The Organization
JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.
For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We’re also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families. Learn more at www.sdcwa.org.
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as a Combat Engineer, Construction Engineer, Civil Engineer Officer, Facilities Engineer, or Engineering Officer or in a similar military role? Your engineering, infrastructure planning, construction management, project delivery, and public works 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 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 Position The Engineer (P.E.) participates in the conduct of difficult and technical engineering projects, conducts engineering analyses, and performs research, planning, and design work for various capital construction and maintenance or improvement programs.
This position will lead the daily development and technical execution of Water Authority CIP projects, performing professional-level engineering planning, analysis, and calculations required for water facility design and construction administration. Responsibilities include managing small to medium-sized projects, encompassing project budgeting, scheduling, oversight of team members' work, and maintaining communication with member agencies, stakeholders, and management.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will have experience in engineering design and construction support, specifically developing plans and specifications for water conveyance infrastructure, from preliminary to final design. The desired experience includes in depth understanding of pipeline hydraulics, and leading technical tasks and managing project budgets and schedules. They will also excel in providing comprehensive scheduling support for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, adapt well to shifting priorities and tight deadlines, and quickly grasp complex issues. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Additionally, the candidate will thrive in team settings, demonstrate reliability, and engage in professional and respectful feedback exchanges with colleagues.
Distinguishing Characteristics Engineer (P.E.) is the skilled, journey-level class in the professional engineering series. Incumbents independently perform a variety of engineering activities that involve evaluating, selecting and applying difficult engineering techniques and processes in the design and construction of Water Authority pipelines and facilities.
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.
- Serves as project manager on small- to medium-sized CIP projects or as project engineer on large projects.
- Performs engineering planning, analysis and design for Water Authority capital construction and improvement programs.
- Writes engineering specifications, prepares preliminary and final engineering design plans and reports for Water Authority projects.
- Reviews and evaluates design parameters of pipelines and flow control facilities.
- Performs hydraulic calculations, modeling, gradient analysis, aqueduct system analysis, pipeline design calculations and stress analysis.
- Formulates instructions for technical staff and interns.
- Reviews shop drawings and contractor submittals for conformance with construction specifications.
- Prepares cost estimates and professional service RFPs; assists in evaluating and selecting consultants; negotiates and administers agreements for design, construction management, inspection and other specialty services; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with standards; interprets specifications and Water Authority policies and initiates or reviews change orders; prepares periodic project status reports.
- Represents Water Authority with consultants and contractors; prepares correspondence on technical engineering issues; coordinates project engineering planning, design, and construction activities with Water Authority departments, member agencies and other entities; interprets applicable laws, regulations, policies and design standards; drafts construction contract documents; coordinates and responds to requests for information from contractors; negotiates change orders and obtains Water Authority approval for contract changes.
- Represents the Water Authority on assigned committees; assists with budget development and operational or maintenance issues that arise throughout the year.
- Analyzes and responds to requests for information from member agencies, other public entities and the public; represents the Water Authority at meetings.
- Develops project budgets and schedules; tracks, evaluates and prepares reports and presentations on design and construction project progress; drafts engineering correspondence, interoffice memoranda, and bid documents; collects supporting data for EIR and administrative reports; performs special engineering studies.
- Monitors and evaluates construction work in progress, site investigations, to ensure compliance with budget, approved plans, specifications and material standards.
- Inspects and evaluates existing Water Authority facilities, structures, and/or pipelines.
For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Engineer (P.E.)
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. An option to telework up to one day bi-weekly is available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment.
Qualification Guidelines 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.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or related field supplemented by six years of professional engineering experience, including experience in public water/utility design and construction, and two years of experience at the level of the Water Authority's Engineer II class.
Licenses and Other Requirements
- A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.
- A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Application Procedure To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 11:59 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 ScheduleApplication Deadline: 11/08/2026Written Exam: 11/18/2026Tentative Interview Date: Week of 12/07/2026
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.
Benefits
Health Insurance: The Water Authority four employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the “basic” plans are the Kaiser HMO plan and Aetna Value Network HMO, and the “premium” plans are the Aetna Full Network HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Aetna Dental for dental services, and Aetna for vision services. The Water Authority pays 100% of the monthly premiums for full-time employees and their dependents for the basic plans, inclusive of dental and vision. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the “basic” medical plan Kaiser family coverage premium. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare or Dependent Care) and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.
Retirement: All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.
Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)
- 2.5% @ 55
- 8.0% Employee Contribution
- 1 Year Final Compensation Period
New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)
- 2% @ 62
- 7.75% Employee Contribution
- 3 Year Final Compensation Period
*Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.
Classic Member: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include:
- Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC): The Water Authority pays 7% of the employee's share of retirement contributions to CalPERS and the value of the 7% member contribution is reported to CalPERS as additional compensation.
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include:
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.
Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Merit Review Schedule: Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one year anniversary date and annually thereafter.
Alternative Work Week: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9/80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff are available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.
Hybrid Work Schedule Option: The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer flexibility and work-life balance. Employees in eligible positions may have the option to telework several days per week, with the remainder of the workweek spent onsite, based on operational needs and management approval. Employees approved to work remotely must maintain California residency and perform their remote work functions primarily within the state of California.
Vacation: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.
Sick Leave: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Holidays: The Water Authority observes 14 paid holidays each year, including three (3) floating holidays. Holiday pay is equivalent to the employee's regular scheduled workday (9 or 10 hours). Full-time employees will receive full holiday credit for the floating holidays (eligible hours/floating holiday) on July 1, which must be used in the fiscal year.
Meritorious Leave (Exempt Positions Only): 56 hours of vacation leave shall be credited to the employee’s vacation balance effective July 1 of each new fiscal year. Up to 24 hours of additional discretionary leave may be credited to the employee’s vacation balance upon the employee’s annual performance review at the recommendation of the employee’s department director or designee for performance evaluations of above standard or outstanding. Employees appointed to an eligible exempt position after July 1st of the fiscal year shall be eligible for a prorated amount of meritorious leave.
Discretionary Leave: Up to an additional 10 hours of discretionary leave will be provided to qualified employees in accordance with departmental work schedules per calendar year.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and AD&D insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.
Long Term Disability Insurance: The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.
Cell Phone: Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.
Tuition Reimbursement: The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.
National University: Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees’ spouse/ partner/dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.
Wellness Center: Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority’s Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.
Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.
Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):
Flexible Spending Account – Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum, or $3,750 if married and filing taxes separately).
Deferred Compensation Plan – The Water Authority's 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. The Water Authority contributes up to $1,500 per calendar year into the plan.
Short-Term Disability – This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings – to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability). The Water Authority does not contract with California's Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits.
Group Legal Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues – saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Critical Illness Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.
Voluntary Life and Personal Accident Insurance – Employees may purchase voluntary life and personal accident insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and/or personal accident insurance for spouse/domestic partner and/or children.
Employees' Association – Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.