Life As a Water Resource Specialist
Occupation Description 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
- Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- 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.
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
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Water Resource Specialist Skills
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.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles
- Hydrotechnician
- Watershed Manager
- Water Resource Project Manager
- Resource Specialist
- Water Resource Agent
Water Resource Specialist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 56,700 jobs for Water Resource Specialist in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 5,200 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Water Resource Specialist Make?
Water Resource Specialists make between $65,000 and $208,000 a year.
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 |
What Tools do Water Resource Specialists Use?
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
What education or degrees do I need to become a Water Resource Specialist?
What work experience do I need to become a Water Resource Specialist?
Water Resource Specialists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Water Resource Specialists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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