Water Resources Planner / Scientist

Rincon Consultants, Inc • Sacramento, CA

9d • $70,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Rincon is seeking a Water Resources Planner/Scientist to support its growing groundwater and water resources practice across California. The role focuses primarily on Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) planning and implementation, watershed resilience planning, nature-based and groundwater recharge solutions, water resources planning, and grant funding strategies that move water resource solutions from planning toward implementation.

Working with project managers, principals-in-charge, and interdisciplinary technical teams, the role conducts technical research and analysis; analyzes groundwater, hydrologic, water quality, and other water resource data; and contributes to technical reports, planning documents, and funding applications. The position also works with public agency clients and interested parties throughout the planning process to gather and evaluate data, support technical analyses, and communicate findings and recommendations.

The role includes public agency client interaction, community outreach and engagement, and strengthening client relationships through high-quality project delivery. It offers opportunities to build technical experience, take on greater responsibility, and grow professionally. The position may have a hybrid work setup, combining office and remote work as business needs evolve. Candidates living within 50 miles of a Rincon office may be prioritized. Eligible offices are Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical field.
• At least two years of relevant professional experience in groundwater, water resources, watershed management, hydrology, environmental planning, or a related field, with an emphasis on SGMA and watershed resiliency.
• Foundational understanding of California water resources and interest in groundwater sustainability, water supply/reliability, watershed management, or climate resilience.
• Experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting technical or environmental data.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical disciplines, stay organized, and manage multiple assignments and priorities.
• Willingness to learn new technical tools, methods, and regulatory frameworks.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft products.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and willingness to conduct fieldwork and travel as project needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree, coursework, or professional experience in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, groundwater science, or another water-focused technical discipline.
• Experience with or interest in SGMA implementation, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans, annual reports, periodic evaluations, groundwater monitoring, or implementation of groundwater projects and management actions.
• Experience with groundwater or surface water monitoring, interconnected surface water studies, groundwater dependent ecosystems, hydrologic analysis, water quality, managed aquifer recharge, groundwater-surface water interactions, or watershed assessment.
• Familiarity with California water laws, regulations, and programs, particularly SGMA and water rights.
• Experience with GIS, groundwater or hydrologic datasets, databases, modeling tools, or other technical analytical applications.
• Experience supporting grant applications, funding strategies, or implementation of groundwater, watershed, climate resilience, or water infrastructure projects.
• Professional certification or licensure, such as Professional Geologist (PG), Geologist-in-Training (GIT), Professional Engineer (PE), Engineer-in-Training (EIT), or another relevant professional credential, or interest in pursuing professional licensure.

Responsibilities

• Support SGMA planning and implementation, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans and Alternatives, annual reports, periodic evaluations, plan updates, groundwater monitoring and data analysis, and evaluation of projects and management actions.
• Contribute to watershed resilience and climate adaptation planning by evaluating groundwater and surface water conditions, hydrology, water supply reliability, drought and climate impacts, and opportunities to improve long-term watershed resilience.
• Evaluate nature-based and groundwater sustainability solutions, including managed aquifer recharge, groundwater recharge, habitat and watershed restoration, stormwater capture, and green infrastructure, using geologic, hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and other technical information.
• Support grant applications and funding strategies for groundwater sustainability, recharge, watershed resilience, water supply, recycled water, wastewater, stormwater, and other water resource projects, including evaluating project benefits, readiness, and alignment with funding opportunities.
• Contribute to water resources planning documents, including Urban Water Management Plans, Water Shortage Contingency Plans, water supply and recycled water feasibility studies, watershed management plans, technical memoranda, and permitting and funding applications for water/wastewater facilities.
• Conduct technical research, field investigations, and analysis of groundwater, surface water, water supply, water quality, and related geologic and hydrologic conditions to support water resource planning, permitting, and project implementation.
• Prepare materials for community and governing body engagement, including e-blasts, social media posts, presentations, resolutions and staff reports, posters, interview/input questions, surveys, and summaries of engagement efforts.
• Analyze and interpret technical data, including groundwater levels, water quality, water use, hydrologic conditions, and other datasets, and translate findings into clear, client-ready technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, planning documents, presentations, and other materials for public agency clients and interested parties.
• Collaborate with hydrogeologists, geologists, engineers, planners, biologists, and other technical specialists; support client and stakeholder meetings, outreach, and project delivery.

Benefits

• Health coverage options
• Employer-sponsored insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Generous time off
• Programs supporting learning, growth, and community engagement
• Comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level