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Water Resources Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Site Civil Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$95K - $115K/yr

The bulk of the responsibilities will include stormwater management but also site civil grading to ... Perform professional water resources engineering work and analyses relating to stormwater and ...

Americas Region

DMV Water Leader

Washington, DC

Provide project management, senior technical oversight and expertise on projects involving stormwater management, green infrastructure, water infrastructure, water resources planning, flood risk ...

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Water Resources Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$28.6K

$85K

$143K

How much do water resources manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resources manager in Reston, VA is $84,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water resources manager do?

A Water Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and management of water resources to ensure sustainable use and compliance with environmental regulations. They analyze water supply and demand, develop strategies for conservation, and coordinate with government agencies, stakeholders, and the public. Their work often involves assessing the impact of projects on water systems, managing water quality, and preparing for issues like drought or flooding. Water Resources Managers play a critical role in ensuring that communities have access to safe and reliable water supplies while protecting natural ecosystems.

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

To thrive as a Water Resources Manager, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, water modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required, and professional certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) can be advantageous. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring sustainable water resource management, regulatory adherence, and effective collaboration among diverse agencies and communities.

What are some common challenges water resources managers face when coordinating between multiple stakeholders?

Water Resources Managers often navigate complex relationships among government agencies, private organizations, and community groups, each with distinct priorities and regulatory requirements. Balancing the demands for water supply, environmental conservation, and economic interests can be challenging, especially during periods of drought or water scarcity. Successful managers use strong communication and negotiation skills to facilitate collaboration, ensure compliance, and implement sustainable solutions that benefit all parties. Building consensus and maintaining transparency are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Water Resources Manager vs Hydrologist?

AspectWater Resources ManagerHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related field; often certifications in water managementBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Geology, or Earth Sciences; often licensure or certification in hydrology
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, water utilities; project management and policy focusResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting; fieldwork and data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in water resource planning, management, and policy developmentUsed in studying water cycles, modeling, and environmental impact assessments

While both roles involve water and environmental expertise, Water Resources Managers focus on planning, policy, and managing water systems, whereas Hydrologists primarily conduct scientific research and data analysis related to water cycles and environmental impacts.

How do you become a water resources manager?

To become a water resources manager, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, civil engineering, hydrology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining professional certifications, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Water Resources Engineer credential, can enhance career prospects. Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills are also important in this role.

Is water management a good career?

A Water Resources Manager oversees the planning, development, and management of water systems, requiring skills in environmental science, engineering, and policy. It is a stable career with opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and utilities, often involving fieldwork and data analysis. Certification and a relevant degree can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Water Resources Manager jobs in Reston, VA?

For Water Resources Manager jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Resources Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Resources Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Water Resources Manager jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Water Resources Manager job openings:

Water Resources Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Resources Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,973 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Water Resources

Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Short Description
Bowman has an opportunity for a Senior Engineer, Water Resources to join our team remotely.
At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That's why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.
Purpose
Carry out complex hydrologic and hydraulic modeling assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures to address surface water processes, stormwater management, and flood risk analysis. Contribute specialized expertise in watershed-scale and site-scale modeling to support infrastructure evaluation, regulatory compliance, and resilient design solutions.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Direction
  • Receive broad guidance from senior-level management relating to overall key objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters, with flexibility for independent execution of complex modeling tasks.
  • Manage people and processes to ensure effective execution.
  • Review and provide quality assurance for modeling work and technical deliverables produced by staff.

At the Operational and Company Level
  • Assist with the marketing of the firm's capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships with existing clients.
  • Coordinate with other internal departments to meet project requirements.
  • Drive the profitability and growth of projects
  • Support marketing and business development efforts by showcasing modeling and water resources capabilities to new and existing clients.
  • Collaborate with senior engineers, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and design teams on technical issues related to hydrology and hydraulics.

Do the Work
  • Apply advanced and diversified knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic engineering principles across a wide range of project types.
  • Develop, calibrate, and apply 1D and 2D hydrologic/hydraulic models (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS 1D/2D, Flo2D, SRH-2D, TUFLOW, PCSWMM, StormCAD) for rainfall-runoff, channel hydraulics, floodplain delineation, and stormwater infrastructure evaluation.
  • Conduct watershed-scale and site-scale analyses, including hydrologic parameter calibration (CN, infiltration, lag time, baseflow) using gage records, LiDAR, and soil datasets.
  • Generate and refine 2D computational meshes, break lines, and boundary conditions; conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate flood depth, velocity, and scour potential.
  • Prepare CLOMR/LOMR packages and coordinate with FEMA and regulatory agencies for floodplain mapping, compliance, and permitting.
  • Integrate GIS and scripting tools (ArcGIS/QGIS) with hydrologic/hydraulic models for terrain processing, land cover classification, and spatial data analysis.
  • Apply statistical hydrology techniques such as Bulletin 17C frequency analysis, NOAA Atlas 14 precipitation studies, and regional regression equations.
  • Provide design input for stormwater BMPs, detention/retention systems, and green infrastructure with a focus on hydrologic/hydraulic performance.
  • Prepare technical memoranda, hydrographs, reports, and model documentation for agency and client submittals.
  • Communicate complex modeling results to multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and regulators, and provide defensible recommendations.

Success Metrics and Competencies
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
  • Ability to effectively participate as part of a project team.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
  • High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.
  • High level of motivation and a problem-solving attitude.
  • Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
  • Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.
  • Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work and attention to detail.
  • Commitment to becoming a "citizen" of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
  • Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
  • Outstanding client management skills.
  • Commitment to driving profitability and growth.
  • Ability to be a self-starter with strong marketing/business development skills.
  • Focus on improving return on investment.
  • Basic understanding of financial reports and metrics.
  • Data analysis and interpretation skills.
  • A proven track record of innovation, leadership and creativity.
  • Strong project management and communication skills.
  • Proven marketing and business development skills.
  • Ability to collaborate and team well across offices and be able to facilitate agreements
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical concepts for diverse audiences.
  • High motivation, strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering quality, defensible results.
  • Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects and priorities.
  • Commitment to fostering client trust and enhancing the company's reputation for technical excellence.
  • Dedication to professional growth and mentoring of junior staff.

Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, or Civil/Environmental Engineering with a focus on surface water processes required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • Eight or more (8+) years of professional experience applying 1D and 2D hydrologic/hydraulic models to complex watershed and site-scale projects.
  • Advanced experience with HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (1D/2D), and other modeling platforms (Flo2D, SRH-2D, TUFLOW, PCSWMM, StormCAD).
  • Proficiency in hydrologic parameter development and calibration using gage data, LiDAR, and soils datasets.
  • Strong GIS integration skills with QGIS/ArcGIS for terrain processing, land cover, and model inputs.
  • Experience with CLOMR/LOMR preparation and coordination with FEMA.
  • Knowledge of stormwater BMP design, detention/retention, and green infrastructure analysis.
  • Familiarity with statistical hydrology, including Bulletin 17C, NOAA Atlas 14, and regional regression approaches.
  • Experience preparing technical reports and compliance documentation for local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Projects).

About Bowman
Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We're committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.
A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.
Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $108,000 - $138,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
  • Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.
Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements.
  • Primarily an indoor professional office environment with occasional outdoor work requiring exposure to weather and jobsite conditions.
  • Ability to move around office and construction environments, including walking, bending, climbing, and wearing appropriate PPE.
  • Frequent use of office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
  • Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 20 pounds.

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Job Description Disclaimer
Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.
Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruiting@bowman.com.

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