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Water Resource Engineering Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

... resource-related projects for our municipal clients and support the work of other divisions within the firm. Duties and Responsibilities: * Provide project engineering and task management on water ...

... resource-related projects for our municipal clients and support the work of other divisions within the firm. Duties and Responsibilities: * Provide project engineering and task management on water ...

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Our ideal candidate will have specialized experience related to hydraulic and hydrologic engineering coupled with strong communication and teamwork skills. Water Resources/Hydraulic Engineer ...

This position will require engineering and technical analytical support for a wide variety of water resource and water rights projects and to maintain strong working relationships with our clients ...

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

The Denver office is Wood's regional center for water resources engineering and is widely recognized as a national leader in water resources modeling and management innovation. Decisions and ...

Mid-Level Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

The Denver office is Wood's regional center for water resources engineering and is widely recognized as a national leader in water resources modeling and management innovation. Decisions and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Resource Engineering information

See Colorado salary details

$30.5K

$98.7K

$140.4K

How much do water resource engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineering in Colorado is $98,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $113,600.00 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 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.

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.

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 systems, flood control, and environmental protection projects, often requiring skills in hydrology, GIS, and sustainable design.

What do you do as a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for water supply, flood control, and environmental protection. They analyze water data, use modeling tools, and ensure compliance with regulations to optimize water use and sustainability. The role often requires knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and environmental engineering principles.

What is the average salary for a water resource engineer in the US?

The average salary for a water resource engineer in the US is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced certifications or specialized skills in hydrology or environmental modeling may earn higher salaries.
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineering job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,730 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Water Resources Engineering Leader

EKI Environment & Water Inc

Arvada, CO โ€ข On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days 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 Colorado Water Resource Engineering Leader position reports to the Regional Director (RD) and is responsible for leading water resource engineering projects with a particular focus on Colorado water rights engineering including; strategic leadership for projects in Colorado, serve as a senior technical resource on water rights and water supply matters, build and maintain key client relationships, and help expand EKI’s presence in the Colorado water community. In addition to technical project delivery and team leadership requirements, the Colorado Water Resource Engineering Leader will be responsible for growing a book of business and developing long-term client relationships in the Colorado and Rocky Mountain region. The role will also support projects and collaboration across the broader Rocky Mountain region and EKI’s national platform.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Lead and grow EKI’s Colorado water rights engineering and related water resources services including;
    • Water supply planning and development,
    • Water budgets and water accounting frameworks,
    • River and stream system supply modeling,
    • Water transfers and strategic supply planning,
    • Water rights valuations,
    • Colorado water rights engineering (yield studies, changes, augmentation plans, accounting etc.); and/or
    • Expert analysis, testimony support, and litigation support.
  • Grow a book of business for water resource engineering and water rights engineering in the Colorado and Rocky Mountain markets
  • Develop long-term relationships with core clients
  • Lead competitive pursuits in collaboration with EKI’s marketing team
  • Develop and manage a team of professionals to execute on the established pipeline of work
  • Support professional development of team members to provide growth opportunities and expand technical capabilities, innovation, and expertise
  • Plan, organize, and manage the development of project deliverables to ensure timely delivery, technical quality, and within budget
  • Interpret technical analysis results and form conclusions
  • Execute multiple concurrent projects efficiently
  • Prepare well-written technical memorandums or reports and studies, including expert reports, 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
  • 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 twelve (12+) years of experience, with eight (8) or more years as a water resource engineering working in Colorado.
  • Expert testimony experience, preferred
  • 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 surface water modeling water balance modeling, water resources planning, data management and visualization, and technical writing
  • Knowledge of Colorado water rights frameworks and administration.

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 conduct work in a manner consistent with EKI’s values – Integrated Solutions, Responsiveness, Ingenuity, Quality, Results.
  • 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


SALARY RANGE

  • The expected base salary range for this position is $160,000 - $190,000 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 for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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.