All About Water Resource Specialists
Water Resource Specialist Example Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Water Resource Specialist Responsibilities
- Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Water Resource Specialist
Water Resource Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Purification Director
- Water and Fire Restoration Technician
- Water Resource Engineering Specialist
- Water Resource Engineer
- Water Restoration Technician
Is There Going to be Demand for Water Resource Specialists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 56,700 jobs in the United States for Water Resource Specialist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,600 new jobs for Water Resource Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,200 positions for Water Resource Specialist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Water Resource Specialist are Utah, Arizona, and Missouri. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Water Resource Specialists Salary
The average yearly salary of a Water Resource Specialist ranges between $65,000 and $208,000.
Water Resource Specialists who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Water Resource Specialists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $112,140 |
| Alaska | $106,010 |
| Arizona | $101,790 |
| Arkansas | $109,910 |
| California | $168,790 |
| Colorado | $141,750 |
| Connecticut | $179,200 |
| District of Columbia | $132,310 |
| Hawaii | $115,240 |
| Idaho | $93,940 |
| Illinois | $118,480 |
| Indiana | $65,270 |
| Iowa | $127,440 |
| Kansas | $127,440 |
| Kentucky | $110,070 |
| Louisiana | $94,850 |
| Maine | $135,840 |
| Maryland | $148,310 |
| Massachusetts | $183,490 |
| Michigan | $113,840 |
| Minnesota | $125,780 |
| Mississippi | $101,240 |
| Missouri | $116,190 |
| Montana | $104,930 |
| Nebraska | $89,620 |
| Nevada | $115,150 |
| New Jersey | $184,640 |
| New Mexico | $104,030 |
| New York | $148,460 |
| North Carolina | $153,490 |
| North Dakota | $115,540 |
| Ohio | $131,680 |
| Oklahoma | $116,160 |
| Oregon | $109,610 |
| Pennsylvania | $147,810 |
| Rhode Island | $132,880 |
| South Carolina | $91,270 |
| South Dakota | $105,190 |
| Tennessee | $111,670 |
| Texas | $127,270 |
| Utah | $99,810 |
| Vermont | $97,340 |
| Virginia | $133,360 |
| Washington | $153,600 |
| Wisconsin | $106,110 |
| Wyoming | $95,120 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Water Resource Specialists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Water Resource Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Mapping software
- ESRI ArcInfo
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
- ESRI ArcPad
How do I Become a Water Resource Specialist?
Individuals working as a Water Resource Specialist have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Water Resource Specialist?
Water Resource Specialists Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School