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Water Resource Manager Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Designer 2

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

As part of our team, you will contribute to projects that address critical water management ... water resource projects including irrigation canals, dams, storm drainage systems, stream ...

Water Resources Designer 1

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Are you passionate about water resources engineering and ready to take on meaningful challenges ... Collaborates with supervisor and/or resource manager to plan work time on assignments. Self ...

Water Resources Designer 1

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Are you passionate about water resources engineering and ready to take on meaningful challenges ... Collaborates with supervisor and/or resource manager to plan work time on assignments. Self ...

Water Resources Designer 2

Reno, NV

$78K - $107K/yr

As part of our team, you will contribute to projects that address critical water management ... water resource projects including irrigation canals, dams, storm drainage systems, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

We are seeking a Water Resources Engineer. Description of Responsibilities: * Consult on projects ... Manage the performance of surface water control facility designs, including hydrologic analysis for ...

Water/Wastewater Practice Builder

Reno, NV

$21.75 - $30/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Builder to expand our Water ... Ability to manage and mentor staff and direct resources effectively in a positive manner

Water/Wastewater Practice Builder

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Builder to expand our Water ... Ability to manage and mentor staff and direct resources effectively in a positive manner

Water/Wastewater Practice Builder

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Builder to expand our Water ... Ability to manage and mentor staff and direct resources effectively in a positive manner

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Water Resource Manager information

See Reno, NV salary details

$28.9K

$93.9K

$167K

How much do water resource manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource manager in Reno, NV is $93,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Resource Manager vs Hydrologist?

AspectWater Resource ManagerHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, or related field; often certifications in water managementBachelor's or master's in geology, hydrology, or earth sciences; often professional licensure or certifications in hydrology
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, water utilities; focus on management and policy implementationResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting; focus on scientific analysis and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by water management agencies, environmental organizations, and industries managing water resourcesEmployed by research institutions, government agencies, and environmental firms conducting hydrological studies

While both roles involve water and environmental expertise, Water Resource Managers focus on planning, policy, and managing water systems, whereas Hydrologists specialize in scientific analysis and understanding water processes. The roles often overlap in environmental projects but differ in their primary focus and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges a water resource manager faces when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders?

Water Resource Managers often encounter the challenge of balancing competing demands from agricultural, industrial, municipal, and environmental stakeholders. Ensuring equitable distribution, maintaining water quality, and planning for long-term sustainability require collaboration and clear communication among diverse groups. Managers must also stay updated on regulations, drought conditions, and emerging technologies, which can add complexity to decision-making. Successfully navigating these challenges relies on strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water resource manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Resource Manager, you need expertise in hydrology, environmental science, and resource management, typically supported by a degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, water quality modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and stakeholder communication skills help you excel in coordinating complex projects and negotiating with diverse groups. These skills ensure effective management of water resources, compliance with regulations, and sustainable outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource jobs in Reno, NV? The most popular types of Water Resource jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Water Resource Manager jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Water Resource Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Resource Manager job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,892 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer - Practice Lead

NICHOLS CONSULTING ENGINEERS CHTD

Reno, NV โ€ข On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Water Resources Engineer – PRACTICE Lead

Are you drawn to water and desire to make positive impacts in your local community? NCE has an exciting opportunity to lead our Nevada Water Resource Practice. We are seeking a dynamic Senior Water Resource Engineer, Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist, or Watershed Scientist to lead and grow NCE’s Nevada Water Resources Practice. You will join a talented and diverse interdisciplinary group that supports projects in Nevada and the Sierra Nevada region.

You will be a “leader/seller/doer” who can inspire, manage and guide all aspects of our Water Resource Practice, are innately strategic in your approach, an analytical problem solver, and inherently love the dynamic nature of water resources. You will also be naturally goal oriented, driven to succeed, love to inspire those around you, and thrive in problem solving.

As the lead for Water Resources in Nevada, you will be expected to guide strategic thinking and implementation within the marketplace, guide and mentor staff, recognize and resolve issues, and work closely with the Regional Manager and Firmwide Water Resource Practice Lead to provide a vision for the service.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership for NCE’s Water Resources Practice in Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Region
  • Establish NCE as a go to firm for Water Resources in the region and grow the Practice
  • Drive business development and marketing, project management, staff mentoring and supervision, recruitment, and leadership
  • Develop and nurture a robust client list within Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Region
  • Support integrated project pursuits and delivery by delivering outstanding water resource team technical expertise
  • Identify and pursue new project opportunities through the development of proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates and interviews
  • Develop, manage, and successfully deliver project scopes of work, budgets, and schedules
  • Work closely with colleagues across NCE from other Practice Areas including Environmental and Civil Engineering
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to water resources team members
  • Organize and manage water resources team workloads by distributing and assigning projects and tasks
  • Assemble, review, and evaluate complex data and integrate technical information into project deliverables
  • Develop, lead, and manage water resource assessment, engineering, and management studies
  • Oversee and deliver drainage analysis and hydraulic reports
  • Evaluate surface water hydrology, groundwater, water quality, and water demand data
  • Conducting field investigations and mapping of watersheds, drainage systems, and flood control facilities

Qualifications (Must Have):

  • B.S. in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or Water Resource Engineering or related discipline with 15+ years of experience
  • Strong academic background in water resources, watershed management, hydrology, and/or related coursework
  • Demonstrated ability to drive water resource related business development
  • Experience managing water resource related projects and clients
  • Desire and ability to manage and inspire NCE’s water resource professionals
  • Experience modeling and analyzing watersheds, storm drain systems, or flood control facilities
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare water resources technical studies and reports
  • Working knowledge of California and Nevada drainage and flood control requirements

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

  • Professional registration (P.E., P.G., CPSWQ)
  • Master’s degree in relevant field
  • California and/or Nevada Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain license within 6 months
  • Working knowledge of HEC-RAS (1-D and 2-D) and XP Storm and other common industry software packages
  • Understanding of river mechanics and geomorphic principles
  • Experience applying hydrologic and hydraulic engineering to surface water restoration projects (channels, creeks, rivers)
  • Experience leading LOMR/CLOMR studies, and coordination with FEMA, local agencies, and clients
  • Twenty (20+) years professional consulting experience
  • Experience developing PS&E packages for drainage improvements, including storm drains, detention basins, and creek restoration projects
  • Experience with sediment transport calculations and modeling

Working Conditions: Generally, it requires normal office working conditions. May require field work (e.g., construction equipment and sites, roadway, uneven ground, river/stream banks, crossing drainages, and/or remote locations)

Salary range: $ $140,000 to $180,000 annually, DOE