ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

State Water Resources Control Board seeks an Engineering Geologist to support statewide emergency response and environmental resilience. The role focuses on protecting water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies while collaborating with state, federal, tribal, and local partners.

During activations, duties may include work at emergency facilities, weekends, and travel to remote locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements specify ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST.

Responsibilities

• Support statewide emergencies, including preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Coordinate with internal programs and external partners.
• Develop communications materials, reports and training resources.
• Provide technical expertise on water quality and permitting needs.
• Integrate equity and climate resilience into planning efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and after-action materials.

Job description

Job Posting: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-528321 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

$6,488.00 - $12,215.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 9/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

The Emergency Management Program (EMP) is part of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance (ORPP) within the State Water Resources Control Board’s Executive Office. ORPP staff collaborate across teams and support one another through:

• Rigorous excellence: Bring creativity and curiosity, supported by quality work and sound analysis.
• Accountability: Take ownership, adapt as needed, and deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Lead or support others and seek help when needed.
• Direct, respectful communication that strengthens our work.
• Commitment to equity through inclusive practices and decisions.

Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact protecting California’s vital water resources. EMP is hiring an Engineering Geologist (EG) to support statewide emergency response and environmental resilience. This role contributes to safeguarding water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies while collaborating with state, federal, tribal, and local partners.

During emergency activations, duties may include working at the State Operations Center or other emergency facilities. This may require working weekends, holidays, extended or rotating shifts, and travel to remote locations, including navigating challenging terrain and weather conditions. Candidates must communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure, and work within structured emergency response systems.

The EG will:

• Support preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for statewide emergencies.
• Coordinate with internal programs and external partners.
• Participate in briefings, meetings, outreach, and tribal consultations.
• Develop communication materials, reports, and training resources.
• Provide technical expertise on water quality and permitting needs.
• Support updates to emergency plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist Water Board staff with coordination during emergencies.
• Integrate equity, climate resilience, and the Human Right to Water into planning efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and after-action materials.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not have experience in every area listed. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications and have eligibility. Strong candidates will demonstrate accountability, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively in complex environments.

The position is located at 1001 I Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, near light rail and public transportation.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-528321

Position #(s): 880-240-3756-011

Working Title: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

Classification: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A

$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B

$9,142.00 - $11,449.00 C

$9,754.00 - $12,215.00 D

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 26-240-002 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
• Must have Engineering Geologist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list. (This is subject to change based on classification). Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=5204
• An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.
• Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
• In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

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:

• Knowledge and/or experience with emergency management systems, including the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively with state, local, and federal agencies, as well as across internal divisions, teams, and offices, to achieve common objectives.
• Experience supporting and/or leading project management activities, ensuring alignment with objectives, maintaining time lines, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the development and implementation of environmental or emergency management policies, procedures, and/or guidance documents.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities, successfully transition to new assignments while managing ongoing tasks, and complete high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of racial equity and environmental justice principles, with an ability to incorporate them into everyday responsibilities and decision-making.
• Knowledge and/or experience with water quality pollution control, monitoring, sampling, permitting, and Best Management Practices.
• Knowledge and/or experience in Hydrogeology/Geology, and site clean up and remediation experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear and concise reports, developing briefing materials, and delivering engaging presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
• Skilled at rapidly distilling complex information into key points and conveying them effectively in written and verbal formats while preserving accuracy and context.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in high-stakes situations, demonstrating sound judgment, composure, self-confidence, and decisiveness.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (such as GIS) used to support decision-making, work-planning, and/or policy development.
• Current 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and https://www.healthbenefits.calpers.ca.gov

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:

Katie Hill

[phone]

[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:

Krystle Taylor

[phone]

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Shyla Hoffman

[phone]

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than

three (3) pages

in length, using Arial font size 12 with normal margins.

In your SOQ, include the numbered prompts that are in bold font below as headers for each question’s response. Each section should be clear and complete on its own. To the extent possible, use different but relevant examples for each question.

1. Collaboration & Coordination: Describe your experience coordinating with other programs, agencies, or other groups to achieve an objective. Include examples of how you facilitated collaboration, shared technical expertise, and resolved complex challenges.
2. High-Stress and Field Work Experience: Describe your experience working under stressful, high-stakes conditions. Include experience working in field settings and/or during extended or rotating shifts and describe how you maintained effectiveness under these conditions.
3. Outreach and Communication: Describe your experience preparing and delivering presentations, internal or external outreach materials, briefings, or technical reports. Include examples of how you have communicated technical information to diverse audiences, including internal staff, external agencies/stakeholders, and the public.
4. Project Management: Describe your experience leading a project. Provide specific examples of how you managed timelines, coordinated with other staff, teams, or external groups, and the project management tools or practices you used to ensure successful completion within deadlines and supervisory expectations.
5. Policy and Process Development: Describe your experience developing or updating policies, procedures, or guidance documents. Include specific examples detailing your role, and the outcome or impact of your participation.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.