District Engineer

Kern-Tulare Water District; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern-Tulare Water District in Bakersfield, CA is seeking an accomplished District Engineer to lead engineering, water resources, and groundwater sustainability efforts across KTWD’s service area.

The successful candidate will guide capital improvements, infrastructure development, groundwater monitoring, SGMA implementation, regulatory compliance, and long-range planning while serving as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil, Agricultural, or Water Resource Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 6 years engineering-related experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital improvement planning and infrastructure development.
• Oversee groundwater monitoring and SGMA implementation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and environmental permitting.
• Drive long-range planning and coordinate with stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
• Advise General Manager and Board of Directors; build partnerships with landowners and regional partners.

Skills

Water resource management

Infrastructure planning

Leadership & communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil, Agricultural, or Water Resource Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license - California

Job description

Kern-Tulare Water District (KTWD) is seeking an accomplished District Engineer to help lead water management efforts in California’s renowned southern San Joaquin Valley. Serving approximately 19,600 acres across Kern and Tulare Counties, KTWD supports a rich agricultural landscape of almonds, pistachios, citrus, vineyards, and other permanent crops. As a key member of the leadership team, the District Engineer will help guide KTWD’s engineering, infrastructure, and groundwater sustainability initiatives.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the District Engineer will play a key leadership role in shaping the District’s engineering, infrastructure, and water resource strategies. Responsibilities span capital improvement planning, infrastructure development, groundwater monitoring, SGMA implementation, regulatory compliance, environmental permitting, and long-range planning. This role will also serve as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors, building strong partnerships with landowners, agricultural stakeholders, regulatory agencies, consultants, and regional partners.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned water resources professional who wants to influence both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. The successful candidate will bring strong engineering expertise along with the ability to see the bigger picture, evaluate complex challenges, develop practical solutions, and communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical audiences. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering expertise with strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and sound judgment. They understand the complex challenges facing California’s agricultural water community and are motivated by the opportunity to develop solutions that balance infrastructure needs, regulatory requirements, groundwater sustainability, and agricultural productivity.

Candidates must possess the following qualifications or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position: Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil, Agricultural, or Water Resource Engineering; a minimum of 6 years of engineering related experience; and a Professional Engineer (PE) license for the State of California. This position will have an office located at the headquarters building in Bakersfield but will be responsible for overseeing and managing projects throughout the entire KTWD service area.