Water Resources Engineer / Scientist in Sacramento, California at INTERA Incorporated

INTERA Incorporated is seeking an experienced mid-level Water Resources Engineer/Scientist to join our Water Resources and Supply Line of Business in our Sacramento, California office. In this role, you will support technical work across a variety of projects, including ongoing collaboration with the California Department of Water Resources, as well as data quality support for our Mining and Environmental Line of Business.

This position is primarily office-based; however, field work and travel may be required. You will report, either in person or remotely, to INTERA’s Sacramento, California office.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in water resources engineering with an emphasis on groundwater systems, water quality monitoring, hydrologic investigations, environmental data analysis, and multidisciplinary consulting projects. Experience supporting groundwater monitoring programs, water supply evaluations, field investigations, technical reporting, and environmental compliance is highly desirable.

This role is a great opportunity to contribute to impactful water resource solutions while advancing professional expertise in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Responsibilities include applying engineering judgment, quantitative analysis, and technical problem-solving to groundwater investigations, water quality monitoring programs, water supply evaluations, and engineering studies. The successful candidate will collaborate with hydrogeologists, engineers, data scientists, geochemists, and GIS specialists to develop innovative solutions for California's evolving water resource challenges.

Lastly, this position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth through project leadership, expanded technical responsibilities, and mentorship from licensed Professional Engineers/Geologists and senior technical staff.

Key Responsibilities

This position supports a diverse portfolio of groundwater, water quality, managed aquifer recharge (Flood-MAR), water supply, and environmental monitoring projects for state agencies, local governments, water districts, and private-sector clients.

In this role, you will closely collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on groundwater, water quality, and water resources projects. Tasks and responsibilities include:

Groundwater and Water Resources Investigations

Support planning and implementation of groundwater investigations, water supply evaluations, aquifer characterization studies, recharge assessments, and hydrologic monitoring programs. Assist with developing technical approaches, evaluating available data, identifying data gaps, and preparing recommendations for clients.

Field Investigations and Water Quality Monitoring

Plan and participate in groundwater and surface water sampling events, monitoring well installation and testing, water level monitoring, instrumentation deployment, and field data collection. Coordinate field activities, oversee subcontractors when appropriate, and support quality field documentation and data collection procedures.

Engineering/Scientific Analysis and Technical Support

Compile, manage, and analyze groundwater, surface water, water quality, and environmental datasets to support engineering evaluations, hydrogeologic assessments, regulatory reporting, and technical decision-making. Perform engineering calculations and assist with water supply analyses, pumping evaluations, and infrastructure assessments.

Technical Reporting

Prepare technical memoranda, engineering reports, work plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), figures, tables, and supporting calculations under the supervision of senior engineers and project managers.

GIS and Data Visualization

Use GIS and related software to support groundwater investigations, monitoring network evaluations, spatial analysis, mapping, and presentation of technical findings.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

Apply established QA/QC procedures to engineering analyses, environmental datasets, technical reports, and field documentation to ensure data quality, technical accuracy, and consistency.

Regulatory and Client Support

Support preparation of regulatory compliance documentation, technical deliverables, and permit-related materials. Coordinate with regulatory agencies, clients, laboratories, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.

Professional Development

Work directly with licensed Professional Engineers and Professional Geologists who will provide technical guidance, design review, and mentorship to support licensure and long-term career development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Water Resources Engineering, or another engineering discipline eligible for PE/PG licensure
• Professional registration or the desire and ability to obtain professional registration (EIT/PE or GIT/PG)
• 5–15 years of professional experience in water resources or water infrastructure engineering
• Experience supporting groundwater investigations, water resource evaluations, environmental monitoring programs, or the evaluation, planning, or design of water infrastructure such as wells, pumping systems, pipelines, or treatment facilities
• Experience performing engineering calculations and contributing to technical analyses and project deliverables
• Elementary proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS) for spatial analysis and mapping
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary project teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, or another engineering discipline eligible for PE/PG licensure
• Experience supporting groundwater monitoring programs, water quality investigations, aquifer testing, recharge studies, or hydrologic field investigations
• Experience preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports, feasibility studies, or alternatives analyses
• Experience with environmental monitoring instrumentation, telemetry systems, or field sensor deployment and maintenance
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, environmental data management, or programming tools such as R or Python
• Experience working with state or federal agencies, water districts, or Tribal governments
• Experience supporting permitting, environmental compliance, or regulatory reporting
• Active participation in professional organizations such as GRA, AWRA, AWWA, NGWA, or related organizations

About INTERA & Our Benefits

INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner for the third year in a row!

Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. We are proud to be an employee-owned company where we believe building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match and a Student Debt Retirement Savings Program
• Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability – paid 100% by the company
• Paid floating holidays, at least 3 weeks of vacation per year, and sick time
• Opportunities for stock ownership
• Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
• Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
• Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
• Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more

These are some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.