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Water Planning Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

HDR is looking for a Project Manager to join our Water Resources team in North Carolina. In this ... Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and supervising the work of medium to large ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

$69K - $95K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation Practice in our ... quality planning, environmental and engineering design solutions to our clients. Each day, we ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation ... quality planning, environmental and engineering design solutions to our clients. Each day, we ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation ... quality planning, environmental and engineering design solutions to our clients. Each day, we ...

HDR is looking for a Project Manager to join our Water Resources team in North Carolina. In this ... Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and supervising the work of medium to large ...

Planning and Development Manager Orange Water and Sewer Authority OWASA is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join our Engineering team. This position conducts special projects and long ...

Lead and support the planning and process evaluation of potable water treatment processes, including intakes and raw water pump stations, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, disinfection ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Planning information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$54.4K

$100.3K

$152.6K

How much do water planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for water planning in Raleigh, NC is $100,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Water Planning jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Water Planning jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Planning job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,337 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Project Manager - Water Resources

HDR

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
 

HDR is looking for a Project Manager to join our Water Resources team in North Carolina. In this role, we'll count on you to:

  • Provide project and task management; conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures
  • Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and supervising the work of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task
  • Serve as project manager on larger projects as needed
  • Prepare proposal, scopes of work and contract fee estimates
  • Take an active role in client management and business development
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field of study
  • 10 years Water Resources experience
  • Experience with HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, PCSWMM, InfoWorks ICM, Storm CAD
  • Experience in water resources planning, stormwater, hydrology/hydraulics and drainage/flood control design
  • Familiarity with DOT drainage design criteria
  • Experience in FEMA studies a plus
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a project team
  • Local candidates are preferred

*LI-SM1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 7 years related experience
  • A minimum 2 years project management experience
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be plus)
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917