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Water Resource Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resource Specialist

Farmington, NM · On-site

$69K - $108K/yr

Water Resource Specialist (POSITION LEVEL SHALL BE DETERMINED BY SELECTED APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS ... Works with and directs engineering consultants and City purchasing staff in preparation and award ...

Water Resource Specialist

Farmington, NM · On-site

$69K - $108K/yr

Water Resource Specialist (POSITION LEVEL SHALL BE DETERMINED BY SELECTED APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS ... Works with and directs engineering consultants and City purchasing staff in preparation and award ...

Water Resource Engineer

Norwood, MA · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Experience with project management, construction phase engineering experience and regulatory ... Our Water Resources Engineers work on a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to ...

Junior Water Resource Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Performing technical analyses and supporting the development of civil engineering design documents for water resources management, water supply, water conveyance, water storage, stormwater, and ...

Junior Water Resource Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Performing technical analyses and supporting the development of civil engineering design documents for water resources management, water supply, water conveyance, water storage, stormwater, and ...

Junior Water Resource Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$89K - $122K/yr

Performing technical analyses and supporting the development of civil engineering design documents for water resources management, water supply, water conveyance, water storage, stormwater, and ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

In addition to performing civil design tasks, this candidate will work closely with senior staff and be mentored in the areas of hydrology and hydraulic modeling, water resource engineering ...

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Water Resource Engineering information

See salary details

$29K

$93.9K

$133.5K

How much do water resource engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineering in the United States is $93,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water resource engineering?

Water resource engineering is a branch of civil engineering focused on the management and distribution of water resources. It involves designing, planning, and implementing systems to control water for various uses, including drinking water supply, irrigation, flood control, and wastewater treatment. Water resource engineers work on projects such as dams, levees, canals, and stormwater systems to ensure safe and efficient water use while protecting the environment. Their work is critical in addressing issues like water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable development.

What do you do as a water resources engineer?

A water resources engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water. They analyze water data, use modeling tools, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to support sustainable water management. The role often requires knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and environmental engineering, along with relevant certifications.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior water resource engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in consulting firms or managerial positions. High compensation often correlates with specialized skills, project management responsibilities, and working in high-demand regions or industries.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior water resource engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in hydrology, modeling, and project management can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in consulting firms or managerial roles. High salaries are often associated with leadership positions, large-scale projects, or working in regions with high demand for water infrastructure expertise.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain executive-level engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or industries with high profit margins.

What are some typical challenges faced by water resource engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Water resource engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing competing demands for water between agricultural, industrial, and municipal users, while ensuring environmental sustainability. They must also navigate complex regulatory requirements and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental groups, and community members. Additionally, adapting designs to changing climate patterns and unpredictable weather events can require creative problem-solving and flexibility. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including hydrologists, environmental scientists, and urban planners, is essential to developing effective and sustainable solutions.

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

AspectWater Resource EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Water Resources, Civil, or Environmental Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed engineers
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control, hydrology projects, often in specialized agencies or consulting firmsBroad construction projects, infrastructure, transportation, and water systems in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental firms, consulting companies focused on water systemsConstruction firms, government agencies, private sector infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Water Resource Engineering focuses specifically on water systems, hydrology, and flood control, while Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Water Resource Engineers specialize in water-related projects within the civil engineering field.

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

To thrive as a Water Resource Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, often supported by a relevant degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Proficiency with technical tools such as GIS software, hydraulic modeling (e.g., HEC-RAS), and CAD systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing complex environmental challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing sustainable water solutions and ensuring public safety in water infrastructure projects.
More about Water Resource Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Resource Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Water Resource Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Water Resource Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Resource Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,893 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

$74K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 438 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design is currently seeking a Project Engineer to join our Water team in Tampa, FL! Our Water Discipline is growing, and we have exciting projects to engage motivated engineers who enjoy working on a variety of projects on or near the water.

Water is the most plentiful, yet critical resource on the planet. Our water resources professionals specialize in critical practice areas, understand watershed dynamics and offer an extensive range of water resource planning and design experience, flood risk management, dam safety and environmental compliance. Our holistic approach to water resources projects ensures the best outcome for our clients and the ecosystem.  

As a recognized national leader in the design of waterway structures, we handle projects from initial investigation and concept design, through final design and construction services. By applying our extensive knowledge and experience, we believe our engineers, scientists and planners can build a more sustainable world through design while protecting our most valuable resource and delivering cost-effective solutions that meet our clients’ goals.


Responsibilities
  • Design and evaluate waterway structures, locks, dams, dam safety, hydropower, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and waterfront facility design and rehabilitation projects.
  • Select hydrologic approach and modeling tools, set up and solve surface water hydrology problems.
  • Select hydraulic approach and modeling tools, set up and solve open channel and closed conduit hydraulic problems for dams, levee systems, conduits, local flood protection project features, stormwater facilities, ecosystem restoration, and waterfront projects.
  • Conduct safety and condition inspection surveys for condition evaluation or in support of design efforts – investigate variables, obtain measurements, photographs, videos, and take notes; write reports.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures, using own judgement to make adaptations and modifications to existing designs.
  • Help prepare construction documents (plans and specifications).
  • Lead and mentor junior staff to further develop their understanding of water resources engineering analyses, design, and construction.
  • Develop work scopes, technical proposals, and manage the hydrologic and hydraulic design aspects of projects.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required with specialization in hydraulic/hydrologic, water resources or environmental; master's degree is preferred.
  • 5+ years of water resource engineering experience is required. 
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification and on the path towards licensure is highly preferred. 
  • Familiarity with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMMM, ArcGIS and SITES is preferred.
  • USACE, NEPA, Civil Works, and permitting experience is also highly preferred.
  • Keen interest and passion in application of hydrology and hydraulics to the field of water resources engineering.
  • Desire to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Specific H&H project or school experience a plus.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required with specialization in hydraulic/hydrologic, water resources or environmental; master's degree is preferred.
  • 5+ years of water resource engineering experience is required. 
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification and on the path towards licensure is highly preferred. 
  • Familiarity with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMMM, ArcGIS and SITES is preferred.
  • USACE, NEPA, Civil Works, and permitting experience is also highly preferred.
  • Keen interest and passion in application of hydrology and hydraulics to the field of water resources engineering.
  • Desire to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Specific H&H project or school experience a plus.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984