Water Resource Control Engineer

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

The Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE) will be a driving force in a rapidly growing program dedicated to protecting California’s water resources while revitalizing communities. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful work through two major statewide initiatives: 

• The Orphan Site Cleanup Fund (OSCF)– providing grants that accelerate cleanup at abandoned or financially challenged UST sites, clearing the path for safe redevelopment. 
• The Cleanup and Abatement Account (CAA) Program – a separate, high-visibility funding program that supports critical water-quality cleanup projects, often targeting disadvantaged communities that have historically been overlooked. 

As a WRCE, you’ll help turn contaminated properties into community assets by guiding grant-funded cleanup projects, evaluating proposals, and supporting stakeholders who are working toward environmental restoration and redevelopment goals. This is a mission-driven role with statewide reach—perfect for candidates who want to make tangible, meaningful change. 

While experience with site assessment or remediation is beneficial, you don’t need deep or highly specialized technical expertise to excel in this role. What truly drives success is your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, manage projects with confidence, and stay focused on the mission: protecting public health, expanding cleanup opportunities, and lifting up disadvantaged communities through responsible, strategic use of OSCF and CAA resources. This position is ideal for candidates who bring strong judgment, initiative, and a commitment to making real, community-centered impact. 

In this role, you will: 

• Review and evaluate technical documents, data, proposals, and action plans that shape cleanup strategies under both OSCF and CAA programs. 

• Directly support community groups, local governments, consultants, and internal teams with professional, timely guidance. 

• Help advance environmental justice by prioritizing projects in disadvantaged and overburdened communities.

• Support redevelopment efforts statewide by helping transform blighted properties into safer, usable land. 

• Participate in occasional field visits to improve project understanding and strengthen decision-making. 

If you’re looking for a role where you can grow professionally, lead high-impact work, and help steer millions of dollars in funding toward communities that need it most, this WRCE position offers a truly rewarding opportunity. 

The WRCE position is with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Financial Assistance in the UST Cleanup Fund Branch. The office is located at 801 K Street, Sacramento.

The applicants can review the Duty Statement attached.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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. E mployees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved

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 The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 26-550-054 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. (This is subject to change based on classification). Here is the link to the exam: .

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: .

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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge and experience in conducting investigations and remediation of multiple contaminants in various media including soil, soil gas, and groundwater.
• Experience in organizing and conducting field investigations and facility inspections.
• An understanding of the contaminants fate and transport in the environment and their impacts on the water resources and principles governing the movement of contaminants in groundwater basins.
• Experience reviewing environmental workplans and reports.
• Knowledge and/or experience with project management.
• Ability to consistently apply good judgment in analyzing water quality issues.
• Work independently and in cooperation with other technical staff; follow through on commitments; organize and set priorities; and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer (Excel, Word, Access, and Power Point) and writing skills.
• Knowledge of regulations related to the protection of water resources, public health, and environment.

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. and

Statement of Qualifications

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

Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:

1. Describe your understanding and experience of site assessment, cleanup, and monitoring of subsurface contamination; fate and transport of subsurface contamination; soil, soil vapor and groundwater remedial technologies; risk assessment of subsurface soil, soil vapor and groundwater contamination.
2. Describe your experience in organizing and conducting field investigations and facility inspections; reviewing regulatory and historical records related to assessment, cleanup, and monitoring of subsurface contamination.
3. Describe your experience providing excellent customer service and the steps you took to ensure your customer(s)’ satisfaction.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: . 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.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements
• Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included