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Water Resource Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resource Design Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Water Resource Design Engineer Remote (Candidates must be in Florida or willing to relocate to ... Lead and manage the design of canal, levee systems, and other water flow projects related to ...

Water Resource Engineer

Pensacola, FL

$74K - $102K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resource Engineer

Gainesville, FL

$71K - $97K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resource Engineer

West Palm Beach, FL

$76K - $104K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resource Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

$73K - $100K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resource Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resource Engineer

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Must have experience with data management and technical writing. Must have an Professional Engineer ... Serves as project engineer on water resource related projects * Organizing, scheduling, and ...

Water Resources Engineer

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

A solid foundation in civil engineering principles, particularly related to water resource management, will enable you to create effective solutions for diverse projects. Effective communication ...

Water Resources Engineer

New Britain, PA · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

A solid foundation in civil engineering principles, particularly related to water resource management, will enable you to create effective solutions for diverse projects. Effective communication ...

We are currently seeking a Water Resources Leader to join the RS&H Infrastructure team in Tampa ... Drives operation excellence, including profitability, operational efficiency, resource management ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

... manage their own design and CAD tasks. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of basic hydrology and water resource analysis, and a strong interest in improving these skills ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

... manage their own design and CAD tasks. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of basic hydrology and water resource analysis, and a strong interest in improving these skills ...

Water Resource Area Discipline Lead

Tampa, FL · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Leads the development of a water resources discipline team by recruiting new talent and ... Drives operation excellence, including profitability, operational efficiency, resource management ...

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Water Resource Manager information

See salary details

$29K

$94.2K

$167.5K

How much do water resource manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource manager in the United States is $94,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water resource manager do?

A water resource manager oversees the planning, development, and management of water resources to ensure sustainable supply and quality. They analyze data, develop policies, and coordinate with agencies to address water-related issues, often using tools like GIS and requiring relevant certifications. Their work involves environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to support communities and ecosystems.

What is the highest salary for water treatment?

The highest salaries for water resource managers involved in water treatment can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or managerial responsibilities. Salaries vary based on location, organization size, and level of expertise, with senior roles often offering higher compensation.

How to become a water resource manager?

To become a water resource manager, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field is required, often supplemented by a master's degree for advanced roles. Relevant skills include knowledge of water systems, environmental regulations, and data analysis, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Water Professional can enhance job prospects.

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.

Are water resource specialists in demand?

Water resource specialists are in high demand due to increasing concerns over water management, climate change, and sustainable development. They often work in government agencies, consulting firms, or environmental organizations, and require skills in data analysis, environmental science, and regulatory compliance. Job growth in this field is expected to be steady as water issues become more critical globally.

What are some common challenges Water Resource Managers face 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.
More about Water Resource Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Resource Manager jobs? Cities with the most Water Resource Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource jobs? The most popular types of Water Resource jobs are:
What states have the most Water Resource Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Resource Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Resource Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,168 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Water Resources Engineer III / IV

Water Resources Engineer III / IV

SGM

Glenwood Springs, CO

$89K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Variety. Close client relationships. Projects with lasting impact.

Colorado lifestyle. Supportive, collaborative teams. If this describes your ideal job environment, then SGM is the place for you.

As the largest civil engineering firm on the Western Slope of Colorado, our clients have come to appreciate the large-firm resources we can deliver with small-firm, personalized service. We have and seek great people, and invest our time, energy, and resources to make our local communities great places to live. SGM is seeking a Water Resources Engineer III or IV to reside in the Grand Junction, or Glenwood Springs, Colorado office.

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 and other SGM disciplines to ensure timely execution of other civil, drinking water, and wastewater projects, as needed. Work could include project planning to collect various types of water resources and water rights data in the field or managing junior staff to inform project outcomes. This position will also be responsible for processing data and interpreting the results to guide and inform project outcomes; developing or directing ArcGIS mapping; preparing technical reports summarizing project findings; and managing projects ranging in size from $5,000 - $500,000.

Work could also entail writing proposals, designing data collection programs, providing regulatory permitting support, conducting water rights analysis, supporting the planning, development, and adjudication of groundwater and surface water supplies, overseeing project construction, supporting project assets management, and writing grant applications and/or providing project financial planning input to clients. The overarching expectations for this position are to plan, develop, and manage projects of all sizes with limited external direction. This position will also have responsibilities with winning new work with existing or new clients and supporting existing work with clients through responsive service, experience, expertise, presence, and valued opinions.

