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Water Resource Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

WSP

Site Civil Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Proficient knowledge of water resource engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to environmental permitting and project work-related issues. * Working knowledge ...

WSP

Site Civil Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$95K - $115K/yr

Proficient knowledge of water resource engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to environmental permitting and project work-related issues. * Working knowledge ...

Stantec

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

... staff on a variety of water resource projects. This position will be part of Stantec ... About Stantec Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and ...

Stantec

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

... staff on a variety of water resource projects. This position will be part of Stantec ... About Stantec Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and ...

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All JobsWater Resource Engineering JobsWater Resource Engineering Jobs in Washington

Water Resource Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$32.8K

$106.3K

$151.2K

How much do water resource engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineering in Washington is $106,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $122,300.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Water Resource Engineering jobs in Washington? For Water Resource Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Resource Engineering jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Water Resource Engineering jobs in Washington are:
Water Resource Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineering job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,343 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Water Resource Engineering Intern - FEMA

Wood Plc

Chantilly, VA

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood is currently recruiting for an Water Resource Intern to Join Our Dynamic Water Resources Team in Chantilly, VA (remote).

 

Are you an Engineering Technician who enjoys the technical aspects of environmental and water resources projects?  Are you looking to work with a worldwide company with an established team of professionals? Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions is seeking an engineering intern to work with our water resource team in Florida. We have an excellent career opportunity for an individual with strong technical skills in a team environment.  In this position you will assist in developing technical solutions and preparing design plans for water resource and permitting related projects.

Skills / Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

  • Strong technical skills to help prepare quality products
  • Will undertake technical assignments and specific elements of projects under close supervision of senior engineers
  • Will assist in field sampling
  • Will assist in preparation of construction plans, hydrologic models, technical reports, correspondence, calculations and analysis

Basic / Required Qualifications

  • Working toward BS Degree in water resources engineering
  • 0 - 5 years of related experience
  • Knowledge of environmental issues in Northeast United States
  • Proficiency in using AutoCAD (and familiarity with Civil 3D)
  • Proficiency in using ArcGIS
  • Hydrologic modeling coursework
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to prepare reports and setup spreadsheets
  • Attention to detail
  • Works well in Team environment
  • Must be able to travel locally and out of area when necessary
  • Must pass drug test, background check and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with Wood's driving (MVR) policy
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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