and manage the team as well as mentor less experienced team members.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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 candidate should possess a passion for designing and implementing innovative projects that deliver a variety of benefits as well as mentoring and leading others in this work. The candidate should have strong experience in the design of flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration projects, applying project management principles, and progressing projects through planning, design, permitting, and into construction.

Candidates should possess the below specific skills and experience:

• Performing and leading the design of large multi-benefit projects including civil design, geotechnical analysis and design, and hydraulic and hydrologic analyses.
• Knowledge of and experience complying with federal, State, and local standards, regulations, requirements, and associated permits.
• The ability to work in and lead teams comprised of diverse disciplines and skill sets, conduct, and manage technical engineering tasks, and communicate effectively.
• Be willing to coordinate with internal and external team members on technical aspects, summarize issues and possible solutions, and make recommendations to internal team members.
• Skills and experience in applying project management principles, techniques, and tools.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

The office is located in downtown Sacramento in the beautiful, new, state-of-the-art California Natural Resources Building. Equipped with secure bike locker storage area, shower rooms, and a fitness center. The modern facility is next to Light Rail for an easy commute – we’ll even reimburse you for a portion of your monthly public transit pass!

The job comes with great State benefits, including California Public Employees’ Retirement System, tax deferred savings plans, paid holidays, State contributions toward health benefits and much more. We foster a supportive, team-centered culture of people who are passionate about our work and contributing towards making a difference.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume, and a Statement of Qualifications. If not received, your application package will be incomplete. Please reference SAP Position # 50032463 , and the JC # 526050 : in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The Statement of Qualifications describe your education, skills, and experience that qualifies you for this position. Responses should be in Arial 12-point font and be no more than 2 pages.

The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

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 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.
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.