All About Water Resource Specialists
Example of Water Resource Specialist Job Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Life As a Water Resource Specialist
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
- Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
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Water Resource Specialist Required Skills
These are the skills Water Resource Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:
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:
- Resource Engineer
- Senior Group Manager
- Senior Water Resources Engineer
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrotechnician
Job Demand for Water Resource Specialists
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.
Water Resource Specialist 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 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Water Resource Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- 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?
Where Water Resource Specialists Are Employed
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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