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Watershed Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monitors and manages various environmental and maintenance contracts and agreements pertaining to the watershed (e.g. logging, forestry, archaeology, hay contract, dredging, portable toilets, lawn ...

The role requires knowledge, skills and abilities in land use, wildlife management, outdoor recreation, and watersheds. Principal Responsibilities * Promotes watershed protection through interactions ...

Watershed Engineer

Jackson, MS · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Watershed Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Jackson, MS ... Coordinate with project managers, engineers, planners, and clients to develop practical and ...

The role requires knowledge, skills and abilities in land use, wildlife management, outdoor recreation, and watersheds. Principal Responsibilities * Promotes watershed protection through interactions ...

Coordinate with project managers, engineers, planners, and clients to develop practical and ... Strong understanding of watershed analysis, stormwater management principles, open channel ...

Coordinate with project managers, engineers, planners, and clients to develop practical and ... Strong understanding of watershed analysis, stormwater management principles, open channel ...

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The Watershed Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all watershed maintenance activities within ... Manage work orders and associated workflow of corrective and preventive maintenance activities.

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Plan, manage, and oversee watershed improvement and restoration projects * Conduct and review hydrologic, geomorphic, soils, and geologic analyses * Prepare and review technical reports, studies, and ...

Project Manager I

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Job Summary The Kentucky River Basin Coordinator will coordinate all watershed management activities within the Kentucky River Basin, including working with local stakeholders and relevant Kentucky ...

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Watershed Manager information

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$28.5K

$62.7K

$113.5K

How much do watershed manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed manager in the United States is $62,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Watershed Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watershed Manager, you need expertise in environmental science, hydrology, and resource management, usually supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, water quality monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills help foster collaboration and resolve conflicts. These abilities are vital for effectively managing water resources, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting sustainable watershed health.

What are some common challenges faced by Watershed Managers in coordinating with stakeholders?

Watershed Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, farmers, and environmental groups. A common challenge is balancing the varying interests and priorities of these groups while ensuring the health and sustainability of the watershed. Effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to facilitate collaborative decision-making are crucial in this role. Watershed Managers typically lead meetings, manage outreach programs, and develop consensus-driven management plans to address these challenges.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Watershed managers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; high salaries in environmental management are usually found in executive roles such as chief sustainability officers or senior environmental consultants, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills. Top executives in related industries like energy, finance, or technology are more likely to reach this income level. Salary potential depends on the industry, company size, and geographic location.

What is the difference between Watershed Manager vs Hydrologist?

AspectWatershed ManagerHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; often requires project management experienceBachelor's or master's degree in hydrology, geology, or environmental science; often involves technical certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in watershed areas, collaboration with agencies, community engagementLaboratory and field research, data analysis, modeling
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, non-profitsResearch institutions, government agencies, consulting firms

Watershed Managers focus on managing and protecting water resources through planning and community collaboration, while Hydrologists primarily conduct scientific research and data analysis related to water systems. Both roles require environmental knowledge but differ in their focus on management versus scientific investigation.

What does a watershed manager do?

A watershed manager oversees the protection and restoration of watersheds by managing water quality, land use, and ecological health. They often analyze environmental data, develop conservation plans, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure sustainable water resources. The role may require knowledge of GIS tools and environmental regulations.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Watershed Managers are unlikely to be completely phased out by 2030, but some roles in environmental monitoring and manual data collection may decline due to automation and advanced sensor technology. Jobs that rely heavily on routine fieldwork could be replaced or transformed as remote sensing, GIS tools, and AI become more prevalent in environmental management.

What is a Watershed Manager?

A Watershed Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the health and sustainability of watershed areas, which are regions that drain rainfall and streams into a common outlet like a river or lake. Their work involves monitoring water quality, managing land use, coordinating conservation efforts, and working with stakeholders such as local governments, landowners, and environmental groups. Watershed Managers also develop and implement management plans to prevent pollution, control erosion, and maintain ecosystem balance. They play a crucial role in ensuring clean water resources and protecting natural habitats. This position often requires expertise in environmental science, hydrology, and public policy.

How much do watershed managers make?

