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Water Rights Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salt River Project

College Intern - Water Rights

Tempe, AZ · Hybrid

$31K - $36K/yr

Support and develop Power BI and Power Apps solutions (or similar data/automation tools relevant to Water Rights) * Assist with data tracking, mapping support, and records management for water rights ...

Intera

Water Resources Specialist

Westminster, CO · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Water Rights Support : All aspects of water rights, including but not limited to augmentation plans, changes of water rights, historical consumptive use analyses, and water rights due diligence

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$34

How much do water rights jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water rights in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water rights?

Water rights are legal entitlements that allow individuals, organizations, or governments to use a certain amount of water from a specific source, such as a river, stream, or groundwater. These rights determine who can access water, for what purposes (like irrigation, municipal use, or industrial activities), and under what conditions. Water rights can be complex and vary widely by region, often governed by state and local laws. In many places, water rights can be bought, sold, or leased, making them valuable assets. Understanding water rights is essential for anyone involved in agriculture, real estate, or industries that depend on water resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Rights Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Rights Specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, or law, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with water allocation regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, water modeling tools, and legal research databases is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for navigating complex regulations, resolving disputes, and ensuring sustainable and legal water resource management.

What is the difference between Water Rights vs Water Rights Technician?

AspectWater RightsWater Rights Technician
CredentialsLegal, environmental, or water resource certifications; often requires a degree in law, environmental science, or related fieldsTechnical certifications; often requires training in water management, GIS, or surveying
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, government agencies, or water resource departmentsFieldwork, surveying sites, data collection, and analysis
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law firms, environmental consultanciesWater agencies, environmental firms, consulting companies

Water Rights professionals focus on legal and regulatory aspects of water access and usage, while Water Rights Technicians support these efforts through technical data collection and fieldwork. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their focus and required skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water rights management?

Professionals in water rights management often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks, balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders (including agricultural, municipal, and environmental interests), and resolving disputes over water allocation. The role frequently requires negotiating between parties, interpreting legal documents, and staying current with state and federal water laws. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to analyze hydrological and legal data to support informed decision-making.
More about Water Rights jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Rights jobs? Cities with the most Water Rights job openings:
What states have the most Water Rights jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Rights jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Rights jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Rights jobs are:
Water Rights jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Rights job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE)

Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE)

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Keizer, OR

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

AKS Engineering & Forestry is seeking a Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE) to support water rights and water resources services for land development and infrastructure projects. This position plays a key role in researching, analyzing, and supporting water right permitting, transfers, compliance, and due diligence activities for public and private clients.

What You'll Do
  • Conduct detailed research and evaluation of surface water and groundwater rights using state records, maps, databases, and historical documentation.
  • Prepare water rights summaries, ownership evaluations, use confirmations, and legal descriptions.
  • Analyze water right validity, priority dates, beneficial use, points of diversion, places of use, and associated conditions.
  • Identify potential risks, constraints, and opportunities related to water rights
  • Prepare applications for surface water, ground water, and storage rights
  • Prepare claims of beneficial use
  • Prepare transfer applications
  • Support multidisciplinary project teams by integrating water rights considerations into project planning, land use entitlements, and infrastructure design.
  • Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership to project teams.
  • Support business development through client relationships and proposals (as your experience allows).
Who You Are
  • Obtained certification as a Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE)
  • 5+ years of professional experience working with water rights, water resources, or regulatory permitting.
  • Strong knowledge of surface water and groundwater rights in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Experience working with state water rights databases, records, and mapping tools.
  • Excellent communicator and collaborator who enjoys working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Committed to mentoring others and developing talent from within.
  • You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.
Nice To Have
  • Experience supporting land development or infrastructure projects.
  • Familiarity with Oregon, Washington and/or Idaho water rights regulations and agency processes.
  • Experience preparing exhibits, GIS maps, or spatial analysis related to water rights.
  • Experience working in a consulting environment with multiple concurrent projects.

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