Water Resources Engineer

Merced Irrigation District

Water Resources Engineer

FLSA Status: Exempt

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 Districts 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 Districts 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

• Bachelors 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 Districts vehicle insurance program. 
• Abide by all District policies, guidelines, and rules.

Work Environment

• This is a fully on-site position based at the Districts 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.

SALARY:

$131,600 to $188,000 Annually DOQ - Grade W

DATE OF POSTING:

July 10, 2026

CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS:

August 10, 2026

LOCATION OF JOB:

744 West 20th Street, Merced, CA

ANTICIPATED INTERVIEW DATE:

To be announced

ANTICIPATED DATE OF HIRE:

To be announced

Applications/Resumes will only be accepted via the Merced Irrigation District's online application system.

New users must set up an account at https://Merced.accessgovernment.net/ApplicantTracking