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Water Resources Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Decisions and innovations developed in this office impact state and federal policy for water resources management. This position offers the successful candidate the opportunity for professional ...

Water Resources Director

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Stormwater management * Floodplain management A strong candidate for this role must be competent in performing water resources engineering work and demonstrate a broad knowledge of hydrologic ...

Water Resources Specialist

Westminster, CO ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Collection, management, and interpretation of large-scale datasets * GIS Support : Conducting ... Experience with water resource modeling platforms (e.g. water rights point flow models, MODFLOW ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Set up design drawing sheets and manage CAD files for individual projects; * Perform hydrologic ... We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Set up design drawing sheets and manage CAD files for individual projects; * Perform hydrologic ... We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities ...

Project Manager, Water Resources Water and Environment Jobs with David Evans and Associates: At David Evans and Associates, Inc., our Water and Environment team excels in managing complex whole ...

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Water Resources Manager information

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$27.5K

$81.7K

$137.5K

How much do water resources manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resources manager in the United States is $81,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $116,500.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Water Resources Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Water Resources Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resources jobs?

The most popular types of Water Resources jobs are:

What states have the most Water Resources Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Resources Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Resources Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,677 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer III/IV

Sgm Inc

Grand Junction, CO โ€ข On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

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 asset 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 for 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.

Salary DOE:

Engineer III: 4-10 years $89,600-$115,600

Engineer IV: 8-15 years $105,400-$131,300

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


Job Requirements:

  • 4+ 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

As an equal opportunity employer, SGM realizes that a diverse group of employees will bring a broader range of ideas and a stronger vision to the world of engineering, consulting, and surveying. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law. CDOT Non-Discrimination in Employment Notice