Associate Civil Engineers – Two (2) Positions Available
Job Posting Introduction
The Merced Irrigation District is seeking two (2) Associate Civil Engineers to join our team and help shape vital infrastructure and water resource solutions for our region:
Capital Projects Engineer – Focus on the design and construction of major capital projects, enhancing essential infrastructure for our community.
Water Resources Engineer – Contribute to water resources management, including reservoir and river operations, ensuring sustainable and efficient water systems.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in civil or agricultural engineering
Registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or ability to obtain within 1 year
Minimum two (2) years of engineering experience preferred
Proficiency in AutoCAD and GIS preferred
Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 annually, depending on experience (DOE)
Be part of a team making a lasting impact. Apply today!
Position Overview
The Associate Engineer (Water Resources) performs a variety of engineering tasks under general supervision, including project design, construction management, and supervision of technical staff. This role supports the Merced Irrigation District’s (MID) water quality programs, hydrography functions, and data management systems while collaborating with operations, maintenance, and parks departments as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Design and Construction Management:
Develop design packages for water conveyance and control structures, performing calculations for flow capacity and structural integrity.
Inspect construction projects (pipelines, canals, structures, and roadwork) to ensure compliance with specifications, documenting findings.
Review consultant design packages and provide feedback to ensure alignment with MID standards.
Interpret construction drawings and specifications, resolving technical issues in the field.
Water Resources Management:
Utilize hydrology and hydraulic models for reservoir operations, flow regulation, scheduling, and forecasting.
Coordinate and report reservoir releases with local, state, and federal agencies.
Analyze groundwater models, reports, and studies related to extraction and recharge.
Prepare reports on water diversions, consumption, and compliance with licenses and water rights.
Research and Documentation:
Investigate District rights-of-way, easements, and deeds to support facility operations.
Conduct field surveys to support construction projects.
Maintain accurate water records and generate reports as required.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with farmers, government agencies, and the public to address inquiries and provide technical information.
Assist in negotiating agreements with various entities and interact with city and county governments.
Technical and Supervisory Support:
Provide technical guidance to MID engineering and other department staff.
Supervise subordinate technical staff on assigned projects or tasks.
Perform additional duties as assigned by MID management.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution.
Experience
California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
Proficiency in engineering software, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Project, Access), AutoCAD, and GIS.
Preferred: Experience in water resources activities (e.g., modeling, reservoir operations, groundwater management, water balance calculations).
Preferred: Experience in civil project design and construction.
Skills and Abilities
Strong collaboration skills with MID staff, constituents, consultants, contractors, and government representatives.
Ability to negotiate agreements and interact effectively with local governments.
Independent problem-solving and decision-making, incorporating best engineering practices.
Proficiency in engineering software for spreadsheets, word processing, and data analysis.
Ability to handle confidential information professionally and adapt to nonstandard situations.
Willingness to learn new engineering software and attend relevant training.
Knowledge
Civil engineering principles related to water conveyance infrastructure.
Hydraulic calculations for irrigation distribution systems.
Familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, GPS survey equipment, and the Subdivision Map Act (preferred).
Understanding of stream flow measurements, data management, and analysis.
Knowledge of bid specifications, contracting processes, and applicable laws.
Proficiency in research, analysis, and technical report preparation.
Supervisory skills to lead and direct technical staff.
Special Requirements
Valid California Class C Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability under MID’s vehicle insurance program.
Compliance with all District policies, guidelines, and rules.
Work Environment
Physical Demands:
Sitting for up to 8 hours per day.
Operating computers and office equipment for up to 8 hours per day.
Lifting up to 25 pounds and occasional stooping.
Communicating effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
Hearing and vision sufficient for communication and operating equipment.
Navigating stairways and uneven terrain as needed.
Environmental Factors:
Primarily office-based with occasional outdoor work (10% or less exposure to sun).
May require irregular or extended hours, including overtime.
Mental Demands:
Exercise independent judgment and objective reasoning.
Organize and prioritize tasks on a daily and weekly basis.
Interpret regulations and document work accurately and concisely.
Manage multiple duties with potential interruptions.
Supervision
Reports to the Manager of Engineering, Water Resources.
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SALARY:
$100,000 to $150,000 annually DOQ - Grade P
DATE OF POSTING:
July 28, 2025
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS:
Open until filled
LOCATION OF JOB:
744 W. 20th Street, Merced, CA
ANTICIPATED INTERVIEW DATE:
To be announced
ANTICIPATED DATE OF HIRE:
To be announced
Applications/Resumes will only be accepted via the Merced Irrigation District's online application system.
Water, Power and More
Merced Irrigation District owns, operates and maintains the New Exchequer and McSwain dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric facilities. These are MID’s primary water storage facilities on the Merced River. They are located in the foothills on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, approximately 23 miles northeast of Merced. The two dams and reservoirs are integral parts of the 1964 Merced River Development Project and are licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Lake McClure (New Exchequer Reservoir) has a storage capacity of about 1,025,000 acre feet, while Lake McSwain (McSwain Reservoir) has a storage capacity of 9,730 acre feet. The New Exchequer Dam project was completed in 1967 as a multi-purpose effort: Lake McClure provides irrigation and domestic water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, recreation and support for environmental stewardship. MID produces up to 107 megawatts of emission-free electricity at its Exchequer, McSwain and Merced Falls hydroelectric facilities. The district’s water system diverts water from the Merced River at two locations below Lake McClure. The Northside Canal dive...rsion serves acreage north of the river. The Main Canal diversion is located 3 miles downstream of McSwain Dam and serves acreage south of the Merced River.
MID’s boundaries encompass 164,000 gross acres. Of that, 132,000 acres are irrigable. Of that, approximately 100,000 acres receive water from MID. The total distribution system of MID spans 862 miles. It is comprised of natural waterways, unlined and lined canals, sloughs and pipelines.
MID also maintains 215 wells in support of its conjunctive management activities for groundwater and surface water.
MID’s irrigation distribution system supports local flood control by routing foothill-stream runoff away from populated areas. MID formed the Merced Irrigation District Drainage Improvement District #1 (MIDDID#1) in 1994. Several residential, commercial, industrial, and government parcels received drainage service from the district.
MID owns, operates and maintains five recreation areas adjacent to lakes Mc lure and McSwain. While the Lake McSwain Recreation Area is located adjacent to Lake McSwain, McClure Point, Barrett Cove, Horseshoe Bend and Bagby Recreation Areas are all located adjacent to Lake McClure. A total of six boat launch facilities are available in the Parks system. More than 600 campsites are available year-round. Floating marinas are located on Lake McSwain and in two locations on Lake McClure. Recreational activities enjoyed in the recreation areas include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking and bicycling.
MID is authorized to act as an electric utility under the California Water Code. The district has owned and operated hydroelectric generating facilities on the Merced River since 1927. In 1996, MID exercised its authority to sell power to retail electric customers. Since then, MID has connected more than 12,600 customers to the electric system.
