Life As a Water Resource Specialist
Job Description & Duties Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
List of Water Resource Specialist Job Duties
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
- Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
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Things a Water Resource Specialist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Water Resource Specialists say are important on the job.
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 for this Occupation:
- VP-Senior Principal Water Resources Engineer
- Water Quality Assistant
- Water Resource Manager
- Owner, Consulting Engineer
- Senior Water Resources Engineer
Job Opportunities for Water Resource Specialists
There were about 56,700 jobs for Water Resource Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,200 job openings in this field each 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Water Resource Specialist
The salary for Water Resource Specialists ranges between about $65,000 and $208,000 a year.
Water Resource Specialists who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Water Resource Specialists in different U.S. states.
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 to Become a Water Resource Specialist
Are there Water Resource Specialists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Water Resource Specialist?
Where Water Resource Specialists Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Water Resource Specialists work:
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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