What Does it Take to Be a Water Resource Specialist?
Water Resource Specialist Definition Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Water Resource Specialist Responsibilities
- Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
- 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.
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Skills Needed to be a Water Resource Specialist
When polled, Water Resource Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Water Resource Specialist
- Resource Specialist
- Water Quality Assistant
- Water Resource Project Manager
- Owner, Professional Engineer
- Water Resource Engineering Specialist
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. 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.
Water Resource Specialist Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Water Resource Specialists is somewhere 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 to 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.
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