Water Resources Planner/Project Manager

Rincon Consultants, Inc•San Diego, CA

2d•$100,000 - $126,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are are looking for an emerging leader in Water Resources Planning who’s ready to make a real impact on groundwater sustainability, watershed resilience, urban land-use planning, and long-term water security across the state. Rincon is specifically seeking a geologist, hydrologist, hydrogeologist, environmental engineer, or similar degree with a passion for groundwater, surface water, data-driven water planning, and climate-resilient solutions. As a Water Resources Planner Program Manager, you’ll lead and support projects that help communities and agencies understand, protect, and sustainably manage their water resources. You’ll collaborate closely with technical experts, project teams, and water agencies to drive innovative solutions and deliver high-quality work. This is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where your analytical skills, curiosity, and big-picture thinking will shine! You’ll take ownership of projects, build strong client relationships, and help expand Rincon’s growing water resources practice across California.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Management, or closely related field
Four or more years of experience in water resources planning, groundwater management, hydrologic analyses, environmental planning, SGMA, watershed-scale water management strategies, and others
Hands-on experience in SGMA-related projects, groundwater plan implementation, groundwater data evaluation, or hydrogeologic assessments
Hand-on experience in developing all or portions of UWMPs or AWMPs
Demonstrate ability to prepare technical analyses, memoranda, staff reports, or water-planning deliverables
Working knowledge of California’s water regulations
Strong analytical skills with experience using data analysis tools and platforms
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences
Proven ability to manage tasks, deadlines, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

Nice To Haves

Five to 10 years of experience specifically in California water resources planning, with a significant portion dedicated to SGMA, Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) or Alternative Plan development, Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) support, UWMP or watershed resilience plans
Familiarity with groundwater models, watershed models, or related analytical tools in either developing or comfortable working with modeling outputs
Experience working directly with GSAs, water districts, municipalities, resource agencies, and other local governments
Experience leading client meetings, workshops, or public-facing presentations
Understanding of climate adaptation, water budget development, integrated water management, and water-policy frameworks in California
Proficiency in GIS, Python, or other data/visualization tools
Project management experience, including scoping, budgeting, and team coordination
Current professional licenses (i.e., Professional Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, Civil Professional Engineer (PE), Environmental PE, Certified Engineering Geologist)

Responsibilities

Develop and implement SGMA-related planning for entities responsible for the implementation of SGMA.
Prepare updates, technical memoranda, monitoring reports, and periodic evaluations.
Analyze groundwater conditions, interconnected surface water effects, groundwater dependent ecosystems, and basin-level climate vulnerabilities.
Support sustainable management criteria, project evaluation, and adaptive management strategies.
Lead watershed resilience assessments and hydrologic analyses.
Forecast water supply conditions using hydrogeologic, climatic, and land-use datasets
Evaluate climate adaptation strategies for integrated water systems
Prepare Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs) and Agricultura Water Management Plans (AWMPs)
Analyze water demand, supply reliability, conservation programs, and drought response planning
Conduct water quality assessments and support water supply improvement strategies
Work with interdisciplinary teams on water infrastructure, recharge, conveyance, and storage planning
Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
Collaborate with internal technical teams to ensure accuracy, innovation, and compliance
Prepare water supply studies and water management plans, including analysis of drought and climate change impacts on water supplies and systems
Communicate findings through clear, compelling technical reports, presentations, and client meetings
Stay up-to-date on state and federal regulatory requirements affecting water planning
Work closely with Rincon Principal(s) and Directors to promote our business interests in adherence with the company’s mission, vision, and values
Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor(s)