WATER RESOURCES TECHNICIAN

County of Monterey; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Monterey seeks a Water Resources Technician to support well registration and data analysis in Monterey County. You will collect hydraulic data, utilize GIS, and perform field inspections to support water resource management.

The ideal candidate will have strong math and communication skills, experience with data management and GIS, and the ability to work with public agencies and water users to promote conservation and efficient water use.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in water resources or related fields.
• Completion of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, or related field.
• Ability to perform data analysis and prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Locates and registers wells and water systems; maintains registration data.
• Gathers and analyzes water use data; develops/updates data files and records.
• Collects hydraulic/hydrologic data and uses GIS to display analyses.
• Performs field inspections and assists with conservation programs.
• Compiles water use reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS

GPS

Communication

Customer service

Mathematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/Geology/Water Resources Management/Environmental Sciences

Tools

GIS software

Database software

Hydrology modeling tools

Job description

Final Filing Deadline: Friday, October 9, 2026

Exam #: 26/43B03/09GM

Water Resources Technician

$5,896 – $8,053 Monthly

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA or Agency) is an independent, special purpose public agency staffed with dedicated employees and focused on water resources management in Monterey County. The Agency was created via a California Water Code Appendix in a statute known as the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Act. The Agency is governed by the MCWRA Board of Supervisors for larger policy matters and a nine-member Board of Directors for more in-depth oversight.

The Agency provides the following services: control of flood and storm waters, flood warning and monitoring, water conservation, protection of water quality, reclamation of water, and the exchange of water. Fundamental to the Agency’s mission to sustainably manage water resources while minimizing impacts from flooding, the Agency owns and operates Nacimiento and San Antonio reservoirs and dams, a hydroelectric facility at Nacimiento Reservoir, the Salinas River Diversion Facility, the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project, the Salinas Valley Reclamation Project, various drainage facilities, and numerous wells.

The Agency executes long‑term groundwater and surface water monitoring programs through the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and provides technical expertise on water resource management and planning throughout Monterey County.

THE POSITION

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) has one (1) full-time vacant Water Resources Technician position.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Critically important qualifications for this position are integrity; flexibility, and adaptability; the ability to develop and maintain close working relationships; strong oral and written communication skills; an ability to relate well to the public, management, and employees at all levels; and good judgment. In addition, the ideal candidate is expected to possess and exhibit exceptional character and integrity; demonstrate tact and diplomacy; deal tactfully with individuals even in time of disagreement and conflict; effectively and tactfully communicate; deal effectively with both internal and external customers and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude; promote Monterey County Values and provide excellent customer service.

The Eligible List established through this recruitment process may be used county‑wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full‑time, part‑time, or temporary basis.

• Locates and registers wells and water systems; maintains well and water system registration data.
• Gathers, compiles and analyzes water system and agricultural water use data using computer programs; develops and implements a computer database for such data; maintains and updates files and records.
• Collects, analyzes and interprets hydraulic and hydrologic data, i.e. surface and groundwater data; some positions may act as either a team leader or team member when group projects are undertaken.
• Utilizes GPS-based technologies and Geographic Information Systems to display and analyze data.
• Performs field inspections and special technical studies.
• Assists water suppliers and users with conservation programs; compiles and prepares water use reports on water consumption.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Working Knowledge of:

• Personal computer database management and methods; computerized drawing techniques.
• Nomenclature, symbolism, methods and practices, techniques and instruments used in water resources engineering and management work.
• Advanced mathematics, including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Statistics; hydraulic engineering calculations.

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform complex mathematical calculations, i.e., Algebra, Trigonometry, and Statistics.
• Collect, analyze, and organize information for input to computer models.
• Read and interpret maps, aerial photographs, photos, engineering and construction plans, regulations, and ordinances.
• Use computerized drawing and analysis software.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to prepare reports and technical documents, and speak before groups.
• Follow oral and written directions and instructions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work; provide excellent and courteous customer service.

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Experience:

Three years of experience performing duties involving water supply projects, hydrology, water resource management, water‑related development review, flood plain management, developing and maintaining databases, and interaction with the public.

OR

Education:

Completion of all coursework leading to a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Geology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I‑9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active‑duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application.

To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to [e-mail].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Gabriela Munoz, Human Resources Analyst, at [phone], or [e-mail].