Temporary Civil Engineer

California Water Service Group; United States; On-site; USD 118,993 - 171,803; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service Group is seeking a temporary Civil Engineer for a one-year assignment in San Jose, CA. This role will focus on developing capital improvement plans for urban water infrastructure and overseeing external consultants.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, at least two years of experience, and strong project management skills. The salary range is $118,993.19 to $171,803.91.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in an engineering role related to water systems.
• Knowledge of capital project planning and budgeting.
• California Professional Engineer registration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop capital improvement plans for urban water infrastructure.
• Oversee and manage external consultants' work.
• Analyze district project needs and life‑cycle cost calculations.

Skills

Water system planning

Civil engineering communication

Project management

Cost estimating

GIS and hydraulic modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

California Water Service is seeking a temporary Civil Engineer (Capital Improvement Plan – Water Infrastructure) for a one-year assignment in San Jose, CA. The role focuses on preparing infrastructure improvement plans, scoping, and alternative analysis to support capital projects and General Rate Case (GRC) filings with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Responsibilities

• Develop long‑term and short‑term capital improvement plans for urban water infrastructure for the 2027 GRC.
• Oversee and manage the work of external consultants.
• Participate in developing processes and standardized approaches to capital planning and asset management.
• Analyze district project needs, critical facilities, and life‑cycle cost calculations to determine best project selection.
• Prepare, review, and quality‑control project justifications, including scope, schedule, budget, and life‑cycle analysis.
• Perform preliminary design of water supply, distribution, and transmission facilities to define accurate scope, schedule, and budget.
• Gather and analyze supply, storage, water quality, and operations data to propose capital improvements.
• Work with the Rates Department to understand the company‑wide rate‑case process and participate in rate‑case filings.
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary meetings and follow‑ups related to rate impacts.
• Provide QA for CPUC tours, data requests, rebuttals, and settlements.
• Travel to company districts to visit project sites, perform follow‑ups, and coordinate meetings; overnight stays may be required.
• Present proposed capital projects to internal and external staff.
• Analyze project completion results and recommend improvements.
• Train company staff on accessing and creating project justification documents.
• Support the company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• At least two years of experience working in an engineering capacity with water system planning, design, construction, and cost estimating.
• California Professional Engineer registration preferred; EIT registration strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear project justifications.
• Knowledge of capital project planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of water systems modeling, design, engineering, and operations.
• Knowledge of asset‑management principles.
• Knowledge of PUC/GRC rules, regulations, and rate‑case filings.
• Strong project‑management skills, including scheduling, prioritization, and coordination; PMI principles preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently.
• Technical decision‑making and assistance skills.
• Cost estimating experience and ability to develop high‑level budgets.
• Experience with GIS and hydraulic modeling preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Public presentation and speaking skills; negotiation experience preferred.
• Experience with utilities cost estimate and basis of estimate preferred.
• Experience with water‑quality regulations and water‑treatment plant design, operation, and maintenance preferred.
• Experience with electrical equipment used in urban water systems preferred.
• Valid California Driver’s License.

Benefits & Salary

• Salary range: $118,993.19 – $171,803.91.
• Position will last for one year.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non‑discriminatory manner. EEO, VET, DISABILITIES.