WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER

State of California; California; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is hiring a Water Resource Control Engineer in South Lake Tahoe, with hybrid telework and frequent field work. The role requires applying engineering methods to address water quality issues arising from dredge, fill, and forest activities across the Lahontan region.

The incumbent drafts permits, advises on policy, and provides technical engineering expertise for environmental documents. Strong communication and organization skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering methods to identify and solve point and non-point pollution from dredge, fill, and forest activities in the Lahontan region.
• Draft permits, provide policy recommendations, and contribute technical engineering expertise for environmental documents.
• Perform sensitive assignments related to water quality and protection; frequent field work with office-based duties.
• Demonstrate integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and teamwork in daily tasks.

Job description

Job Description and Duties

If you are interested in meaningful work to protect California’s surface and groundwaters then join our team!

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is recruiting for a full-time, permanent, Water Resource Control Engineer in its Forestry-Dredge and Fill Unit (FDF) in the South Lake Tahoe office, located at 2501 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The Lahontan Region covers 24% of the State of California, from the Oregon border to the Mojave Desert, and from the crest of the Sierra Nevada east to the Nevada border. The FDF is responsible for implementing the Forestry Activities Program and the Dredge and Fill Program throughout the Lahontan region.

The Water Resource Control Engineer, as a technical professional in the Forestry/Dredge and Fill Unit (FDF), is responsible for applying engineering methods and principles in the identification, research, and solution of point and non‑point source pollution resultant of both the Dredge and Fill and Forest Activities Programs in the Lahontan region. The incumbent provides solutions in drafting permits, making policy recommendations, providing technical engineering expertise, evaluating and assisting in the drafting of environmental documents, and performing sensitive assignments related to water quality issues and protection throughout the Lahontan region. This is an office‑based position that includes frequent field work. Effective communication and organization skills are required.

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.

• WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-535404

Position #(s): 880-160-3846-060

Working Title: Water Resource Control Engineer

Classification: $6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A

Classification: $7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B

Classification: $9,137.00 - $11,437.00 C

Classification: $9,712.00 - $12,152.00 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: El Dorado 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# 26-160-011 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 Water Resource Control Engineer list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list. Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2925.

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.

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 Health Benefits | CalPERS

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: Aja Marsh [phone] [e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact: Bryan Talmadge [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

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and other required documents and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than four (4) pages in length, using Arial size 12 pt. font, and normal margins.

On your Statement of Qualifications, address each Desirable Qualification by number in the same order as listed.

Describe your relevant experience, knowledge, and abilities and provide multiple specific examples.

1. Knowledge of state and federal policies and regulations concerning water quality and environmental protections including the Portor Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Water Board Regional Basin Plans, Environmental Protection Act, California State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State, and Forest Practice rules.
2. Experience conducting outreach, engaging stakeholders, and developing relationships with partner agencies.
3. Experience in regulatory enforcement.
4. Understanding of Wetland and/or Stream Ecosystem Functions and Determination Criteria.
5. Understanding of erosion control principles and Best Management Practices (BMP's).
6. Experience in watercourse crossing design including hydrologic and hydraulic calculations.
7. Forest management experience.
8. Fieldwork and inspection experience at construction sites.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated may 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.