Water Resources Engineer

Merced Irrigation District; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced Irrigation District is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to perform professional-level engineering work across all aspects of the Water Resources Engineering Department. The role includes supervising staff, managing capital projects, designing water conveyance infrastructure, and overseeing water quality programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering and at least five years of relevant experience, with strong communication and regulatory interpretation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field is required.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in design, project management, and construction management, preferably water resources.
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders and manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering studies and manage capital projects for water conveyance infrastructure, including budget, supervision, permitting, and construction oversight.
• Oversee water quality programs and help develop initiatives to meet regulations; lead EDMS/data system development (SCADA, GIS, water records).
• Collaborate with state/local governments, developers, and growers to mitigate impacts to the conveyance system; support strategic plan execution and budgets.
• Deliver public presentations to MID Board, outreach meetings, and regulatory agencies; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Multitasking

Report writing

Regulatory interpretation

Supervising staff

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

EDMS

SCADA

GIS

Surveying

Job description

Position OverviewUnder general direction from the Manager of Engineering, Water Resources, the Water Resources Engineerperforms professional-level engineering work across all aspects of the Water Resources EngineeringDepartment. This includes staff supervision, planning, surveying, capital project management, projectdesign, construction monitoring, encroachments, right-of-way management, water quality programs, andhydrography functions. The role supports continued development of departmental data managementsystems and collaborates with other departments (e.g., operations, maintenance, hydro, and parks) asneeded to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant water resource operations.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering Studies & Project Managemento Conduct engineering studies and manage capital projects for the District’s water conveyance infrastructure, including budget preparation/monitoring, staff/consultant/vendor supervision, permitting, contract/agreement acquisition, and construction oversight.o Perform detailed engineering calculations, designs, and preparation of contract bid packages (plans andspecifications).Water Quality & Data Systemso Oversee water quality programs and assist in developing new initiatives to meet local, state, and federalregulations.o Lead ongoing development and integration of the MID Electronic Document Management System(EDMS), incorporating water delivery databases, SCADA, GIS, water records, and other custom systems.Stakeholder Coordination & Complianceo Collaborate with state/local governments, developers, and growers on public/private projects to mitigateimpacts to the District’s water conveyance system per Board policy and District practices.o Support development and execution of strategic plans, policies, and annual department budgets.o Engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including District growers, management, staff, andlocal/state/federal agencies.Representation & Additional Dutieso Deliver public presentations to the MID Board of Directors, outreach meetings, and regulatory agenciesas required.o Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.Educationo Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering ora closely related field.Experienceo Minimum of five (5) years of responsible professional experience in design, project management, andconstruction management, preferably focused on water resources.o Demonstrated ability to work effectively with District Management, staff, constituents, consultants,contractors, government representatives, and the public.Skills and Abilitieso Communicate effectively with outside agencies and the general public, both orally and in writing.o Multitask and meet multiple concurrent deadlines while managing comprehensive work products.o Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.o Perform complex technical and administrative duties, initiate detailed work independently, andassemble/prepare accurate reports.o Interpret and apply complex regulations.o Supervise, train, and coordinate staff and consultants effectively.Knowledgeo Civil engineering principles and practices related to water conveyance infrastructure design andhydraulics.o Project initiation, CEQA requirements, design, and construction management.o Surveying principles, topographic/mapping surveys, and related equipment/technology.o Bid specification principles, contracting processes, and applicable laws.o Research, analysis, and technical report preparation methodologies.o Subdivision Map Act (desired).o Water quality program management and regulatory compliance.Special Requirementso Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (or ability to obtain within 12months).o File a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) in compliance with Government Code Section 8100.o Complete required Ethics training (2 hours every 2 years per AB 1234) and Sexual Harassment preventiontraining (2 hours every 2 years per AB 1825).o Possess a valid California Class C Driver License and maintain insurability under the District’s vehicleinsurance program.o Abide by all District policies, guidelines, and rules.Work Environmento This is a fully on-site position based at the District’s primary office location. Remote work or hybridarrangements are not permitted; regular attendance at the designated worksite is an essential functionof the role. The position is primarily office-based, with occasional fieldwork, travel formeetings/conferences/site visits, or exposure to outdoor conditions (50% or less of work time). Irregularor extended hours, including overtime and on-call emergency response duties, may be required.• Physical Demands:o Sitting and operating computer/office equipment for up to 8 hours per day.o Lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds; occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, andnegotiating stairways/uneven terrain.o Communicating effectively in person, by phone, radio, and in writing.o Hearing and vision sufficient for reading, operating equipment, receiving communications, and driving.• Environmental Factors:o Primarily office-based with occasional outdoor exposure to sun, dust, dirt, and temperature variations(50% or less).o May require irregular or extended hours, including overtime.• Mental Demands:o Exercise independent judgment and objective reasoning.o Organize, prioritize, and plan daily/weekly work activities.o Interpret complex regulations and document work accurately and concisely.o Manage multiple duties that may be interrupted or changed by immediate circumstances.Supervisiono Receives general supervision from the Manager of Engineering, Water Resources.