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Water Resource Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/water resource engineering or related discipline (master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience) * 8-11 years of stormwater, water quality, and ...

Remain current in latest water resource engineering techniques. * Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct ...

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/water resource engineering or related discipline (master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience) * 8-11 years of stormwater, water quality, and ...

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/water resource engineering or related discipline (master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience) * 8-11 years of stormwater, water quality, and ...

Water Resources Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$94K - $120K/yr

... resource engineering projects focused on hydraulic and hydrologic systems, navigation, flood risk reduction, and site improvement projects for clients nationally and globally. We are seeking ...

Water Resources Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$94K - $120K/yr

... resource engineering projects focused on hydraulic and hydrologic systems, navigation, flood risk reduction, and site improvement projects for clients nationally and globally. We are seeking ...

Remain current in latest water resource engineering techniques. * Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct ...

Water Resources Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

... resource engineering projects focused on hydraulic and hydrologic systems, navigation, flood risk reduction, and site improvement projects for clients nationally and globally. We are seeking ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Resource Engineering information

See salary details

$29K

$93.9K

$133.5K

How much do water resource engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,893 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

VHB

Providence, RI • Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


VHB rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION 

Water Resources Engineer / Project Manager | Providence, RI | Hybrid

VHB’s Water Resources group is growing across New England, and we're looking for aProject Manager/ Water Resources Engineer to join its dynamic team. In this hybrid position you will assist our clients with developing strategic, cost-effective, and forward-thinking solutions to their water resources, ecological restoration, transportation, and environmental challenges. You will have an opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from site to watershed scale. Projects may include stormwater designs, bridge hydraulics and scour, stream restorations, flood mitigation and management, and coastal resiliency. 

Responsibilities 

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams to provide innovative hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality solutions.
  • Conduct and/or lead staff in conducting comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic studies, detailed reports, design plans, construction documents, and specifications that address water resources needs for a wide array of projects.
  • Partner with VHB’s integrated team to evaluate permit requirements and prepare applications for approvals.
  • Mentor and support team members, expanding their technical expertise and fostering collaborative learning.
  • Identify both short-term deadlines, deliverables, and tasks as well as long-term client goals
  • Track budgets, schedules, staff availability, and ensure internal and external intermediate and final deadlines are met
  • Assist with identifying and pursuing new clients and leverage existing relationships to continue to provide valuable services to VHB's existing clients
  • Lead business development including proposal, scope and fee development.

Skills And Abilities 

  • Superior project management skills on water resource projects 
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills 
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized 
  • Superior ability to collaboratively problem-solve with stakeholders, clients, and teammates 
  • Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (e.g. HydroCAD, HEC-RAS, etc.) and design (e.g. stormwater control measures, culverts, flood control and resiliency solutions, etc.)
  • Experience preparing design plans & specifications, and preparing technical reports
  • An understanding of local, state, and federal technical requirements related to water resources projects

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental/water resource engineering or related discipline (master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience)
  • 8-11 years of stormwater, water quality, and/or regulatory experience, including project management 
  • PE licensure 
  • AutoCAD and GIS experience strongly desired
  • The ideal location for this role would in the Providence, RI ; but for a well-qualified candidate, other office locations in New England could be possible.

Building what’s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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