Water Resources Engineer (Civil)

Details

Posted: 13-Jul-26

Location: Merced, California

Type: Full Time

Salary: $131,000 to $188,000

Categories:

Civil - Environmental

Civil Engineering

Years of Experience:

5 - 10

Preferred Education:

4 Year Degree

Position Overview

Under general direction from the Manager of Engineering, Water Resources, the Water Resources Engineer performs professional-level engineering work across all aspects of the Water Resources Engineering Department. This includes staff supervision, planning, surveying, capital project management, project design, construction monitoring, encroachments, right-of-way management, water quality programs, and hydrography functions. The role supports continued development of departmental data management systems and collaborates with other departments (e.g., operations, maintenance, hydro, and parks) as needed to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant water resource operations.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Studies & Project Management

• Conduct engineering studies and manage capital projects for the District's water conveyance infrastructure, including budget preparation/monitoring, staff/consultant/vendor supervision, permitting, contract/agreement acquisition, and construction oversight.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, designs, and preparation of contract bid packages (plans and specifications).

Water Quality & Data Systems

• Oversee water quality programs and assist in developing new initiatives to meet local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead ongoing development and integration of the MID Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), incorporating water delivery databases, SCADA, GIS, water records, and other custom systems.

Stakeholder Coordination & Compliance

• Collaborate with state/local governments, developers, and growers on public/private projects to mitigate impacts to the District's water conveyance system per Board policy and District practices.
• Support development and execution of strategic plans, policies, and annual department budgets.
• Engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including District growers, management, staff, and local/state/federal agencies.

Representation & Additional Duties

• Deliver public presentations to the MID Board of Directors, outreach meetings, and regulatory agencies as required.
• Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of responsible professional experience in design, project management, and construction management, preferably focused on water resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with District Management, staff, constituents, consultants, contractors, government representatives, and the public.

Skills and Abilities

• Communicate effectively with outside agencies and the general public, both orally and in writing.
• Multitask and meet multiple concurrent deadlines while managing comprehensive work products.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
• Perform complex technical and administrative duties, initiate detailed work independently, and assemble/prepare accurate reports.
• Interpret and apply complex regulations.
• Supervise, train, and coordinate staff and consultants effectively.

Knowledge

• Civil engineering principles and practices related to water conveyance infrastructure design and hydraulics.
• Project initiation, CEQA requirements, design, and construction management.
• Surveying principles, topographic/mapping surveys, and related equipment/technology.
• Bid specification principles, contracting processes, and applicable laws.
• Research, analysis, and technical report preparation methodologies.
• Subdivision Map Act (desired).
• Water quality program management and regulatory compliance.

Special Requirements

• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• File a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) in compliance with Government Code Section 8100.
• Complete required Ethics training (2 hours every 2 years per AB 1234) and Sexual Harassment prevention training (2 hours every 2 years per AB 1825).
• Possess a valid California Class C Driver License and maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.
• Abide by all District policies, guidelines, and rules.

Work Environment

• This is a fully on-site position based at the District's primary office location. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not permitted; regular attendance at the designated worksite is an essential function of the role. The position is primarily office-based, with occasional fieldwork, travel for meetings/conferences/site visits, or exposure to outdoor conditions (50% or less of work time). Irregular or extended hours, including overtime and on-call emergency response duties, may be required.

• Physical Demands:

• Sitting and operating computer/office equipment for up to 8 hours per day.

• Lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds; occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and negotiating stairways/uneven terrain.

• Communicating effectively in person, by phone, radio, and in writing.

• Hearing and vision sufficient for reading, operating equipment, receiving communications, and driving.

• Environmental Factors:

• Primarily office-based with occasional outdoor exposure to sun, dust, dirt, and temperature variations (50% or less).

• May require irregular or extended hours, including overtime.

• Mental Demands:

• Exercise independent judgment and objective reasoning.

• Organize, prioritize, and plan daily/weekly work activities.

• Interpret complex regulations and document work accurately and concisely.

• Manage multiple duties that may be interrupted or changed by immediate circumstances.

Supervision

• Receives general supervision from the Manager of Engineering, Water Resources.

Note: This job description outlines typical responsibilities and qualifications but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve to meet District needs.

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About Merced Irrigation District

Water, Power and More Merced Irrigation District owns, operates and maintains the New Exchequer and McSwain dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric facilities. These are MID's primary water storage facilities on the Merced River. They are located in the foothills on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, approximately 23 miles northeast of Merced. The two dams and reservoirs are integral parts of the 1964 Merced River Development Project and are licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Lake McClure (New Exchequer Reservoir) has a storage capacity of about 1,025,000 acre feet, while Lake McSwain (McSwain Reservoir) has a storage capacity of 9,730 acre feet. The New Exchequer Dam project was completed in 1967 as a multi-purpose effort: Lake McClure provides irrigation and domestic water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, recreation and support for environmental stewardship. MID produces up to 107 megawatts of emission-free electricity at its Exchequer, McSwain and Merced Falls hydroelectric facilities. The district's water system diverts water from the Merced River at two locations below Lake McClure. The Northside Canal dive...rsion serves acreage north of the river. The Main Canal diversion is located 3 miles downstream of McSwain Dam and serves acreage south of the Merced River. MID's boundaries encompass 164,000 gross acres. Of that, 132,000 acres are irrigable. Of that, approximately 100,000 acres receive water from MID. The total distribution system of MID spans 862 miles. It is comprised of natural waterways, unlined and lined canals, sloughs and pipelines. MID also maintains 215 wells in support of its conjunctive management activities for groundwater and surface water. MID's irrigation distribution system supports local flood control by routing foothill-stream runoff away from populated areas. MID formed the Merced Irrigation District Drainage Improvement District #1 (MIDDID#1) in 1994. Several residential, commercial, industrial, and government parcels received drainage service from the district. MID owns, operates and maintains five recreation areas adjacent to lakes Mc lure and McSwain. While the Lake McSwain Recreation Area is located adjacent to Lake McSwain, McClure Point, Barrett Cove, Horseshoe Bend and Bagby Recreation Areas are all located adjacent to Lake McClure. A total of six boat launch facilities are available in the Parks system. More than 600 campsites are available year-round. Floating marinas are located on Lake McSwain and in two locations on Lake McClure. Recreational activities enjoyed in the recreation areas include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking and bicycling. MID is authorized to act as an electric utility under the California Water Code. The district has owned and operated hydroelectric generating facilities on the Merced River since 1927. In 1996, MID exercised its authority to sell power to retail electric customers. Since then, MID has connected more than 12,600 customers to the electric system.

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