What is a Water Resource Specialist?
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.
List of Water Resource Specialist Job Duties
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
- Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
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Things a Water Resource Specialist Should Know How to Do
Water Resource Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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 for this Occupation:
- Watershed Manager
- Hydrogeologist
- Global Implementation Manager
- Water Restoration Technician
- Water Quality Specialist
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. There will be an estimated 5,200 positions for Water Resource Specialist per 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 Salary
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 |
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 do I Become a Water Resource Specialist?
Learn what Water Resource Specialist education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Water Resource Specialists Are Employed

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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