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Entry Level Water Resource Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trilon Group

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer. The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design ... systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and ...

City of Elmhurst

Utility Operator I or II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$30.35 - $46.27/hr

Depending on experience, the position ranges from entry-level to skilled, with responsibilities ... Potable Water System Operations * Performs and assists in routine operations and maintenance of ...

New

City of Elmhurst, IL

Utility Operator I or II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$30.35 - $46.27/hr

Depending on experience, the position ranges from entry-level to skilled, with responsibilities ... Potable Water System Operations * Performs and assists in routine operations and maintenance of ...

WSP

Chemical Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

... water, and land resources. Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that ... entry-level technical assistance on various environmental, design, and construction issues.

Xylem

Assembler - Manufacturing

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$22.20 - $24.70/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

Xylem

Assembler

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$22.20 - $24.70/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

Xylem

Assembler

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$22.20 - $24.70/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

Xylem

Assembler

Morton Grove, IL

$27.75 - $30.88/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

Xylem

Assembler

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$27.75 - $30.88/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

Xylem

Assembler - Hiring Now

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$22.20 - $24.70/hr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Previous experience in assembly, production or mechanical work preferred, but entry level ...

TopSide Marinas

Marine Technician I

Waukegan, IL · On-site

... TC1) is an entry-level technician role designed to build foundational marina and mechanical ... Ability to work comfortably around water * Ability to work in tight spaces * Ability to work at ...

TopSide Marinas

Marine Technician I

Waukegan, IL · On-site

... TC1) is an entry-level technician role designed to build foundational marina and mechanical ... Ability to work comfortably around water * Ability to work in tight spaces * Ability to work at ...

TopSide Marinas

Marine Technician I

Waukegan, IL · On-site

... TC1) is an entry-level technician role designed to build foundational marina and mechanical ... Ability to work comfortably around water * Ability to work in tight spaces * Ability to work at ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Resource JobsEntry Level Water Resource JobsEntry Level Water Resource Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Water Resource information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.1K

$89.4K

$146.8K

How much do entry level water resource jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource in Chicago, IL is $89,413.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $113,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level water resource?

Entry level water resource jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the water resources field, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, hydrology, or a related discipline. These roles typically involve tasks such as data collection, environmental monitoring, assisting with water quality analysis, and supporting senior staff in project planning or regulatory compliance. Entry level professionals may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, helping to manage and protect water supplies, assess environmental impacts, and develop sustainable water management solutions.

What types of projects does an entry level water resource professional work on?

As an Entry Level Water Resource professional, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as watershed analysis, stormwater management design, environmental impact assessments, and hydraulic modeling. These projects often involve data collection in the field, report preparation, and assisting senior engineers or scientists with technical analyses. Working on diverse projects helps you develop a broad skill set and gain exposure to industry-standard tools and regulations. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams also provides valuable learning opportunities and can accelerate your professional growth within the water resources field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level water resource professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resource professional, you need a background in environmental science, civil engineering, or hydrology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrologic modeling tools (such as HEC-HMS or SWMM), and data analysis platforms is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this field. These competencies ensure accurate data interpretation, effective project collaboration, and the delivery of sustainable water management solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Resource vs Entry Level Water Quality Technician?

AspectEntry Level Water ResourceEntry Level Water Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Science, Civil or Water Resources EngineeringBachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or Biology
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data collection, analysis, and planningLaboratory testing, field sampling, data recording
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizationsWater treatment plants, environmental labs, regulatory agencies

Entry Level Water Resource roles focus on planning, managing, and protecting water systems, often involving fieldwork and data analysis. In contrast, Entry Level Water Quality Technicians primarily perform laboratory testing and sampling to ensure water safety and compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

How to get into entry level water resource management?

To enter water resource management at an entry level, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, hydrology, civil engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in data analysis and GIS software, and obtaining relevant certifications like the Water Resources Professional (WRP) can improve job prospects.

What degree is needed to be an entry level water resource?

An entry-level water resource position typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, civil engineering, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of water management, environmental regulations, and proficiency with GIS or modeling tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resource jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Water Resource jobs near you

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL

Trilon Group
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Trilon Groupexternal

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
When it rains, it drains. If you're an engineer that understands the importance of protecting the quality of our water, the environment, and the communities we live in, then your goals align with ours, and we would love to speak with you. Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer.
The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design Engineer independently applies, plans, designs, directs, organizes, executes, and recommends hydrologic and hydraulic improvements for North Carolina DOT and municipal roadway improvement projects.  Assignments may include a diverse variety of drainage-related tasks such as stormwater management, roadway pipe drainage systems, roadway ditch drainage systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and erosion and sediment control.

Your Primary Responsibilities will include
  • Provide hydrologic and hydraulics analyses and design for transportation improvement projects in North Carolina.
  • Prepare construction details, plans, specifications, and estimates including detailed engineering calculations for roadway drainage systems.
  • Collaborate with clients, sub-consultants partners, technical staff, and managers across multiple disciplines to develop quality deliverables within schedule and budgetary requirements.
  • Direct and mentor lower-level support staff.
  • Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including collection and analysis of data; performing routine calculations, and participating in evaluating the feasibility of alternate solutions.

What you'll need
  • Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited university in Civil Engineering.
  • Successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant and progressive drainage design experience.
  • NCDOT hydraulic design experience.
  • Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control design experience.
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, GEOPAK Drainage, HEC-RAS, and GIS.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of applicable NCDOT hydraulic design standards, FEMA requirements, and NCDEQ regulations.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment.


DRMP Offers
  • Excellent compensation package
  • Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match 
  • Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks)
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental Leave
  • Competitive health and dental insurance premiums 
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options 
  • Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More
DRMP is a multi-discipline firm serving clients in the public, private and industrial sectors in the development of infrastructure for the community-at-large and has been in business since 1977.  DRMP currently employs 500+ professionals in 18 office locations spread strategically across our service areas.  Today, DRMP is ranked among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” in the United States and has received numerous awards locally and nationally for engineering achievements. As we continue to grow, we seek to add talented and motivated engineers to work on exciting projects while maximizing their personal growth potential. DRMP is where talent and a strong work ethic are rewarded by opportunity and advancement in a company poised for unlimited growth.