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Entry Level Water Resource Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Water Resource information

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$35K

$86.8K

$142.5K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource in the United States is $86,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Water Resource professional, and why are they important?

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 types of projects can an Entry Level Water Resource professional expect to work on, and how do these projects contribute to their professional development?

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 are entry level water resource jobs?

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 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.

More about Entry Level Water Resource jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Water Resource jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Water Resource job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource jobs? The most popular types of Water Resource jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Water Resource jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Water Resource jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,796 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Early Professional, Water Resources Engineering

Early Professional, Water Resources Engineering

WSP

Virginia Beach, VA

$70.20K - $96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

WSP is seeking a dedicated Early Career Water Resources Engineer for its Virginia Beach, VA office. The selected candidate will participate in projects with the VA Water Team, contributing to an expanding organization that addresses client objectives and provides effective solutions to unique coastal challenges.  Through our projects, you'll have the opportunity to participate in flood mitigation strategies, design green infrastructure, and support community resilience to climate change. The dynamic nature of our work means every project presents unique technical challenges and the chance to make a tangible difference by preserving water quality and preventing environmental degradation. Joining our team means being at the forefront of stormwater innovation, where your contributions help shape a healthier, more sustainable world.

This Opportunity

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the analysis, development, and design of processes and infrastructure relating to stormwater facilities, culverts, hydrology, open channel hydraulics, roadway drainage, bridge hydraulics, floodplain modeling/mapping, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, river/stream/habitat restoration, pollution control and treatment, and preserving the quality of the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of water resources.

Your Impact

  • Work collaboratively as part of a multi-discipline team of engineers to execute project work.

  • Assist with performing basic professional water resources engineering work relating to stormwater management, water quality, stormwater facilities, culverts, hydrology, open channel hydraulics, bridge hydraulics, floodplain modeling/mapping, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, river/stream/habitat restoration, pollution control and treatment, and preserving the quality of the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of water resources.

  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site, providing entry-level technical assistance on various stormwater and environmental issues.

  • Utilize computer-aided design (CADD) software to develop design plans. Use of Bentley, Autodesk, and ArcGIS software is expected.

  • Complete training on assigned tasks.

  • Regularly coordinate and communicate with project teams and supervisor. Attend and participate in project team meetings.

  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with a focus in Water Resources or closely related discipline.

  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.

  • Familiarity with the concepts of professional water resources engineering work relating to stormwater management, water quality, and drainage design.

  • Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.

  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.

  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.

  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.

  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Engineer in Training (E.I.T) Certification.

  • Prior internship related to civil and/or water resources engineering.

  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, SWMM, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, MicroStation, Power GEOPAK, OpenRoads Designer).

  • A member of and/or actively participates in local professional practice organizations.

    #LI-MF1
     

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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