Engineer I/II in San Diego, California at San Diego County Water Authority
NewHot JobSalary: $101190 - $136088Employment Type: Full-Time
San Diego County Water Authority
San Diego, California, 92123, United States
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Job Description
JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $267 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.
The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as an a Combat Engineer, Construction Engineer, Geospatial Engineer, or Engineering Officer, or in a similar military role? Your engineering, construction, surveying, infrastructure maintenance, and field operations experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
The Engineering Department
The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.
The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.
The Design Services Group
The Engineering Department's Design Services Group is a team of engineers and drafters responsible for in-house design execution of Water Authority CIP projects. The Design Services Group develops biddable plans and specifications for a wide variety of water infrastructure projects and provides engineering support for the Right of Way and Construction Groups as well as the Operations and Maintenance and Water Resources Departments. The Design Services Group also procures and manages consultant designs for Water Authority CIP projects.
The Engineering Department's Design Services Group is a team of engineers and drafters responsible for in-house design execution of Water Authority CIP projects. The Design Services Group develops biddable plans and specifications for a wide variety of water infrastructure projects and provides engineering support for the Right of Way and Construction Groups as well as the Operations and Maintenance and Water Resources Departments. The Design Services Group also procures and manages consultant designs for Water Authority CIP projects.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative engineering professional who is eager to contribute to the design and delivery of critical regional water infrastructure projects. They are adaptable and resourceful, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality in their work.
This individual demonstrates a strong foundational understanding of civil engineering principles, with some experience in the planning and design of infrastructure such as water pipelines, pump stations, flow control facilities, concrete structures and access roads.
The ideal candidate communicates clearly and effectively both in writing and verbally and can build positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams, consultants, member agencies, and internal stakeholders. They take initiative, remain organized under pressure, and can quickly analyze complex issues to develop practical engineering solutions that support the Water Authority’s mission.
Whether at the Engineer I or Engineer II level, the candidate should bring enthusiasm for continuous learning, a commitment to professional growth, and a shared dedication to sustainable and resilient water infrastructure for the San Diego region.
This individual demonstrates a strong foundational understanding of civil engineering principles, with some experience in the planning and design of infrastructure such as water pipelines, pump stations, flow control facilities, concrete structures and access roads.
The ideal candidate communicates clearly and effectively both in writing and verbally and can build positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams, consultants, member agencies, and internal stakeholders. They take initiative, remain organized under pressure, and can quickly analyze complex issues to develop practical engineering solutions that support the Water Authority’s mission.
Whether at the Engineer I or Engineer II level, the candidate should bring enthusiasm for continuous learning, a commitment to professional growth, and a shared dedication to sustainable and resilient water infrastructure for the San Diego region.
Salary Information
Engineer I: $48.65 - $65.43 per hour ($101,189.92 - $136,088.16 annual)
Engineer II: $56.42 - $75.86 per hour ($117,349.44 - $157,820.00 annual)
This position may be filled at either level, depending on candidate qualifications.
The Engineer I/II plays a key role in supporting the design, development, and delivery of critical regional water infrastructure projects that serve more than 3 million residents across San Diego County.
In this role, the engineer will work on a variety of engineering tasks while developing skills and experience. Responsibilities may include preparing engineering plans and specifications, developing cost estimates, writing technical reports, running hydraulic models, and supporting pipeline and facility design efforts. The position also involves field work, collaboration with construction teams, review of design details, and ensuring that projects are built to the highest standards.
Engineers in this role work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers, construction staff, environmental specialists, right of way experts, and partner agencies. Together, they help move projects from concept to construction while supporting both capital improvement efforts and day to day operational needs.
Candidates who enjoy solving real world engineering challenges, pay close attention to detail, and want to contribute to reliable, safe, and innovative water infrastructure will find this opportunity rewarding. The role is part of a team that values collaboration, growth, and service to the region.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Engineer I is the entry-level class in the professional engineering series. Initially under direct supervision and project management direction, incumbents learn to apply Water Authority practices and the principles/theories of the civil engineering discipline to specific, routine assignments that support Water Authority engineering projects. As an incumbent's experience increases, supervision is less direct and continuous, work assignments become less structured and the variety of projects increases.
The Engineer II is the journey-level (non-registered) class in the professional engineering series. Incumbents independently perform a variety of civil engineering activities that involve evaluating, selecting and applying routine to difficult engineering techniques and procedures in the design and construction of Water Authority pipelines and facilities. This class is distinguished from the Engineer I and the Engineer (P.E.) in that the former is the entry-level class in the civil engineering series responsible for a limited range of civil engineering assignments while the latter is the journey-level registered civil engineering class responsible for performing the more difficult and complex projects and providing technical, project engineering guidance for lower-level personnel on assigned projects.
Representative Duties
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
- Utilizes specialized engineering applications to write engineering specifications, prepare preliminary engineering design plans, and draft reports for Water Authority projects, structures and facilities.
- Performs hydraulic modeling, gradient analysis, aqueduct system analysis, pipeline design calculations and stress analysis.
- Formulates instructions for technical staff and interns; reviews drawings and specifications produced by technicians or retained consultants; assists in the solution of drafting and design problems.
- Provides engineering support for construction work in progress, including field inspections, to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications and material standards.
- Interprets data compiled from physical tests in the field, such as soils reports, drainage calculations and surge analyses.
- Assists project engineers in researching record documents, drawings, references and historical data.
- Prepares engineering correspondence, interoffice memoranda, requests for proposals and bid documents; collects supporting data for EIR and administrative reports.
- Assists project engineers in coordinating projects across Water Authority departments, member agencies and other constituencies.
For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following links:
Work Schedule:
Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
Engineer I
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or related field.
Engineer II
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or related field supplemented by three years of responsible civil engineering experience, including one year in public water/utility design and construction.
Licenses and Other Requirements
Engineer I
A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy. Engineer II
- An Engineer In Training (E.I.T.) certificate.
- A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.
Tentative Exam Schedule
Application Deadline: 10/01/2026
Written Exam: 10/13/2026
Tentative Interview Date: 10/26/2026
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
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Job Location
San Diego, California, 92123, United States
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