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Water Resource Specialist

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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?

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What work experience do I need to become a Water Resource Specialist?

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Where Water Resource Specialists Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Water Resource Specialists work:

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References:

Image Credit: Janderk via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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