As-Needed Operations & Maintenance Engineer

Location(s): Sacramento, California
Practice/Department: Engineering
Work Environment: Remote and On-Site (project dependent)
Compensation: $140.00-150.00/hourly*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.  

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.  

Our employees are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.  

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Who You Are 

As an employee you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.  

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

We are seeking an experienced Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Engineer to provide as‑needed consulting support for a wide range of water infrastructure facilities. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in the operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of water conveyance systems, hydropower facilities, agricultural irrigation networks, and pumping plants. The role also includes providing technical guidance and design input for invasive mussel control and mitigation strategies, ensuring the long‑term reliability and regulatory compliance of system operations.

This position is ideal for a highly skilled and flexible engineering professional who enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting the operation of critical water infrastructure assets.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Operations & Maintenance Support

• Provide expert engineering consultation on O&M practices, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for:
  • Water conveyance systems (canals, pipelines, tunnels, control structures)
  • Hydropower facilities and auxiliary systems
  • Agricultural irrigation networks and distribution systems
  • Pumping plants and mechanical/electrical systems
• Review, assess, and recommend improvements for preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Support condition assessments, site inspections, and development of repair, replacement, and rehabilitation plans.

Technical Design & Engineering Input

• Contribute engineering input to the design or modification of:
  • Pumping systems and mechanical equipment packages
  • Hydropower operating components and control systems
  • Conveyance and irrigation system upgrades
• Review technical drawings, specifications, and submittals to ensure quality and operational feasibility.

Invasive Mussel Control & Mitigation

• Provide science‑based and engineered recommendations for invasive mussel prevention, control, and mitigation within water conveyance and hydropower systems.
• Evaluate and recommend:
  • Chemical treatment methods
  • Mechanical cleaning options
  • Operational strategies
  • Infrastructure design considerations to minimize biofouling
• Support the development of mitigation plans, monitoring programs, and system-specific treatment protocols.

Project Support & Consulting

• Participate in interdisciplinary project teams, providing subject matter expertise as needed.
• Prepare technical memoranda, engineering reports, inspection findings, and recommendations.
• Advise clients on regulatory considerations related to water operations, hydropower, and invasive species management.
• Support emergency response efforts for system failures or unexpected operational disruptions, as requested.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or related Engineering field.
• 10+ years of experience in O&M engineering in water, hydropower, irrigation, or pumping plant systems.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Water conveyance operations and maintenance
• Hydropower system functionality and equipment
• Agricultural irrigation operations
• Pumping plant design, controls, and performance evaluation
• Experience with invasive mussel control or aquatic invasive species mitigation in engineered systems.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with federal, state, or regional water agencies or irrigation districts.
• Familiarity with CEQA/NEPA considerations for O&M‑related projects.
• Experience developing asset management plans or reliability-centered maintenance programs.

Compensation: $140.00-150.00/hourly* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 

• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. 
• This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Connect with us! 

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▶️YouTube 

🤝Dudek Talent Community 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.  

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.  

*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period.  Speak with your recruiter to learn more.  

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.