Assistant Regional Engineer

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The State of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, seeks an Assistant Regional Engineer at Engineer I–III levels to handle administrative duties, review water-right applications, and draft orders detailing water use, well locations, and conditions. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering with EIT/FE qualification and progress toward a PE for higher levels.

Some field work and strong communication are required; position based in the Utah Lake/Jordan River region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• EIT certification or FE exam completed or pending with 12-month probation.
• PE license required for Engineer III; others work under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review water right files, processes, policy guidelines, and statutes.
• Advise water users and assist public inquiry staff in the preparation of applications.
• Assist Regional Engineer and regional staff in responsibilities related to appropriations.
• Operate river modeling programs and assist in distribution systems management.
• Assist in enforcement-related information preparation and verification of water rights.
• Attend presentations and prepare and review written reports.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Verbal & written communication

Regulatory understanding

Field inspection

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

River modeling software

Job description

• Engineer II: EIT certification / FE exam completion.

ENGINEER III, II, I

Depending on qualification the position may be underfilled at level II or I.

FT / PT Status

Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility

This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary

$30.00 - $48.00 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office

In-Office / On-Site

Application Deadline

11/8/2026*

Job Description

The position will work in the Utah Lake/Jordan River Regional office in Salt Lake City as an Assistant Regional Engineer under the supervision of the Regional Engineer. Job duties will be administrative in nature and include review of various applications and proofs of beneficial use submitted by water users and professionals. The assistant regional engineer will draft Orders of the State Engineer describing water use, well locations, distribution, technical details and special conditions for review and signature. Some field work may be required for dam inspections and proof review with little to no overnight travel. Water rights specific training and training towards continuing education credits will be provided. It is expected that the candidate will have a firm understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and ability to communicate both verbally and through writing.

To Qualify For The Engineer I

Satisfactory completion of an Engineering degree– Engineer in-Training (EIT) or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) completed or will graduate and pass the exam within the 12-month probationary period. This is an entry-level job, which requires close supervision and limited engineering experience while performing engineering related tasks.

To Qualify For The Engineer II

Satisfactory completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) required. Incumbents have experience working as an Engineer but are not licensed as a Professional Engineer. Most of their work must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Engineer. Incumbents use independent judgment in the modification and evaluation of standard techniques, perform independently on most assignments, receiving technical guidance on unusual problems. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

To Qualify For The Engineer III

Must be registered as a professional engineer in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 58-22. This is a working level job requiring minimal supervision. Incumbents in this job utilize advanced training, experience and independent judgment in the evaluation and modification of complex engineering situations requiring specialized abilities. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Review water right files, processes, policy guidelines, and statutes.
• Advise water users and assist public inquiry staff in the preparation of applications.
• Assist Regional Engineer and direct regional staff in responsibilities related to appropriations.
• Assist in the management and supervision of established distribution systems within the region and operate river modeling programs.
• Assist the Distribution Section as requested in preparation and verification of information related to the on-going actions to enforce water rights.
• Assist the State Engineer, Regional Engineer and staff of the Dam Safety section by performing dam inspections, writing inspection reports, assessing stream alteration and dam permits as required.
• Assist the Regional Engineer in the preparation and/or receipt and processing of applications.
• Attend presentations, review and compose written reports, and make public presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Technical Credential :
  • Engineer I: EIT certification / FE exam completion (or attainment within the 12-month probationary period).
  • Engineer II: EIT certification / FE exam completion.
  • Engineer III: Current license as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Utah per Utah Code Ann.
  • 58-22.
• Core Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of foundational engineering principles, mathematics, and technical analysis.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly in both written reports and verbal presentations.
• Physical & Travel Requirements: Ability to perform field work (including dam and site inspections in outdoors settings) with occasional local travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Water Rights and Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Utah water law, administrative processes, water rights files, and statutory guidelines.
• Hydraulic and River Modeling: Experience with, or aptitude for learning, computer-based river modeling programs and streamflow analysis.
• Dam and Infrastructure Inspection: Basic knowledge of dam safety principles, structural/hydrologic inspection techniques, and stream alteration permitting.
• Technical Writing and Legal Drafting : Skill in preparing formal administrative orders, legal descriptions of water rights, and technical inspection reports.
• Public Outreach and Advisory Support: Aptitude for assisting the public, answering inquiries, and making formal presentations to stakeholders and community groups.

About The Role

Location

1594 West North Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Schedule Code

B - Competitive Career Service

Supplemental Information

Candidates must reside within the state of Utah.

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm; 10-or 9-hour work days are an option.
• Sitting for periods of time doing office work and research.
• Walking on uneven terrain and driving a 4wd vehicle on rough roads.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah ,

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Office of the State Engineer (i.e., the Division of Water Rights) has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the state's water resources. Consequently, water users rely on the expertise of the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the distribution of Utah's water. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to help water users within the Utah Lake/Jordan River region understand water rights, work in a challenging profession that has a meaningful impact on every aspect of life in the arid west, and shape the future of the state's most valuable resource.

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Division of Water Rights

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].