Water Resource Specialists

What the job really is

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

At a glance

• Sector: Management
• O*NET-SOC code: 11-9121
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Structured query language SQL, Automated water sampling equipment, Binocular light compound microscopes, Chlorine testers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Water/Wastewater Engineers
• Industrial Ecologists
• Conservation Scientists
• Environmental Engineers
• Hydrologists
• Environmental Restoration Planners
• Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Water Resource Specialists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.