Location: Bakersfield, CA, United StatesDate Posted: Jan 21, 2026GEI's West Region is seeking a motivated, project level engineer to work with one of GEI's premier clients, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) – Operations and Maintenance Division. This position will allow you to work as embedded staff with DWR where you will be exposed to and develop expertise in the following areas:DWR's Southern Field Division facilities, including Pyramid Dam, Warne Powerplant, Castaic Dam, Cedar Springs Dam, Devil Canyon Second Afterbay, Crafton Hills Dams and Perris DamDam safety and special topic inspections alongside seasoned DWR staffFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) engineering guidelines, annual reporting, and inspectionsDam Safety Risk Assessment, Potential Failure Mode Analyses and Level 2 Risk AssessmentFERC Part12D and DSOD Dam Safety Review Board meetings and processThe ideal candidate for this position will build upon their specific technical skills and expand their knowledge in other areas that could cover geologic, geotechnical, hydraulic, hydrologic, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and operations from a dam safety perspective. Additionally, you will build strong project management skills while engaging and supporting key decision makers to ensure the continued performance of the DWR's State Water Project. This position requires a full-time dedication to GEI's Support Staff role, with up to 50% of your time working in DWR's Sacramento office. Remote working is possible after an initial period. Assignments are typically 1-2 years, after which the skills developed in the assignment will enable you to transition into a project management or technical position with other key GEI clients.Support project managers and technical leads in engineering projects and tasks regarding dam safety items associated with hydropower infrastructure including conveyance (pipelines, canals, penstocks, pump stations, and tunnels), bridge facilities; instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, annual FERC/DSOD inspections, and engineering consultant coordination and oversightPrepare technical scopes of work for proposals and projects, project budgets, requests for proposals for contractors, and technical reportsPerform engineering evaluations related to water resource facilitiesProvide effective leadership role in proposal teams and presentationsParticipate in multi-disciplinary, multi-geographic project teamsMaintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client-based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry eventsManage assigned projects and staffAssist in recruiting and training additional staffThis position has a field component; travel and some overnight travel is requiredMinimum Qualifications Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural or other related engineering disciplines; M.S. preferred6-8 years of previous professional experience in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering; project management experience, including proposal preparation and budgeting support; understanding knowledge of state and federal regulationsWillingness and ability to travel on short-term assignments as neededWillingness and ability to perform field tasks and oversightValid U.S. driver's licenseProfessional Engineering license required; California license preferredWe are GEI. Some of the world's most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients' most complex challenges.With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .Employee-owned. Employee-focused.As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI's career sitehere .GEI's Total Rewards Package IncludesMarket-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance BonusPay Range For This Position: $36.06-55.76/hourlyComprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and MoreWell-Being Program and Paid Parental LeaveHybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone StipendsGEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition ReimbursementConnecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for AdvancementSupport and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional LicensesPaid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off ProgramRewards and RecognitionGEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and InclusionPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ENVIRONMENTFunctional Demands:SedentaryXLightMediumOtherActivity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)Physical Activity RequirementsOccasional(0-35% of day)Frequent(33-66% of day)(67-100% of day)Not ApplicableXStandingXWalkingXClimbingXLifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)XLifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)XCarrying objectsXPush/pullXTwistingXXReaching forwardXReaching overheadXXXXKeyboard use/repetitive motionXTaste or smell (taste=never)XTalk or hearXAccurate 20/40Very Accurate 20/20Not ApplicableNear VisionXFar VisionXYesNoNot ApplicableXSensory RequirementsMinimalModerateAccurateNot ApplicableDepth perceptionXHearingXReasonably AnticipatedNot AnticipatedXChemicalXXExtreme temperaturesXRadiationXUneven surfaces or elevationsXXDust/particulate matterXOther (exposure risks):8X1012Other work hoursGEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.#J-18808-Ljbffr