How to become a Water Resource Specialist
Official title: Water Resource Specialists
Also called: Water Resources Planner
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Main 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.
How to become one
Natural sciences managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science or related field. Most work as scientists before becoming managers.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $167,220 a year The middle half earn $119,430 to $221,540.
- About 112,200 people work in this job now, and about 121,500 are projected by 2035. (+8.2%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Water Resource Specialist?
Natural sciences managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science or related field. Most work as scientists before becoming managers.
How much does a Water Resource Specialist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $167,220 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $119,430 to $221,540.
Is a Water Resource Specialist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 112,200 to about 121,500 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Water Resource Specialist?
Usually. 91% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Water Resource Specialist?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.