Job Posting: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
Department of Water Resources
JC-516195
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
$6,488.00 - $12,215.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 6/23/2026
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
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Job Description and Duties
Looking for a rewarding career in hydrogeology that provides an opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects? Do you want to work on critical State Water Project or Sustainable Groundwater Management Act projects that benefit the State of California and its residents? If your answer to these questions is yes, Department of Water Resources (DWR) Southern Region Office (SRO) may be the perfect fit for you!
DWR's SRO Hydrogeology Section is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who enjoys multi-disciplinary, challenging, and rewarding work in a high-energy, team-oriented environment who will support a wide variety of projects across DWR and throughout the State, building towards a reliable, sustainable, and resilient water supply.
Under the general supervision of the Hydrogeology Section Manager, the successful Engineering Geologist candidate will primarily be tasked with working on geologic and hydrogeologic investigations in support of efforts with the DWR Regional Offices, the Division of Engineering, The Salton Sea Restoration Office, and the Sustainable Water Management Office. While the emphasis of this position is the completion of project-specific field work, the role also includes an office component (in a hybrid telework environment). Field work will vary but will primarily be related to the following: drilling oversight; the collection and logging of formation samples during drilling; well construction and development oversight; the collection of groundwater levels; and the collection of water quality samples. Office work will be related to the following: the collection, compilation, and evaluation of geologic and hydrogeologic data; the planning and coordination of geologic and hydrogeologic field studies; and writing and reviewing technical documents.
Other fieldwork may include the following: installing and maintaining pressure transducers and telemetry equipment; geophysical logging oversight, support of unmanned aerial vehicle surveys, and performance of site investigations. Other office tasks may include the following: engagement with the public to respond to inquiries; equipment procurement; data management; describing geologic and hydrogeologic features and conditions; preparation of maps; and database maintenance.
Careful data management, working in a collaborative team-environment, and attending in-person and virtual meetings are important components of this position.
This position requires driving and working in the field, traveling to meetings and trainings, night work, weekend work, extended hours as directed, and overnight lodging.
DWR values a diverse workforce and is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment that respects and embraces differences where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and valued.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-516195
Position #(s):
848-600-3756-008
Working Title:
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
Classification:
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$9,142.00 - $11,449.00 C
$9,754.00 - $12,215.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Division of Regional Assistance, Southern Region Office, Resources Assessment Branch, Hydrogeology Section, Glendale
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements
The incumbent must possess a valid California Driver License and be able to travel, occasionally on short notice, and stay overnight for periods ranging from several consecutive days to weeks at a time at field locations.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/23/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
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:
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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 with hydrogeology and engineering geology; drilling and well construction experience; proficiency in soil logging and description utilizing the USCS system; groundwater monitoring experience; data analysis and management experience; strong writing abilities, particularly of technical documents.
The candidate will be comfortable conducting geologic field investigations, overseeing contractors, and will demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills while engaging with colleagues and the public. Other desirable attributes include enthusiasm, persistence, an inquisitive nature, critical thinking skills, an ability to adapt to change, and a willingness to contribute ideas and feedback. The desirable candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Office and GIS programs, have experience with Rockworks or other geologic software, and have effective presentation and communication skills.
Professional Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist licensure are desirable but not required. 40-hour HAZWOPER certification is desirable but not required.
Benefits
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
James Walker
(818) 439-8004
james.walker@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Special Instructions
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Resume, Cover Letter, Statement of Qualifications and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50043514 and Job Control #516195 in the "examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying" section of your application.
The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
Statement of Qualifications: Response limited to 2 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Please describe your knowledge, skills, and experience that qualify you for the position.
Supplemental Questionnaire: Total response limited to 3 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Please address the following:
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.
Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Examination/Assessment
For more information about the State hiring process, click here. To view the job application process video, click here.
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link.
The Engineering Geologist examination services on the CalHR website are anticipated to be unavailable from June 4, 2026 through June 22, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the final filing date even if they have not yet completed the examination. The examination may be taken after the final filing date; however, eligibility must be established prior to hire.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.