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Water Resources Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Water Resources Planning Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$128K - $188K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freese and Nichols is seeking an experienced Senior Water Resources Planning Engineer to join our growing team in either our Denver or Loveland, Colorado office to support and help grow our Colorado ...

Senior Water Resources Planning Engineer

Loveland, CO · On-site +1

$128K - $188K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freese and Nichols is seeking an experienced Senior Water Resources Planning Engineer to join our growing team in either our Denver or Loveland, Colorado office to support and help grow our Colorado ...

Water Resources Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$84K - $115K/yr

We work within multi-disciplinary teams on projects related to water resources planning, flood hazard and consequence analysis, H&H modeling, and H&H in support of civil design. Project types will ...

Water Resources Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

We work within multi-disciplinary teams on projects related to water resources planning, flood hazard and consequence analysis, H&H modeling, and H&H in support of civil design. Project types will ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

... planning and design, technical writing, green infrastructure feasibility analysis, and ... We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities ...

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

... planning and design, technical writing, green infrastructure feasibility analysis, and ... We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities ...

... planning and design, technical writing, green infrastructure feasibility analysis, and ... We also have a long history of being a trusted resource for multiple large public water utilities ...

Water Resources Planning- Practice Lead

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Providing engineering services related to water resources planning, permitting, water availability modeling, water rights, and environmental flow studies. * Specialties: surface water hydrology ...

Water Resources Planning- Practice Lead

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Providing engineering services related to water resources planning, permitting, water availability modeling, water rights, and environmental flow studies. * Specialties: surface water hydrology ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Resources Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$69.6K

$113K

How much do water resources planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resources planner in the United States is $69,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water resources planner?

Water Resources Planners are professionals who develop strategies and plans for the management, allocation, and conservation of water resources. They work with government agencies, engineering firms, and other organizations to ensure sustainable water use for communities, agriculture, industry, and the environment. Their responsibilities often include analyzing water supply and demand, assessing environmental impacts, and coordinating with stakeholders to balance competing needs. Water Resources Planners play a crucial role in addressing issues such as drought, flooding, water pollution, and the effects of climate change.

How does a water resources planner typically collaborate with engineers and environmental scientists on projects?

Water Resources Planners often work closely with civil engineers, hydrologists, and environmental scientists to develop comprehensive water management strategies. Planners are responsible for integrating technical data, regulatory requirements, and community needs into project proposals and long-term plans. Collaboration usually involves regular team meetings, joint field assessments, and coordinated review of impact studies to ensure that proposed solutions are both practical and sustainable. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as planners frequently act as a bridge between technical experts and stakeholders such as government agencies and the public.

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

To thrive as a Water Resources Planner, you need a background in environmental science, hydrology, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrologic modeling tools, and regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and conveying technical information. These skills ensure sustainable water management, regulatory compliance, and successful coordination of complex water resource projects.

What is the difference between Water Resources Planner vs Hydrologist?

AspectWater Resources PlannerHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or related field; often requires GIS and planning certificationsBachelor's or master's degree in hydrology, geology, or related field; often requires specialized hydrologic modeling skills
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations; focus on planning and managementResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting; focus on studying water systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in water management, urban planning, environmental policyUsed in water research, environmental assessment, natural resource management

While both roles involve water systems, Water Resources Planners focus on developing strategies for sustainable water use and management, often working on projects and policies. Hydrologists primarily study water movement and distribution through scientific research. Both careers require related educational backgrounds and often collaborate in water resource projects.

More about Water Resources Planner jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Water Resources Planner jobs?

The top employers for Water Resources Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Water Resources Planner jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Water Resources Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,591 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Project Water Resources Engineer/Planner

GEI Consultants, Inc

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

$82 - $112/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


GEI Consultants 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

GEI is expanding its Sacramento Office. We seek an outstanding, dedicated professional with a background in water resources planning, climate change adaptation planning, conducting climate change analyses and developing data-centric applications for hydrology, infrastructure resilience, and other planning applications to augment our existing climate services group. GEI is a privately held, mid-sized, award-winning consulting firm with over 50 offices throughout the United States and Canada.

We are seeking a new team member and future leader to join the Integrated Water Management Group in our Sacramento office. We are looking for an individual with a passion for solving complex, multi-disciplinary problems and excels at communicating these solutions. This position will provide opportunities to contribute to a broad range of water resources planning and management projects.

Responsibilities will include tasks related to:

  • Lead project tasks with a team of knowledgeable registered civil engineers and flood management professionals.
  • Preparation of various water resources planning documents including Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Flood Protection Plans, Implementation Plans, Integrated Regional Water Management Plans, feasibility studies, Drought Contingency Plans, Emergency Action Plans, and others related flood and water conveyance infrastructure.
  • Support for clients pursing grant funding opportunities such as USBR Grants, DWR-based grant programs, and others.
  • Interpretation and synthesis of complex water resources modeling results.
  • Technical analysis related to flood system evaluation, floodplain-based flood system maintenance and operations, water supply and demand estimates and projections.
  • Collaborate with other team members, including structural engineers, and surveyors, to ensure design coherence.
  • Assist in preparation of proposals to provide professional services and assist in preparation of presentations and proposals to clients and regulators.
  • Support Project Managers by tracking budgets, client communications, and deliverables.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team of motivated professionals committed to delivering high quality and effective products to our clients across California.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or water resources related field is required; M.S. is desirable
  • EIT, professional registration is desirable.
  • 0-5 years of previous professional experience in water resources planning and experience with civil/geotechnical engineering and consulting; knowledge and familiarity with engineering design processes.
  • Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
  • Excellent computer skills with technical analysis software, CAD, MS Office, MS Project, PowerPoint, and other computer applications, GIS experience strongly preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career sitehere .

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $82,000.00 – $112,000.00/year
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

Sedentary

X

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

X

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

X

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

X

Carrying objects

X

Push/pull

X

Twisting

X

X

Reaching forward

X

Reaching overhead

X

X

X

X

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

X

Taste or smell (taste=never)

X

Talk or hear

X

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

Other (exposure risks):

8

X

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.

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