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Water Rights Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Water Rights information

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$14

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How much do water rights jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Water Rights job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Water Resource Specialist

City of Farmington

Farmington, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


City Of Farmington (New Mexico) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB OPENINGCITY OF FARMINGTONJOB POSITION #124: Water Resource Specialist(POSITION LEVEL SHALL BE DETERMINED BY SELECTED APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS)NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Community Works/Water AdministrationWORK LOCATION: West Annex, 805 Municipal Drive (2nd Floor)TYPE OF POSITION: Regular/Full-Time PAY CLASS/HIRING RANGE: Water Resource Specialist "L" $53,347.42 - $82,997.82/AnnuallyWater Resource Specialist (EIT) "M" $58,018.48 - $90,159.47/AnnuallyWater Resource Specialist (PE) "O" $69,572.67 - $108,191.62/AnnuallyDAYS WORKED: Monday – Friday HOURS WORKED: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED: Until FilledJOB DUTIESESSENTIAL DUTIES: Works under the supervision of the Water/Wastewater CIP Administrator.Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the City.Works within the Water and Wastewater Utilities Division of the Public Works Department which is responsible for components of the raw water supply system, including but not limited to ditches, pumping stations, storage reservoirs and water rights.Responsible for the development, and yearly review & revision, of the City's 40-Year Water Plan. The 40-Year Water Plan inventories and documents water rights and current usage of water resources and develops projections of water demands over a 40-year planning period. This review and revision will align with the strategic goals of the City of Farmington.Responsible for the development of a Water Conservation Plan for the City of Farmington's Water Utility System. The Water Conservation Plan inventories and documents current conservation policies and practices and identifies and recommends future appropriate conservation measures, policies, and practices along with strategies for implementation of those recommendations.Administer and maintain the water rights portfolio, ensuring compliance with New Mexico state statutes, regulations, and reporting requirements while protecting the organization's water rights assets.Performs technical research in regard to capital improvement projects or as requested from other departments.Assists in preparing plans, designs, and directs construction of public works improvement projects, including streets, sewer, water, storm or irrigation systems & is expected to be able to complete tasks with little to no supervision and will supervise other staff as assigned.Coordinates and oversees design of projects performed by consulting engineering firms under contract with the City. Works with and directs engineering consultants and City purchasing staff in preparation and award of bids and contracts, including the facilitation of pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.Responsible for performing inspections, designs, plans, maps, profiles and preparation of specifications under the supervision of the Water/Wastewater CIP Administrator.Determines applicable codes, regulations, and requirements for assigned projects. Performs technical research and economic analyses and write technical solutions in regard to capital improvement projects as requested from other departments.Communicates with the Water/Wastewater Administrator to keep them informed of the division's progress and activities and any significant contacts with the public and the media. Communicates with the Public Works Director through the Division Administrator.Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:May serve on various employee committees, as required and assigned.May supervise interns or temporary employees as assigned.Being New Mexico Certified Flood Plain Manager is a plus.Reviews plats for compliance with codes and standards and recommends proposed changes to the project engineer.Reviews building permits for drainage and infrastructure concerns.The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.QUALIFICATIONSThis position is subject to the City of Farmington's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy which includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing.Extensive background checks required.Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, water resource engineering, hydrology or closely related field and two (2) years experience in the planning, development, conservation, administration, and management of surface water resource; or a Master's degree in civil engineering, water resource engineering, hydrology or closely related field may be substituted for two years of the experience requirement.Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.Comprehensive knowledge of water rights laws and regulations pertaining to surface water resource development, administration and management. Considerable knowledge of State of New Mexico Environment Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and permit requirements and interstate stream compacts and applicable U.S. and New Mexico Supreme Court decrees.Knowledge of mathematics (area calculations), hydrology (flow and volume calculations), land surveying principles and techniques (legal descriptions), aerial photography and map interpretation and geographic information systems. Skill in performing specialized engineering investigations, writing technical reports, and general correspondence.Skill in performing specialized engineering investigations.Extensive skills in writing technical reports and general correspondence.Working knowledge of personal computers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and modeling techniques.Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with supervisors, employees and general public on matters related to water resource issues. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City personnel and the public. Skill in maintaining positive public relations while responding to realistic concerns under stressful circumstances.Ability to work under stress and handle stressful situations.Ability to meet deadlines.Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions.Water Resource Specialist – (L) – (EXEMPT)At this position level, graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, water resource engineering, hydrology, or a closely related field is required. There this a strong preference for a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited college or university. Upon successful completion of passing the fundamental of engineering exam and earning certification from the State of New Mexico as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) will qualify the employee for the Water Resource Specialist (EIT) position, at the (M) pay grade. Water Resource Specialist (EIT) – (M) – (EXEMPT)At this position level, an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate is required. An EIT through the State of New Mexico is strongly preferred. Must acquire EIT certificate through the State of New Mexico within 2 years. Upon successful completion of passing the professional engineering exam and earning licensure from the State of New Mexico as a Professional Engineer (PE) will qualify the employee for the Water Resource Specialist (PE) position, at the (O) pay grade. Water Resource Specialist (PE) – (O) – (EXEMPT)At this level, registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required. A PE through the State of New Mexico is strongly preferred. Must acquire PE license through the State of New Mexico within 2 yearsTOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:Calculator, telephone, radio, fax and copy machine, computer (desktop and laptop) and applicable software packages, motor vehicles.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and frequently walk; use hands to handle, or operate tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear.The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The work environment is generally in a quiet office setting. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V
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