What does a water resources engineer do?
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What is a Water Resources Engineer?
A water resources engineer is at the forefront of managing and enhancing water systems with a focus on sustainability. These experts are instrumental in navigating the intricate challenges linked to water resources, engaging in diverse projects that span the design of water treatment plants, creation of efficient stormwater management systems, and formulation of strategies for responsible water distribution.
Water resources engineers contribute significantly to fortifying infrastructure against the impacts of climate change, addressing critical issues such as water supply reliability, flood control, and the preservation of environmental ecosystems. Through close collaboration with government agencies, environmental scientists, and stakeholders, water resources engineers actively shape and implement solutions that not only meet the rising demand for water but also prioritize ecological integrity and long-term resilience.
In this article:
- What is a Water Resources Engineer?
- What does a Water Resources Engineer do?
- What is the workplace of a Water Resources Engineer like?
- Civil Engineering Related Careers and Degrees
- Engineering Specializations and Degrees
What does a Water Resources Engineer do?
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a water resources engineer can vary depending on the specific job role and project requirements. However, here are some common tasks associated with the role:
- Water Resources Planning and Management: Water resources engineers are responsible for assessing water availability, demand, and usage patterns. They conduct studies to analyze water resources systems, evaluate the impact of population growth and climate change, and develop long-term plans for sustainable water management. This may involve developing water supply strategies, implementing water conservation measures, and evaluating the feasibility of water infrastructure projects.
- Hydraulic and Hydrological Modeling: Water resources engineers use sophisticated computer models to simulate and analyze the flow of water in rivers, streams, and other water bodies. They assess the impact of various factors, such as rainfall, runoff, and water diversions, on water quantity and quality. By conducting hydraulic and hydrological modeling, they can predict flood risks, evaluate water distribution systems, and design effective stormwater management solutions.
- Water Supply and Treatment Systems: Water resources engineers design and oversee the construction of water supply and treatment systems. They develop plans for water extraction, storage, and distribution, ensuring that communities have access to safe and reliable water resources. They also design and implement wastewater treatment facilities to ensure proper disposal or recycling of wastewater, protecting the environment and public health.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Water resources engineers assess the environmental impact of water-related projects. They consider factors such as habitat preservation, water quality protection, and ecological sustainability. They conduct environmental impact assessments, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize negative effects on ecosystems and natural resources.
- Regulatory Compliance: Water resources engineers ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and permits related to water resource management. They stay up to date with water quality standards, environmental regulations, and water rights issues. They work closely with regulatory agencies to obtain necessary permits and licenses for water-related projects.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Water resources engineers collaborate with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and environmental organizations. They participate in public meetings, consult with stakeholders, and address concerns related to water resource management. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential to engage stakeholders, gain support for projects, and ensure that the needs and interests of all parties are considered.
Types of Water Resources Engineers
Water resources engineering is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses various specializations. Here are some types of water resources engineers, each focusing on specific aspects of water-related projects:
- Water Engineer: Encompasses a broad scope within water resources engineering, focusing on the overall planning, design, and management of water-related infrastructure. Their expertise spans the entire water cycle, addressing the sourcing, treatment, distribution, and disposal of water for diverse purposes.
- Hydrologist: Although not strictly an engineer, hydrologists specialize in studying the distribution, movement, and properties of water in the atmosphere and on the Earth’s surface. They analyze precipitation patterns, river flow, groundwater recharge, and water quality, providing valuable data for water resources engineers and planners.
- Coastal Engineer: Specializes in the design and management of structures and systems along coastlines and marine environments. These engineers address challenges related to erosion control, harbor development, and the protection of coastal infrastructure against the forces of waves, tides, and storm surges.
- Environmental Engineer: Focuses on the environmental impact of water-related projects. Environmental engineers work on projects related to water conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental sustainability.
- Water Supply Engineer: Specializes in designing, developing, and managing water supply systems, including sourcing, treatment, distribution, and storage of water for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
- Hydraulic Engineer: Focuses on the flow of water and fluid dynamics, particularly in designing and analyzing hydraulic structures such as dams, channels, and pipelines. Hydraulic engineers also address flood control and river management.
- Stormwater Engineer: Specializes in managing stormwater runoff and designing systems to prevent flooding and erosion. Stormwater engineers work on projects related to stormwater collection, treatment, and discharge.
- Wastewater Engineer: Deals with the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. Wastewater engineers design systems to ensure the safe and effective removal of pollutants from sewage before it is released into the environment.
- Water Quality Engineer: Focuses on monitoring and improving water quality in natural water bodies, as well as designing systems to treat and manage pollutants. They may work on projects related to water quality testing, pollution prevention, and environmental protection.
- Groundwater Engineer: Deals with the exploration, extraction, and management of groundwater resources. Groundwater engineers design wells, pumps, and distribution systems for sustainable groundwater use.
- River Engineer: Specializes in the management of rivers and watercourses. River engineers work on projects related to riverbank protection, river channel design, and floodplain management.
- Water Resources Planner: Engages in long-term planning and management of water resources at a regional or watershed level. Water resources planners consider factors such as population growth, climate change, and land use patterns in developing sustainable water management strategies.
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What is the workplace of a Water Resources Engineer like?
The workplace of a water resources engineer is diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging nature of their responsibilities in managing water-related projects. Many water resources engineers find employment within government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or state Departments of Water Resources. In these roles, engineers contribute to the planning, design, and execution of water infrastructure projects, ensuring the efficient use and conservation of water resources, addressing flood control, and developing sustainable water supply strategies. Government agencies provide a platform for engineers to work on projects that impact entire regions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and navigating regulatory frameworks.
