Water Utility Engineer / California Water Service

WaterWisePro; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 109,408 - 186,934; Full time

Job summary

A water utility organization is seeking a Water Utility Engineer in Chico, California. In this role, you will plan and design vital water distribution and treatment projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering and at least two years of experience in a related field. Strong communication and project management skills are essential. You will be responsible for overseeing progress, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and engineering standards. Competitive salary range is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in water distribution or treatment projects.
• Ability to read and understand technical regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design capital projects based on standards and specifications.
• Oversee construction progress and manage change orders.
• Develop and monitor project scope, schedule, and budget.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management skills

Engineering principles

Knowledge of water systems

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s Degree desirable

Engineering in Training Certificate (EIT) desirable

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheet applications

Presentation software

Job description

Water Utility Engineer / California Water Service

December 1, 2025

Salary: $109,408.76 - $186,934.22 / Annually

The position is responsible for planning, designing, and delivering capital projects. These projects include wells, storage tanks, pump stations, pressure tanks, pipelines and treatment plants. Projects may be new installations or modifications to existing facilities. This position is located in Chico, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and design capital projects based on Cal Water standards and specifications.
• Oversees the progress of construction or consultant work, change orders, invoices, inspection/validation and requests for information (RFI).
• Meets with districts to schedule, obtain basic permits, and coordinate proposed work and projects.
• Prepares permit submittals and communicates with permitting agencies.
• Prepares and reviews bid specifications.
• Reviews drawings and works with technicians to prepare drawings for typical infrastructure improvements.
• Develops and monitors the scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects.
• Utilizes Company financial software to accurately monitor project costs during and at the end of construction.
• Assists in planning and preparing projects and for the Company’s capital budget and Public Utility Commission (PUC) rate case filings including cost estimating and justification for projects, as well as data requests, tours, rebuttal, and settlement support.
• Assesss and analyze basic problems to recommend corrective actions.
• Reviews the legal description of easements and properties for proposed facilities.
• Organizes and attends meetings with other Cal Water staff members and public agencies to assess problems and determine solutions.
• Conducts research on existing infrastructure using databases, maps, drawings, photos and paper files.
• Performs engineering calculations/civil design analysis to solve problems.
• Conducts project safety planning and develops project safety documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs work on-site in the assigned office location

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree (4 years) in Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Master’s Degree or other advanced specialty certification desirable.
• Engineering in Training Certificate (EIT) desirable or Professional Engineering License (PE) in California preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years prior experience in design and management of water distribution or treatment system projects or related experience within the water, wastewater, or oil and gas fields.
• Good working knowledge of English and ability to effectively communicate with their supervisor, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read and understand general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail applications.
• Ability to perform accurate engineering or water supply, demand and reliability calculations.
• Exercises good judgement to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity.
• Ability to apply engineering principles and theory.
• Ability to apply pertinent laws, regulations and codes applicable to primary job functions.
• Basic project management skills, including creating and monitoring schedules and budgets.
• Knowledge of water and waste water systems desired.

Salary Range: $109,408.76 - $186,934.22

Deadline to submit resume is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.