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Water Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Mechanicsburg, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Valley Forge, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Philadelphia, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer - Modeler

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Team in Richmond, VA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Richmond, VA office. Joining the water resources ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Mechanicsburg, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. Joining the ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer - Modeler

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Team in Richmond, VA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Richmond, VA office. Joining the water resources ...

GFT.

Water Planning Engineer - Modeler

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Team in Richmond, VA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Richmond, VA office. Joining the water resources ...

HDR

Water Planner/Management Analyst

Raleigh, NC

Perform detailed data analysis across a variety of water planning projects, including GIS-based ... spatial analyses (ArcGIS Pro), Microsoft Excel-based analyses, and the use of other tools. Analyze ...

HDR

Water Planner/Management Analyst

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... integrated planning and master planning, asset management, strategic planning, operations ... The Water Planner/Management Analyst will work under the guidance of project managers and senior ...

City of Mesa

Water Resources Planning Advisor

Mesa, AZ

$100K - $144K/yr

A Water Resources Planning Advisor is a professional classification assisting in developing high-level policy advice; performing administrative work in maintaining an active liaison with all ...

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$103.2K

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How much do water planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for water planning in the United States is $103,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Water Planning professionals face when developing sustainable resource management strategies?

Water Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing competing demands from agricultural, industrial, and residential stakeholders while ensuring environmental sustainability. They must navigate regulatory requirements, address climate variability, and anticipate future population growth. Effective communication and collaboration with engineers, policymakers, and community members are essential to develop and implement viable solutions. Staying current with technological advancements and data analysis tools also plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

What is water planning?

Water planning is the process of evaluating, managing, and allocating water resources to meet current and future needs for people, agriculture, industry, and the environment. It involves assessing water availability, forecasting demand, developing strategies for conservation, and ensuring supply reliability during droughts or emergencies. Water planners work with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to create sustainable plans that balance competing demands while protecting natural ecosystems.

What is the difference between Water Planning vs Water Resources Engineer?

AspectWater PlanningWater Resources Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; often requires certification in water managementBachelor's or Master's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, urban planning departmentsEngineering firms, government agencies, research institutions
Industry UsageFocuses on developing water management plans, policy, and sustainable water use strategiesDesigns and analyzes water systems, infrastructure projects, and hydraulic models

Water Planning and Water Resources Engineer roles overlap in water management and engineering principles. While Water Planning emphasizes developing strategies and policies for sustainable water use, Water Resources Engineers focus on designing and analyzing water infrastructure. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within the same industry sectors, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Planning professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Water Planning, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in water resource management. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), water modeling software, and regulatory frameworks is critical. Strong analytical thinking, stakeholder communication, and project management skills help you navigate complex planning processes and coordinate diverse interests. These abilities are essential for developing sustainable water strategies and ensuring compliance with environmental policies.
More about Water Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Planning jobs? Cities with the most Water Planning job openings:
What states have the most Water Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Planning jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Planning jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Planning jobs are:
Water Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Planning job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Water Planning Engineer / Modeler

GFT.

Mechanicsburg, PA • Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

GFT is seeking a Water Planning Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our PA offices! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office. 

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What you'll be challenged to do:

As a Water Planning Engineer, you will be involved in the hydraulic modeling, planning, and design of water and wastewater collection systems, with an emphasis on addressing complex issues related to pumping and transmission, storage, source of supply, and treatment.

 In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 
  • Conducts strategic planning studies for improving various water/wastewater systems.
  • Plans, coordinates, and directs hydraulic modeling analysis and design on multiple projects with complex features
  • Analyzes system performance data and maintain asset management plans
  • Analyzes water source, treatment, pumping, and collection/distribution, and storage to conduct system capacity evaluations
  • Interacts with project clients to understand their needs and requirements
  • Provides technical input and review of project deliverables
  • Supports scope, budgets, and proposal preparation

What you will bring to our firm:

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in hydraulic analysis and design related to water and wastewater systems
  • Experience with hydraulic modeling software such as WaterCAD/WaterGEMS, InfoWater, Hammer, or similar
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to prepare and deliver client presentations

What we prefer you to bring:

  • Registered PE or ability to obtain with six months
  • Experience as model manager and/or water planner
 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits: 
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives 

 

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law. 

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Valley Forge, PACore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location #LI-KV1#LI-hybridEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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