Water Resources Engineer
Build a rewarding career as a water resources engineer. Protect potable water sources like natural springs and aquifers. Design water resources systems and equipment such as water treatment facilities and wells.
- What Does Working as a Water Resources Engineer Look Like?
- Water Resources Engineer Salary and Forecast
- What Education is Required to Work as a Water Resources Engineer?
- Water Resources Engineer Job Opportunities
What Does Working as a Water Resources Engineer Look Like?
Ensure availability of clean, uncontaminated water for drinking, living and recreational purposes. Design and oversee the construction of tools, systems, facilities and infrastructure protecting water resources.
Water resources engineers typically:
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic or water quality modeling.
- Conduct or supervise investigations of water resource compliance and regulatory issues.
- Propose ways to protect watershed health or recover compromised watersheds.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
Water Resources Engineer Salary and Forecast
Water resources engineers earn a national median salary of $142,070 (as of 2016).
Job opportunities in the industry are growing at a rate of 2-4%, with North Carolina leading the way with a job opportunity growth rate of 17%.
What Education is Required to Work as a Water Resources Engineer?
Most water resources engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and approximately half require a master’s degree or a graduate level certificate. Water resources engineering uses principles from both agricultural engineering and civil engineering. Both the Master of Biological Agricultural Engineering program and the graduate level certificate explore the topics necessary for advancement in this career path.
Many professionals find that they are only qualified to do part of the job because they don’t have the credentials required. They get an entry-level job with an undergraduate degree in environmental science or a related degree, work for a few years, and then find they cannot be promoted because the next step requires an engineering degree or an advanced degree. The engineering degree allows them to do the design work rather than just the installation. The engineer can sign (“seal”) legal documents once they become a licensed Professional Engineer.
Find out if a master’s degree or graduate level certificate will give you the credentials required for job advancement. Our online graduate programs are designed to accommodate a working professional’s busy schedule, making it possible to work full-time and get the advanced degree or certificate you need.
Water Resources Engineer Job Opportunities
Find out what employers are looking for. Explore water resources engineering job opportunities.
Ready to Get Started?
Build and monitor reservoirs. Improve water treatment facility function. Protect our drinking water. Jumpstart your career by applying to a graduate level biological agricultural engineering certificate or program today.
