Water Resources Engineer​/Planner

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled.

The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.
This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

This position is eligible for a $15,000 sign-on bonus to be paid over three years, upon General Manager approval.

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County.

IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website:

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website.

We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

Under general direction, plans, organizes and implements innovative programs and projects related to surface and groundwater resource management, water infrastructure and energy management. Coordinates and oversees various planning efforts and serves as project manager. Performs complex technical analyses on a range of projects involving facility design, engineering economics, hydrologic and mathematic modeling, water quality, salt loading, surface and groundwater resources, supply reliability, groundwater banking, energy efficiency, energy management and risks and uncertainties.

A highly organized and detailed minded professional that is a flexible self-starter with broad experience and demonstrated abilities to pursue, evaluate and manage water and energy projects involving engineering from concept to operation. Advanced negotiation and communication skills to lead the development and implementation of innovative water and energy management programs and projects. Capable of presenting new ideas and programs to the Board of Directors and outside agencies.

Ability to manage groundwater management programs and projects involving multi-agencies. Excellent verbal, written and public speaking skills. An innovative leader who can effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams and consultants to work as a team to “get the project done”. This position is distinguished from the Senior Water Resources Planner by its primary focus on management of projects involving engineering and groundwater management.

Plans, evaluates and manages the development of water resource and energy management programs and projects.

Conducts complex financial and engineering economic analyses related to water…