Water Resource Specialists
Human Advantage 69%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.5 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Also Known As: Community Resource Consultant, Environmental Resource Specialist, Hydrotechnical Specialist, Hydrotechnician, Power Supply Engineer, Resource Specialist, Water Quality Specialist, Water Resource Agent +6 more
Core Tasks
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
- Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
- Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
- Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
- Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
- Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
- Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
- Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.
- Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (36)
Tools & Equipment (30)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
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Zone 2
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Zone 3
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Zone 4
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