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Water Resource Engineering Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO · 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 ...

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 ...

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 · 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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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 1, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineering job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,730 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer- Boulder, CO

FutureRecruit

Boulder, CO • Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Water Resources Engineer- Full-Time
Location: Boulder, CO, 80301
Seeking a water resources engineer with 5 to 10 years of experience to assist with multiple water resources projects. The successful candidate will have experience in water resource engineering, including surface water modeling, Colorado water rights, knowledge of groundwater principles and modeling, and water quality fieldwork and analysis. Technical proficiency with Excel and an understanding of the Colorado water rights system is required.
 
This is a full-time position at offices located in Boulder, Colorado. We support a flexible work schedule, including the potential for remote work one or two days a week. Full-time in-office orientation and training, as well as project and client meetings, will be expected before remote work options are available.
 
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work with licensed professional engineer staff and assist with any of the following:
o Water rights engineering
o Water rights applications
o Historical consumptive use analyses
o Water accounting development
o Augmentation plan development
o Alternatives analyses
o Support on expert opinion disclosures
o Litigation support
o Water rights opposition work
o Water allocation modeling
o Development and use of water allocation models using various modeling platforms including RiverWare, Excel, MODSIM, StateMod and others
o Development of model scenarios and analysis of model results
o Water rights and operational scenario modeling
o Risk and resiliency modeling, including future conditions under climate change or differing inter-state compact conditions
o Water supply planning
o Water supply planning and management
o Water demand studies
o Potable and non-potable water planning
o Permitting support
o Groundwater resources and conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater
o Water treatment options
o Water supply system operations
o Daily water system operations, both during the work week and for limited hours on weekends as part of a rotating on-call team,

including:
§ Requesting water deliveries from multiple sources at specified times verbally and via e-mail
§ Communicating with water commissioners, ditch riders, clients, and other water rights operators
§ Keeping track of multiple water operations across a large geographic area
§ Sending out daily reports on operations
§ Using Excel to track and follow operations
§ Communicating daily with the rest of the operations and accounting team


o Operational protocol development
o Water accounting management and development
o Water quality field and analysis work
o Field work including water quality sampling and flow measurement
o Analysis of temporal and spatial water quality trends
o Visual representation of water quality results
o Analysis and development of reservoir water quality models
 
Qualifications:
o BS degree required and MS degree preferred, preferable in civil engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources or other related discipline
o 5 to 10 years of experience with Colorado water resources and water rights system, water administration, including close familiarity with Colorado geography and water-related infrastructure
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills
o Strong time management skills
o Advanced Excel skills
o Proficiency with MS Office applications, online databases including Colorado Decision Support System (CDSS), GIS skills, and general IT skills are a plus
o Professional Engineer registration or plans to obtain within one year of being hired.
 
Compensation
o The salary for this position will be based on level of experience but is anticipated to be in
o We support a flexible work schedule, including the potential for remote work one or two days a week.
o In addition to salary, we offers several benefits to employees including:
o Generous and flexible paid-time-off policy and holidays
o Health, dental, disability insurance
o Cell phone
o 401k with employer match and profit-sharing programs

Employment Type: FULL_TIME