Engineer, Water Resources

Final Filing Date:  August 18, 2026

**Please do not apply on Handshake. Applications submitted via Handshake will not be received by DWR.  Online applications MUST BE submitted via https://calcareers.ca.gov/ .**

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.  We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity.

Build the Contracts That Build California

At DWR, engineers don’t just design projects, we ensure they are clearly defined, biddable, and ready for construction.

Join a team responsible for developing construction contract documents for critical infrastructure, including:

• Dams and spillways
• Flood control systems
• Pumping plants and pipelines
• State Water Project facilities

This position focuses on ensuring that plans and specifications meet the requirements of the California State Contract Act and supports the project through the bidding and award process, up to issuance of the Notice to Begin Work.

This is a unique engineering role focused on contract development and procurement, where you will:

• Shape how projects are defined before construction begins.
• Apply your technical engineering knowledge and judgment beyond calculations to ensure plans and specifications are accurate, constructible, and biddable.
• Bridge the gap between design and construction, helping turn concepts into clear, buildable contract documents.
• Help ensure fair, competitive, and compliant bidding.
• Work on high-visibility, multi-million dollar public works projects.
• Gain specialized experience in specifications, contracting, and risk management.

Under general direction of the Senior Engineer, Water Resources, the incumbent prepares detailed contract specifications; provides technical review of preliminary plans and specifications; and develops responses to engineering questions received from potential bidders related to drawings and specifications on construction contracts for public works projects.

Special Requirements: 

• Appointment to Range D requires a valid Professional Engineering License (Civil) issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. For all other ranges, a PE license is not required.
• May be required to travel on public roadways including traveling to remote areas. Travel on short notice and overnight lodging will be required on some trips.

Position Details

Job Code #:  JC-524235

Working Title:  Engineer, Water Resources

Classification:  Engineer, Water Resources

Salary:  $6,488.00 - $12,152.00

# of Positions:  1

Work Location:  Sacramento  

Telework:  Hybrid

Contact Information:
Sofia Khan 
(916) 764-9689
sofia.khan@water.ca.gov

For more information including detailed job duties, minimum qualifications, and how to apply, please go to  https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=524235.

To learn more about how to get a State job, click here.