Careers
Employees work in the area surrounding the Chowchilla Bifurcation Structure along the San Joaquin River in Fresno. DWR/2013.
A career with the Department of Water Resources holds a promising and exciting challenge for those who want to participate in shaping California's future through water resources. We offer ample opportunities for advancement and training, along with State government service benefits. Work and learn with the experts, expand your horizon, and be your best – join our respected team and take charge of your career.
DWR values a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and embraces differences where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and valued. We promote a rewarding work environment with many opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Search Jobs & Exams
Jobs and exams are updated regularly on CalCareers. There you'll also find important information about State employment, including steps in the hiring process, minimum qualifications, pay scales, benefits, instructions on how to create a CalCareer account, and more.
Post & Bid Process
The post and bid process provides opportunities for current Department of Water Resources employees to transfer between positions in Bargaining Unit 11 (BU11). Post and bid opportunities are announced on the Department's internal website as they become available.
Career Types
We offer many exciting career types and opportunities. These are just a few examples of the many fields within our department.We offer a paid apprenticeship program that can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career in the hydroelectric industry.
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Hydroelectric Plant Operator Apprentice
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Utility Craftsworker Apprentice, Water Resources
These positions provide clerical support to our many programs.
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Typist
- Office Assistant
- Office Technician
- Executive Secretary
These positions support public outreach, education, communications via digital and print media, and speaking engagements.
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Information Officer
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Photographer
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Graphic Designer
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Television Assistant
Trade and labor positions perform work in and around hydroelectric pumping and generating plants, aqueducts, dams, reservoirs, and flood control facilities.
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
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Hydroelectric Plant Electrician
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Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic
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Hydroelectric Plant Operator
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Hydroelectric Plant Technician
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Utility Craftsworker, Water Resources
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Warehouse Worker
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Water and Power Dispatcher
These positions require engineering knowledge and experience in civil, computer, electrical, environmental, safety, or mechanical fields.
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Control Engineer
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Electrical Engineer
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Engineer, Water Resources
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Engineering Geologist
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Hydroelectric Power Utility Engineer
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Mechanical Engineer
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Photogrammetrist
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Safety Engineer
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Surveyor
These positions perform a variety of technical and routine engineering, scientific, drafting, surveying, and construction duties.
- Junior Engineering Technician
- Water Resources Engineering Associate
- Water Resources Technician
- Water Services Supervisor
Positions in this field are associated with computer technology and telecommunications.
Incumbents perform professional legal work. Most positions require them to be qualified to practice law in the State of California.
- Attorney
- Graduate Legal Assistant
Positions in this field perform a variety of tasks, including operating machinery in a broad range of reproduction and duplication methods.
- Digital Composition Specialist
- Digital Print Operator
- Graphic Designer
These positions are typically found in administrative and financial offices.
- Research Analyst
- Research Program Specialist
We hire individuals with knowledge and experience in environmental, biological, natural, and physical science fields.
- Associate Seismologist
- Chemist
- Environmental Scientist
We hire high school and college students to assist in the performance of professional, technical, scientific, and administrative work. View Student Employment for more information.
- Youth Aid
- Graduate Student Assistant
- Student Assistant
- Student Assistant (Engineering & Architectural Sciences)
CalHR Employment Resources
- 3 Steps to a State Job
- CalCareers Frequently Asked Questions
- CalCareers Student Employment
- California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)
- California State Civil Service Pay Scales - Online Manual (54th Edition)
- Examination/Employment Application (STD 678)
- New to State Service
- Salary & Benefits
- State Retirees
- Tutorials for Job Seekers
State Personnel Resources
- California Department of Finance (DOF)
- California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
- California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)
- California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
- California State Controller’s Office (SCO)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- State Personnel Board (SPB)
Contact Us
Phone: (916) 653-3921
Fax: (916) 653-9629
Email: HROCustomerService@water.ca.gov
Street Address:
California Department of Water Resources
1416 9th Street, Room 320
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Human Resources office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.