Civil Engineering Tech I​/II​/III

The County of San Luis Obispo is offering a rewarding career opportunity for a Civil Engineering Technician to join our APWA accredited Public Works Department. We are seeking a Water Resources Technician (Civil Engineering Technician I/II/III) with a specialization in hydrology to support essential water resource monitoring and management across the region.

This position is part of a dedicated team of public works professionals responsible for collecting and maintaining high quality water resource data, including groundwater measurements, stream gauging, precipitation monitoring, operation and servicing of field equipment, and data compilation and analysis. The role also provides support for special projects in water, wastewater, and flood control, offering a wide range of hands on and analytical experience.
This position serves within the Water Resources Division, which operates, maintains, and monitors a countywide network of real time rain, stream, and reservoir gauges, as well as groundwater measurements from approximately 130 wells. The data collected informs the public, supports data driven decision making by policymakers, and directly advances our mission of sustainable water resource management in San Luis Obispo County.
San Luis Obispo County, located on California’s Central Coast, is known for its natural beauty, strong community partnerships, and innovative approach to water management. The Water Resources Division collaborates with cities, water districts, state agencies, well owners, and other partners to manage a diverse portfolio of water resources. This environment offers a unique opportunity for individuals inspired by public service, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
If you are ready to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and join a team committed to protecting the water resources that sustain our communities, we encourage you to apply.

For a complete job description:

for Civil Engineering Technician I

for Civil Engineering Technician II

for Civil Engineering Technician III

The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of hydrologic practices, strong data management awareness, and an innovative mindset for applying modern technologies to enhance data accessibility and quality. For more information related to the Division and water resources in our County, please visit SLO County Public-Works Water-Resources and SLO County Water Hub.
In addition to the general Representative Duties for the Civil Engineering Technician career series, the ideal candidate will have the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with vendors, County staff, consultants, and contractors; install, operate, and maintain stream or rain gage stations (including ALERT2 radio protocol); collect groundwater well level measurements; analyze hydrologic data; and perform streamflow measurements (rating curves).

The candidate should be capable of maintaining accurate records and prepare reports or procedures, safely navigating field and gage station sites, and performing substantial fieldwork, along with demonstrating a strong commitment to public service. Work assignments will be within the geographical area of San Luis Obispo County.

Civil engineering techs are part of a career-level series of positions with increasing responsibilities for the technical professional who does not have a professional engineering license.

Candidates with hydrology experience in flood management, gage station maintenance, groundwater monitoring, or other water resource field operations are encouraged to apply. In addition, candidates with degrees in water resources or related fields, including environmental science, geology, and hydrology, are encouraged to…