To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 518779 to locate the job posting and apply.
Link: CalCareers
Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 7/30/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.
Job Description and Duties
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Are you looking for an exciting position protecting and preserving the state’s water resources? If you enjoy a fast-paced position conducting outdoor inspections at illicit cannabis cultivation sites throughout the state, this may be the position for you! The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Enforcement is looking for a Water Resources Control Engineer to join the Cannabis Enforcement Unit. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule and is based at 801 K Street, 23rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the heart of downtown, next to light rail stations and other public transportation.
The Water Resources Control Engineer (WRCE) in the Cannabis Enforcement Unit is responsible for evaluating compliance with the California Water Code through field inspections at cannabis cultivation sites statewide. In addition to their in-field work, the WRCE supports both informal and formal enforcement actions by producing inspection reports, Notices of Violation, Cleanup and Abatement Orders, and more.
This role requires proficiency with a wide range of investigative tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/ArcGIS Online (AGOL), Survey123, Field Maps, LightBox, Google Maps, and the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS). The WRCE also develops, coordinates, and oversees cleanup and abatement efforts in collaboration with the Office of Enforcement’s legal staff, state and local partner agencies, and property owners or responsible parties.
Duties:
The Water Resources Control Engineer (WRCE) in the Cannabis Enforcement Unit is a journey level position responsible for conducting inspections and investigations at suspected cannabis cultivation sites statewide. The WRCE evaluates compliance with statewide regulations and facilitates enforcement actions pursuant to the California Water Code and the Cannabis Cultivation General Order. In this role, the WRCE uses a variety of investigative techniques and research tools including Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/ArcGIS Online (AGOL), LightBox, Survey 123, Field Maps, Google Earth, and the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) to produce formal and informal actions.
Additional information:
Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.
In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.
Salary Information – CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.
In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.
Job type: Full-Time
$6,488.00 – $12,152.00 per Month
The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.