What does a Water Resources Engineer do?
Water resources engineers develop and execute plans for developing water systems that provide clean, safe water in an efficient way that is also good for the planet. They play a central role in civil and commercial construction projects that involve water distribution. They incorporate innovative and environmentally conscious strategies and principles into design planning, with water and energy conservation as top priorities. They perform environmental and technical studies and data analysis, and create reports and proposals.
Water resources engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, and a background involving the development of water systems. Many roles require a Professional Engineer license or other certification. Experience conducting environmental and feasibility studies is an advantage. Familiarity with water rights and related laws is helpful.
- Maintain positive, responsive and flexible attitude to all clients.
- Serve as a task lead to ensure successful project delivery.
- Support development of scopes and budgets for water resources projects.
- When anomalies occur, provide causal analysis that leads to effective resolution and corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
- Perform assignments in the analysis and design of water and wastewater systems.
- Provide input on business development strategy and lead project pursuits, proposals and interviews.
- Provide office and site visit support for projects in construction.
- Monitor performance indicators, deadlines, budgets, schedules and manage risk.
- Develop, plan, organize, and grow a profitable base of customers in the market.
- Recruiting, training, and mentoring early and mid-career water resources engineers and scientists.
- Exercise independent good judgment in handling routine and emergency operations.
- Implement operations preventive maintenance, bulk chemicals and utilities programs.
- Work with finance department on creating an annual budget.
- Provide senior review of technical work prepared by others.
- Use your advanced skills in hydrology and design to support a variety of projects.
- Compile and present results of engineering and planning studies.
- Assist lab staff and engineers to solve issues in tests.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or engineering, or related Degree in science or engineering and equivalent experience.
- Experience with water resources protocols such as work in sewers, erosion control, sediment control, surveying, and pipelines.
- Comfortable collaborating with others to create cost estimates and solve problems.
- Fluent in quality analysis and able to lead.
How much does a Water Resources Engineer make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$89,301
/ yrWater Resources Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Water Resources Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Water Resources Engineer Insights
SGM“Over my tenure at SGM I was provided a great opportunity to expand the depth of my expertise and breadth of the engineering field.”
City of Reedley“Many of the staff are really great and great to work with.”
Matrix Solutions“Great people and team to work with.”
CNH Industrial“Good pay and 401k.”
“based education and media.”
SGM“I always felt well supported in my tasks and was offered opportunities to participate in very exciting projects.”
Platinum Restoration“I came in as a temporary employee and worked my way up to manager of the cleaning and mitigation division.”
Kier Group“I am working on the project i agreed during my employment interview and enjoying working on my current project.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Water Resources Engineer
- Manager
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- Senior Leadership