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Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

In 2024 Engineering News Record ranked HDR sixth in size of business in the important Water ... Track project budgets, monitor financial performance, and align resources to keep deliverables on ...

In 2024 Engineering News Record ranked HDR sixth in size of business in the important Water ... Track project budgets, monitor financial performance, and align resources to keep deliverables on ...

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Water Resource Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$81.8K

$116.4K

How much do water resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineer in Michigan is $81,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $94,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer is a civil engineer who oversees the construction and implementation of new equipment and systems for a water plant. They are responsible for plant management, new equipment design and maintenance of the various systems that clean and treat our water supplies. They are in charge of virtually every aspect of how a water resource plant functions and they also manage natural resources like underground springs or a well. Their job responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with government regulations and budget management. Additional skills necessary for success include planning, interpersonal and communication skills.

What does a water resource engineer do?

A Water Resource Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources. This includes projects such as water treatment facilities, dams, flood control systems, irrigation networks, and stormwater management. They analyze data on water availability, quality, and distribution to develop sustainable and efficient solutions. Their work helps ensure safe water supply, proper wastewater disposal, and protection against water-related hazards. Water Resource Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

What are some typical collaborative projects a water resource engineer might work on with other professionals?

Water Resource Engineers frequently collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including environmental scientists, civil engineers, urban planners, and government agencies. Common projects involve designing flood control systems, developing sustainable water supply strategies, or restoring wetlands. These projects require effective communication and coordination to balance technical requirements, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations. Working closely with stakeholders ensures that solutions are practical, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water resource engineer, and why are they important?

Water Resource Engineers need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools like HEC-RAS or SWMM, and CAD systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help engineers collaborate with stakeholders and address complex water-related challenges. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and sustainability of water resource projects that protect communities and the environment.

What is the difference between Water Resource Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater Resource EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed civil engineers
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control, water treatment projects, often in environmental or water-focused firmsBroad construction projects including roads, bridges, water systems, and infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in water-related projects within environmental, municipal, or consulting firmsGeneral construction and infrastructure projects across various sectors

Water Resource Engineers focus specifically on water systems, flood management, and water treatment, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their project focus differs significantly.

Are water resource engineers in demand?

Water resource engineers are in demand due to increasing concerns over water management, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as governments and organizations invest in water-related projects and require expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental regulations.

What is the work of a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water, as well as flood control and water conservation projects. They analyze water data, use modeling tools, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to support sustainable water management. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and environmental engineering are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Water Resource Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Water Resource Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,837 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Civil Associate I, Water Resources

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Michael Baker International rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 453 rated engineering


Job description


What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker International is seeking a Water Resources Civil Associate to join our growing Detroit, MI office team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with experienced engineers and project managers on complex transportation and infrastructure projects, including highway improvements, stormwater management systems, flood mitigation studies, and hydraulic structure design. In this role, you will support the team with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, drainage design, field investigation, and technical reporting. This role offers exposure to a wide variety of projects and technical challenges where you will gain hands-on experience to build your technical and professional skills.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for projects
  • Prepare engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and quantity takeoffs
  • Perform site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities
  • Develop 1-D and 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic models to evaluate drainage infrastructure and flood risks
  • Develop technical reports, exhibits, and mapping products
  • Design transportation drainage for complex infrastructure including alternative delivery projects
  • Communicate and coordinate design updates, technical findings, and project information effectively with multidisciplinary project team members

What You Need to Succeed:
  • 0-2 years of water resources engineering experience
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or other engineering discipline with water resources engineering experience
  • Holds a Michigan EIT, or the ability to obtain within six months
  • Must demonstrate excellent speaking, oral and written communication skills

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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