Principal Engineer - Water Resources

WESA is seeking the ideal candidate to plan, direct, and assume responsibility for a variety of professional engineering activities related to the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of water and wastewater capital improvement projects; manage major capital projects through all phases of the project management life cycle and/or manage multi-disciplinary wastewater systems engineering and compliance programs; serves as subject matter expert and advisor to management staff on assigned projects and/or programs including water quality improvement activities, lake management, and the pretreatment program; research complex problems, conduct technical engineering-related studies, and recommend operational, compliance, and/or policy solutions; plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff engaged in engineering activities; ensures assigned projects and programs comply with applicable codes and regulations and District policies, procedures, and standards; and performs related duties as assigned.

 Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within the first month, become familiar with major aspects of the operations of the Capital Projects Department, the Water Resources Division, including organizational structure, workforce, and water and wastewater facilities, and managing the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program staff.
• Within the first 3 months, review the Capital Improvement Program, Pretreatment Program, Lakes (Lake Elsinore & Canyon Lake) Management Programs, tasks and activities related to the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Program administered by Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA). Start participating in the SAWPA meetings; and demonstrate understanding of project priority, budget and funding constraints, and resource requirements.
• Within the first 6 months, proficiently prepare the appropriate RFPs and IFBs for assigned projects.
• Within the first 6 months, conduct an assessment of the Capital Projects Division and provide recommendations on how to improve the program, which will consider, at a minimum; communication with stakeholders, enforcement of District standards, responsiveness, consistency and equity in practices, and overall program efficiency.
• Within the first 9 months, demonstrate the ability to properly manage project budgets and hold consultants accountable to project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Within the first year, implement the appropriate improvements as identified within the pre-treatment and capital projects program.

 The Ideal Candidate:

• Possesses an equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering or a related field. Master’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field with emphasis on water and wastewater treatment processes is highly desirable.
• Has seven (7) years of increasingly responsible and diversified engineering experience including water and wastewater planning, water and sewer utility engineering design and construction, and project management experience.
• Is skilled in effective management principles and practices such as goal setting, program development, training, supervision, evaluation and mentoring of staff.
• Will effectively and proactively manage programs and maintain accountability, productivity, and consistency.
• Possesses a valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment. 
• Possesses a valid registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of California.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.