This position may be responsible for mentoring and directing work of, and may supervise, junior staff members. Demonstrated leadership in one or more areas of business development, client service management, or technical specialization is also an essential aspect of succeeding in this position. Some travel within Colorado may be required to support project execution.

SGM offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, vision coverage, employer paid STD/LTD/Life, HSA/FSA plans, 401k employer match, parental leave, vacation & sick leave, 8 paid holidays, and incentive compensation bonuses. Benefits may be prorated for part-time employees. This position will be posted until filled but no sooner than two days from now.

**Listed salary range is based on a 40-hour work week. Job Duties: Support the technical needs and execution of projects associated with SGM's water resource services including water supply planning and development, groundwater and surface water development, and water quality needs Manage projects, budgets, and client relationships, and provide quality control review, for projects such as the following: Technical support for Water Court applications (SWSPs, Augmentation Plans, etc.) Water supply planning studies Hydrologic and water rights yield investigations Stream depletion analyses such as crop consumptive use, net depletions, and evaluation of potential injury to other water users Water budget models for discrete systems and for river basin modeling Assist clients in identifying, understanding, and solving problems Work with water rights attorneys and state water officials and have knowledge of Colorado water rights and water resource management to obtain permits and decrees for clients Work with municipalities and special districts to support in water resources management and planning Independently plan and implement tasks to support complex hydrology investigations Develop and maintain client relationships and trust Communicate effectively with SGM teams and clients Complete necessary documentation including peer review of reports, memos, client correspondence and other items Serve as a technical lead for field investigations, data collection and analysis Mentor and guide junior staff on project tasks Salary DOE: Engineer III: 4-10 years $89,600-$115,600 Engineer IV: 8-15 years $105,400-$131,3004+ years of experience in water resource consulting and management including watershed management, water supply planning, floodplain and hydrology modeling, water rights, and water quality services Bachelor's degree required and Master's degree preferred, ideally in engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources, or other related science discipline Demonstrated knowledge of Colorado water rights and water resource management, including local, state, and federal drinking water, wastewater, ground and surface water rules and regulations A strong technical understanding of the principles of hydrology and ability to independently plan and conduct complex hydrology investigations Strong technical written and verbal communication skills Demonstrates initiative to meet task deliverables and to learn new skills and software relevant to projects Ability to communicate with staff including project leadership and communication of client needs Ability to meet and interact with a wide variety of people Leadership abilities and capable of working on a team Project planning and management experience is preferred including water resource management, regulatory permitting, project construction, project assets management, grant applications and/or project financial planning Experience with permitting and Clean Water Act compliance is preferred but not essential Familiarity with CDSS tools and Hydrobase, StateCU, IDS AWAS, Glover Analyses, AutoCAD Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, EPA SWMM, HY-8, FlowMaster, StormCAD, Hydraflow, and ArcGIS/ArcMap Proficient with Microsoft Excel, including tracking, sorting, filtering, and manipulating complex datasets; using high level formulas to concisely summarize data (VLOOKUP, SUMIF, etc.); creating user-friendly tables and charts to visually display complex data Licensed Professional Engineer, preferably in Colorado Valid Driver's License4+ years of experience in water resource consulting and management including watershed management, water supply planning, floodplain and hydrology modeling, water rights, and water quality services Bachelor's degree required and Master's degree preferred, ideally in engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources, or other related science discipline Demonstrated knowledge of Colorado water rights and water resource management, including local, state, and federal drinking water, wastewater, ground and surface water rules and regulations A strong technical understanding of the principles of hydrology and ability to independently plan and conduct complex hydrology investigations Strong technical written and verbal communication skills Demonstrates initiative to meet task deliverables and to learn new skills and software relevant to projects Ability to communicate with staff including project leadership and communication of client needs Ability to meet and interact with a wide variety of people Leadership abilities and capable of working on a team Project planning and management experience is preferred including water resource management, regulatory permitting, project construction, project assets management, grant applications and/or project financial planning Experience with permitting and Clean Water Act compliance is preferred but not essential Familiarity with CDSS tools and Hydrobase, StateCU, IDS AWAS, Glover Analyses, AutoCAD Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, EPA SWMM, HY-8, FlowMaster, StormCAD, Hydraflow, and ArcGIS/ArcMap Proficient with Microsoft Excel, including tracking, sorting, filtering, and manipulating complex datasets; using high level formulas to concisely summarize data (VLOOKUP, SUMIF, etc.); creating user-friendly tables and charts to visually display complex data Licensed Professional Engineer, preferably in Colorado Valid Driver's License