Water Resources Engineer

Job Description:

Water Resources Engineer

Description

Position Description


Final Filing Date: Monday, June 9, 2025

Exam: 25/41E11/05JD

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) is recruiting for the position of Water Resources Engineer.

Agency Summary

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) is an independent, special purpose public agency staffed with dedicated employees and focused on water resources management in Monterey County. The Agency was created via a California Water Code Appendix in a statute known as the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Act. The Agency provides the following services: control of flood and storm waters in the County, water conservation, protection of water quality, reclamation of water and the exchange of water. Fundamental to the agency’s mission to sustainably manage water resources while minimizing impacts from flooding, the MCWRA owns and operates the Nacimiento and San Antonio reservoirs and dams, a recycled water irrigation distribution system, and numerous other facilities.

The Agency is governed by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors for larger policy matters and a nine-member Board of Directors for more in-depth oversight. Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors, a city selection committee, and local agricultural groups. Prior to being formally established in 1991, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency was the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, established in 1947 and organized as a division of the Public Works Department of the County of Monterey. The Agency is independent from the County, but both entities collaborate closely and share the same elected Board of Supervisors that also act as the Board of Supervisors of the Agency.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Water Resources Engineer position in the Operation’s Section will have a strong background in construction, repair and maintenance of various water resource-related facilities such as reservoirs, ponds, pipelines, valves, pump stations, groundwater wells, culverts, and earthen dams, channels, and levees. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity; flexibility and adaptability; be able to navigate complex situations with professionalism and poise; be able to communicate effectively to diverse audiences; and be organized to complete multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in both an office setting as well as being outdoors doing field work such as inspections, monitoring, construction project and repair oversight, or minor surveying work. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with a variety of people including other staff within the Agency, consultants (environmental, engineering, construction), technicians, field maintenance staff and regulatory or cooperative agency staff.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of professional civil engineering duties in the planning, design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Agency’s flood control, water quality, and water production, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems; ensures adherence to professional standards, codes and Agency specifications
• Conducts various engineering studies, investigations and analyses; participates in preparation of reports regarding issues such as the environmental, hydraulic, geotechnical, seismic, hydrologic, geomorphic, water quality, and treatment process aspects of water supply and flood control facilities and sites
• Assists in the preparation of engineering specifications, drawings, sketches, cost estimates and other supporting documentation for proposed engineering projects; reviews drawings, plans and other work submitted by external consultants, engineers, contractors and developers for conformance with professional codes, standards and Agency specifications; drafts and prepares technical and administrative correspondence and reports Water Resource Engineer
• Conducts field, in-plant and office engineering studies related to the research, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of flood control and water supply facilities such as channels, culverts, bridges, roads, retaining walls, pipelines, dams, treatment plants, fishways and appurtenant structures
• Participates in and may coordinate various engineering studies, regulatory or construction permit activities and related projects with Agency staff, outside agencies and consultants ensuring that deadlines, standards and specifications are met appropriately
• Provides civil engineering support to Agency construction projects and contractors; assists in the inspection of contractor installations as necessary; provides technical support during project construction including design changes, submittal review, request for information from contractors, interpretation of contract documents and assistance with change orders; prepares and reviews construction contract documents as assigned
• Develops and maintains various databases and computer files; uses engineering software or develops programs to solve specific engineering problems
• Reviews statutes and regulations; interprets and applies the regulations with respect to Agency compliance; develops compliance strategies for regulations; may analyze proposed regulations
• Confers with Agency staff, contractors, the public, and other agencies or organizations as needed regarding assigned work
• Uses a variety of office and field equipment, such as hydrological measuring devices, surveying equipment, calculators, computers, and related software used in Water Resource engineering

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Water Resources Engineer

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of hydrology and civil engineering with emphasis on flood control, water quality, and water supply, storage, treatment and distribution systems and facilities
• Hydrology and engineering math principles; advanced mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry and statistics; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques, and instruments used in Water Resource management and planning; methods and techniques of statistical analysis
• Construction materials, methods, testing, specifications, codes and equipment
• Drafting techniques, nomenclature, symbols, methods & instruments used in field and office engineering work
• Computer applications, languages and their engineering applications
• Principles, practices, and theory of hydrogeology and water quality
• Terminology, methods, practices and techniques used in technical engineering report preparation
• Civil engineering theory and design concepts for flood control/hydraulic structures, buildings, bridges, pipelines, dams and water treatment plants

Some knowledge of:

• Contract administration, grants and project budget reports, contract compliance review for contract specification adherence
• Geotechnical applications in the design of levees, earth fill dams, soil stability analysis, groundwater quality monitoring and contamination investigation and cleanup
• Principles and practices of project scheduling and management including work plans and budgets
• Construction cost estimating principles and practices
• Requirements for safe construction methods and performance of operations and maintenance (e.g. close space regulations)

Skill and ability to:

• Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve difficult water resource and civil engineering problems
• Read, understand and interpret and effectively communicate complex technical information, such as engineering data, maps, survey notes, legal descriptions and other materials
• Independently perform detailed analysis of designs, specifications, and plans
• Perform complex engineering and mathematical calculations
• Plan, assign and check the work of subordinate staff and consultant's/contractors
• Exercise sound, independent judgment in managing assigned projects
• Develop and maintain close-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, such as the public, management and co-workers
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, staff, other agencies, engineering firms, contractors, etc.
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service
• Prepare and/or review reports, such as environmental impact reports, data, and correspondence
• Maintain accurate data and records
• Operate computer equipment and use computerized mapping, drawing and analysis software, and other related software programs
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to prepare reports and correspondence, and make presentations before groups for the purpose of explaining complex data
• Prepare scopes of work, resource allocation, work scheduling, and completion timelines for assigned work and projects

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience :
Two years of experience in engineering, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, or a closely related field
AND
Education :
Equivalent to completion of a Bachelor’s degree in water resources, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited college program
OR
Certification :
Possession of a valid California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate with two years of associated professional engineering experience

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Work under adverse conditions such as inclement weather, dust or silica dust, heat, wind, or environments subject to sudden changes and/or extremes in air temperature, pressure or humidity, work outdoors, on uneven and/or slippery and/or wet ground surfaces, at elevations above ground level, in confined or extremely small work spaces, come into contact with water, petroleum products, lubricants, cleaning solutions or solvents, toxic fumes, liquids or gases, allergens, chemical products requiring MSDS sheets, plant, animal or food material or waste, around moving machinery, vehicles, equipment, hand and/or power tools, electricity, vibration, and in extremely noisy environments.
• Some positions may need to demonstrate the ability to swim safely for 50 yards in order to safely work on and around large bodies of water.
• Wear and use safety clothing and equipment as required, i.e. safety glasses, gloves, etc.

BENEFITS
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summery Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty
by Monday, June 9, 2025, 11:59 PM(PST) or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Jennifer Datan, Human Resources Analyst
Attn: Human Resources
168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 759-6990 or Email: datanj@countyofmonterey.gov

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Datan, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 759-6990 or datanj@countyofmonterey.gov

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

Closing Date/Time: 6/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,649.00 - $9,082.00 Monthly