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$56K

$103.2K

$157K

How much do water planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In water planning, high-paying roles such as senior project managers or specialized consultants can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with extensive experience and industry certifications. These positions often require strong technical skills, project management abilities, and knowledge of water systems, but may not require a formal degree if compensated through expertise and proven performance.

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.

How to start a career in water treatment?

To start a career in water treatment, pursue relevant education such as a high school diploma or technical training in environmental science or water technology. Obtain certifications like the Water Treatment Operator license and gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions to develop skills in water systems, safety protocols, and equipment operation.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In the water planning field, traditional roles such as manual water meter readers and certain administrative positions may decline due to automation and digital monitoring technologies. As smart sensors and data analytics become more prevalent, some routine jobs could be phased out, emphasizing the need for skills in data management and technology integration.

Is water management a good career?

Water management is a vital field that involves planning, developing, and maintaining water resources, often requiring skills in environmental science, engineering, and policy. It offers opportunities in public agencies, consulting firms, and utilities, with a focus on sustainability and infrastructure projects. The career can be stable and impactful, especially with relevant certifications and technical expertise.
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
Water Resources Project Manager

Water Resources Project Manager

EKI Environment & Water Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$107K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 hours ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned, full service, engineering and environmental sciences consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States. If you are interested in improving water management strategies and practices, improving the environment and advancing your career, then EKI is the place for you.


The Water Resources Project Manager position reports to the Team Leader (TL) and is responsible for project management and technical oversight of ongoing projects with clients throughout California, Washington and Texas from initial project planning through feasibility analyses, design, implementation, and completion. Projects include Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance and implementation, groundwater basin characterization, water budgets and water accounting frameworks, groundwater-flow and constituent transport modeling, water transfer support, water supply planning, production well design, indirect and direct potable reuse planning, litigation support, and more.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

  • Plan, organize, and manage the development of project deliverables to ensure timely delivery, technical quality, and within budget
  • Oversee development and/or implementation of hydrogeologic conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, well siting, and groundwater recharge studies
  • Interpret technical analysis results and form conclusions
  • Execute multiple concurrent projects efficiently
  • Prepare well-written technical memorandums or reports and studies, including groundwater sustainability plans, water supply assessments, urban water management plans and/or water supply strategies, integrated plans, water transfers, and water conservation programs
  • Prepare effective presentations that communicate complex technical problems in an effective and efficient manner to a broad audience
  • Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the client and external parties
  • Maintain project schedules and budgets, and prepare monthly progress reports
  • Provide quality assurance and quality control on and review of project deliverables
  • Other duties as required


QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field; Master’s degree preferred


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Minimum of four (4) years of experience, with eight (8) or more years desirable, as an engineer, planner, or hydrogeologist for water resources projects
  • Three (3) or more years of project management experience, with knowledge of Ajera, is desirable
  • Master's degree, and Professional Registration, or more than 12 years of demonstrated professional experience where Professional Registration is not available for degree, is desirable
  • Technical knowledge in numerical groundwater modeling (e.g., MODFLOW, IWFM, etc.), water resources planning, data management and visualization, ArcGIS, and technical writing
  • Proficiency with Python or R, and Surfer is preferred
  • Knowledge of California groundwater and water planning regulations, including Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Urban Water Management Planning Act, and/or Senate Bill 610 requirements is preferred
  • OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred but not required


Competencies

  • Must have effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with clients, subconsultants, regulatory agencies, and members of the public as may be necessary to accomplish assigned objectives
  • Must have ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate with various project teams
  • Must have demonstrated time management skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
  • Must have a strong desire to grow personally as well as professionally
  • Must have a great attitude and eager to learn
  • Must have a current valid driver’s license


PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with high-volume workload and frequent short deadlines
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs
  • Must be able to work remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information
  • Must be able to assess the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to travel occasionally, possibly overnight for customer meetings and site visits up to 25% of the time


COMPENSATION

  • The expected base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $150,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance.


As an employee-owned firm, EKI offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience. EKI provides excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, including career advancement opportunities, outstanding training opportunities, incentive compensation including bonuses, retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit-sharing contributions, and group medical, vision, and dental benefits.


EKI Environment & Water, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, marital status, political affiliation, or military service.


NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This description may be amended at any time and employee may be assigned other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

EKI Environment & Water, Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.