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Water Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION Water Resources Engineer / Project Manager | Providence, RI | Hybrid VHB's Water Resources group is growing across New England, and we're looking for aProject Manager/ Water ...

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Water Resources Engineer / Project Manager | Providence, RI | Hybrid VHB's Water Resources group is growing across New England, and we're looking for aProject Manager ...

Water Resources Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Water Resources Engineer / Project Manager | Providence, RI | Hybrid VHB's Water Resources group is growing across New England, and we're looking for a Project Manager ...

Engineering planning, analysis, and design of water resources related systems and infrastructure including stormwater, floodplain, riverine, coastal, roadways, sites, dams, and bridges * Perform ...

Engineering planning, analysis, and design of water resources related systems and infrastructure including stormwater, floodplain, riverine, coastal, roadways, sites, dams, and bridges * Perform ...

Perform technical reviews of water resources technical analysis and design documents * Engineering planning, analysis, and design of water resources related systems and infrastructure including ...

We're currently seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you'll take on complex and impactful projects across New England - helping clients navigate evolving ...

Foth is seeking a Lead Water Resources Engineer with a strong focus on technical delivery. In this role, you will leverage your technical expertise nationwide in the water resources space and your ...

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Water information

See Rhode Island salary details

$34.3K

$85K

$139.6K

How much do water jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for water in Rhode Island is $85,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water jobs?

Water jobs refer to a wide range of careers focused on the management, treatment, distribution, conservation, and protection of water resources. These jobs include roles such as water treatment plant operators, hydrologists, water quality scientists, engineers, and technicians who work to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies. Professionals in this field may work for government agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, or private companies, addressing challenges like water scarcity, pollution, and infrastructure maintenance. Water jobs are essential for public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

What is the difference between Water vs Plumber?

AspectWaterPlumber
Required CredentialsNone specific, basic knowledge of water systemsTrade license or certification, plumbing apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systems, industrial sitesResidential, commercial, industrial plumbing installations and repairs
Industry UsageInvolves managing water supply and qualityFocuses on installing and repairing plumbing systems

While 'Water' refers broadly to water systems and management, a 'Plumber' is a skilled tradesperson specializing in installing and repairing plumbing systems. Both roles are interconnected, but plumbers require specific certifications and work directly with water infrastructure in various settings.

What are some common challenges faced by water treatment plant operators on a daily basis?

Water treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and adapting to fluctuations in water quality due to weather or seasonal changes. They must work closely with maintenance staff and laboratory technicians to troubleshoot issues and ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply. Operators also need to stay updated on evolving technologies and best practices to optimize plant operations and meet environmental standards.

What jobs work in water?

Jobs that work in water include marine biologists, water treatment plant operators, aquarists, commercial divers, and oceanographers. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and safety procedures to work in aquatic environments or with water-related systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water chemistry, mechanical systems, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is crucial for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for monitoring system performance and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water, protect public health, and maintain regulatory compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Water jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Water jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Water job openings:

Infographic showing various Water job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,001 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

VHB

Providence, RI • Hybrid

$79K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


VHB rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

282nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION 

Water Resources Engineer / Project Manager | Providence, RI | Hybrid

VHB’s Water Resources group is growing across New England, and we're looking for aProject Manager/ Water Resources Engineer to join its dynamic team. In this hybrid position you will assist our clients with developing strategic, cost-effective, and forward-thinking solutions to their water resources, ecological restoration, transportation, and environmental challenges. You will have an opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from site to watershed scale. Projects may include stormwater designs, bridge hydraulics and scour, stream restorations, flood mitigation and management, and coastal resiliency. 

Responsibilities 

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams to provide innovative hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality solutions.
  • Conduct and/or lead staff in conducting comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic studies, detailed reports, design plans, construction documents, and specifications that address water resources needs for a wide array of projects.
  • Partner with VHB’s integrated team to evaluate permit requirements and prepare applications for approvals.
  • Mentor and support team members, expanding their technical expertise and fostering collaborative learning.
  • Identify both short-term deadlines, deliverables, and tasks as well as long-term client goals
  • Track budgets, schedules, staff availability, and ensure internal and external intermediate and final deadlines are met
  • Assist with identifying and pursuing new clients and leverage existing relationships to continue to provide valuable services to VHB's existing clients
  • Lead business development including proposal, scope and fee development.

Skills And Abilities 

  • Superior project management skills on water resource projects 
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills 
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized 
  • Superior ability to collaboratively problem-solve with stakeholders, clients, and teammates 
  • Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (e.g. HydroCAD, HEC-RAS, etc.) and design (e.g. stormwater control measures, culverts, flood control and resiliency solutions, etc.)
  • Experience preparing design plans & specifications, and preparing technical reports
  • An understanding of local, state, and federal technical requirements related to water resources projects

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental/water resource engineering or related discipline (master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience)
  • 8-11 years of stormwater, water quality, and/or regulatory experience, including project management 
  • PE licensure 
  • AutoCAD and GIS experience strongly desired
  • The ideal location for this role would in the Providence, RI ; but for a well-qualified candidate, other office locations in New England could be possible.

Building what’s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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