Private consulting firms specializing in water resources management also offer a significant workplace for engineers. These firms are often contracted by municipalities, developers, and industrial clients to provide expertise on water supply, stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and environmental conservation projects. Working in consulting firms allows water resources engineers to engage in diverse projects, from watershed management to designing water treatment facilities. It offers opportunities for innovation and collaboration with professionals from various disciplines to develop holistic solutions to complex water-related challenges.
Additionally, water resources engineers may find employment in research institutions, non-profit organizations, or academia, contributing to studies and initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable water practices, conservation, and environmental protection. This environment allows professionals to engage in cutting-edge research, contribute to policy discussions, and educate the next generation of engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Civil Engineering Related Careers and Degrees
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Construction Engineer
- Urban Planning Engineer
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Environmental Engineering
- Urban Planning
- Structural Engineering
- Construction Engineering
Water Resource Engineer Careers: Salary Info & Job Description
A water resource engineer’s median salary is about $82,000, but is high pay worth the education requirements? Get the truth about the job duties and career prospects to decide if this is the right career for you.
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Pros and Cons of Being a Water Resource Engineer
As a subset of the civil engineers category, water resource engineers develop and improve water treatment, distribution and waste-water disposal methods. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of a water resource engineering career.
| Pros of a Water Resource Engineering Career |
|---|
| High average salary (about $87,000 in 2014)* |
| Can work almost anywhere in the country* |
| Involved in improving the country’s infrastructure* |
| Opportunity to obtain professional recognition through certification** |
| Cons of a Water Resource Engineering Career |
|---|
| States may lack funds for projects* |
| Projects may require long work hours* |
| Some positions require a master’s degree or higher* |
| Licensure is necessary for certain positions* |
Sources: *The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **American Academy of Water Resource Engineers
Career Information
Job Description and Duties
Water resource engineers are responsible for designing, implementing and upgrading water and waste treatment systems. This includes flood management systems at dams and reservoirs. They must consider cost, efficiency, safety and government regulations for each project. They typically draft and present a plan to the organization or agency in charge of a project. Acceptance could mean overseeing the project’s construction. Water resource engineers generally work 40 hours a week, but certain projects and goals may lead to longer hours. They typically work in offices, but some jobs require travel and outdoor work.
Career Prospects and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t collect data specifically for water resource engineers, but it does gather information for civil engineers. Projections for 2012-2022 show civil engineers having a faster-than-average 20% employment growth rate, which is fueled by the need to maintain infrastructures. As populations continue growing, bringing the need for water systems that sustain them, the need for water resource engineers should continue. According to May 2014 BLS statistics, civil engineers earned median salaries of $82,050. The lowest 10% earned about $52,000, and the highest 10% earned roughly $128,000.
What Are the Requirements?
Education
Most water resource engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, according to the BLS. Some civil engineering programs allow you to choose a specialization in water resources. You may learn about water control, water quality and water use through classes such as hydrology, geology, hydraulic engineering, physics, chemistry and fluid mechanics. The BLS suggests you seek programs accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) because these programs help you meet the requirements for a professional engineer (PE) license.
Licensure
If you sell services to the public, you need to acquire state licensure, according to the BLS. In addition to having an ABET-accredited degree, you must successfully complete the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, which qualifies you to become a civil engineering intern or engineer-in-training. After meeting your state’s requirements, which may include obtaining a specific amount of experience and passing more exams, you may qualify to receive licensure.
What Employers Are Looking For
Most employers are looking for water resource engineers with experience in the field. Positions with management responsibilities may require candidates to have graduate degrees. Below are some job postings found in March 2012:
- A Texas company advertised for an experienced water resource engineer with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a water resources specialization. Candidates should have been able to conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, prepare reports, scope projects and train junior engineers.
- A Denver company sought a licensed water resource engineer with at least 10 years of experience to work on projects for water and wastewater treatment, storage, disposal and distribution.
- A Washington, D.C., company advertised for an experienced water resource engineer with a PE license and a graduate degree to manage public projects and personnel.
How to Stand Out
Become a Professional Engineer (PE)
Not all engineers are required to have PE licensure, according to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Unlicensed engineers typically work under the supervision of a PE. If you want more opportunities available to you that may include supervisory or other advanced positions, you may want to consider getting licensed.
Get Certified
The American Academy of Water Resource Engineers (AAWRE) offers the Diplomate, Water Resource Engineer (D.WRE) credential, which helps you validate your expertise and ethical values regarding the field. To qualify, you must be a PE with at least 10 years of water resource engineering experience and have either a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of graduate-level coursework or a graduate degree. You must also pass an oral exam in order to receive the certification.
Develop Related Skills
Water resource engineers typically work with clients from different professional backgrounds so excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must. In addition, employers look for water resource engineers with:
- Managerial skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Computer-aided drafting and mapping software familiarity
- Report writing capabilities
- Project planning knowledge
Alternative Career Paths
Environmental Engineer
If you want to be an engineer, but you’re more interested in environmental issues, consider becoming an environmental engineer. As suc, you would develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, waste disposal and public health issues. The education and licensing requirements for this profession are similar to water resource engineering. According to May 2011 BLS data, the median salary for environmental engineers was about $79,000. Employment for these professionals was expected to grow faster-than-average at 22% between 2010 and 2020.
Civil Engineering Technician
If the education and licensing requirements are too much for you, consider a career as a civil engineering technician. According to the BLS, most civil engineering technician jobs require a 2-year degree or less, and you can help engineers plan large projects, such as bridge, road and dam construction. The BLS predicted employment for these workers should grow an average 12 from 2010-2020, and the median salary for civil engineering technicians was approximately $47,000, as of May 2011.
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A water resource engineer’s median salary is about $82,000, but is high pay worth the education requirements? Get the truth about the job duties.
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