Watershed managers typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles with certifications in environmental management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000. The job often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration with environmental agencies.
More about Watershed Manager jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Watershed jobs? The most popular types of Watershed jobs are:
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What states have the most Watershed Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Watershed Manager jobs include:
Watershed Environmental Supervisor

Watershed Environmental Supervisor

WSSC Water

Laurel, MD

$116K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Functional Title Watershed Environmental Supervisor Recruitment Category Type Standard Functional Category Production Grade GS.13 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Requisition Number 26-0240 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Level Supervisory Job Code N/A Job Description Summary Organization Name Systems Control Reports to Section Manager, Watershed Field Full or Part Time Full Time If Part Time how many hours per week Regular or Temporary Regular Position End Date (if temporary) Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Position Location Brookeville
Position Summary Information
General Summary
The Watershed Environmental Supervisorperforms skilled tasks related to the general maintenance, environmental and physical health of WSSC Water's watershed and water reservoirs. This role performs inspections for the protection, and enhancement of natural resources, as well as the management of these resources. This role also Inspects and maintain recreational areas and equipment to meet safety standards, and supervises contracts for various services needed on the watershed.
Essential Functions
  • Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
  • Monitors operation and maintenance of the fish nursery pond including stocking and periodic releases
  • Monitors State fish stocking for the Patuxent Reservoirs including maintenance of fish habitat structures
  • Maintains reforested/afforested areas through pruning, staking, fencing, and sheltering Plantations of seedlings and saplings
  • Oversees planting of seedlings and/or saplings as part of ongoing watershed reforestation efforts
  • Assists in the WSSC Water's Deer Management Program marking hunt areas, transporting hunters and their equipment, collection of harvested deer, and assessing deer impacts
  • Monitors and assists with volunteer efforts on the watershed
  • Monitors and manages various environmental and maintenance contracts and agreements pertaining to the watershed (e.g. logging, forestry, archaeology, hay contract, dredging, portable toilets, lawn care and emergency tree removal)
  • Coordinates with various WSSC Water and other agencies' personnel on a variety of watershed projects
  • Interacts with the Maryland Department of Agriculture on required efforts to control thistle and other noxious weeds on Watershed property
  • Monitors and devises plans to control invasive species on the watershed
  • Responsible for monitoring the maintenance of watershed access roads particularly portions which are utilized as an equestrian/hiking trail (may include the use of heavy equipment, chain saws, etc.)
  • Updates Forestry Management plans and Recreation Area Tree Care Plan
  • Contracts and supervises the application of pesticides and/ or applies pesticides
  • Conducts water quality monitoring tasks on the watershed
  • Provides oversight of daily maintenance activities on the watershed
  • Researches and prepares detailed plans and drawings for projects
  • Conducts monthly checks of all recreational areas for hazardous conditions and makes recommendations to the Watershed Field Section Manager accordingly
  • Keep monthly pesticide inventory and Monitor gasoline/diesel tanks, and order as necessary to maintain adequate levels
  • Operates tainter gates, intake valves, silt valves, and needle valves
  • Handles the process to confiscate and surplus abandoned boats
  • Oversees preventative maintenance and repairs of all watershed equipment (portable and heavy)
Other Functions
  • Assists maintenance crews to include heavy equipment operation, mowing, fence/gate repair, access road maintenance, tree removals, and azalea garden maintenance
  • Represents WSSC Water on various county or State special committees as required
  • Requisitions and purchases tools, materials and parts
  • Participates in various in-house environmental studies
  • Acts in the absence of the Watershed Field Section Manager providing administrative and technical guidance
  • Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Work is performed outdoors and in office environment. This position requires more than 50% of time in the field in order to observe conditions on the watershed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
  • Working knowledge of current forestry, erosion and sediment control, fisheries, wildlife, hunting, and recreation maintenance practices, and boat operation and maintenance
  • Ability to exhibit good judgment during interactions with the public, WSSC Water contractors, and watershed staff
  • Ability to read and interpret contract specifications
  • Ability to function during emergency situations
  • Knowledge of Maryland hunting and trapping and fishing regulations, and general hunting practices and techniques;
  • A general understanding of ecology as related to watershed management
  • Knowledge of methods, materials, and techniques commonly used in public works maintenance operations
  • Ability to effectively instruct subordinates in carrying out unskilled and semiskilled tasks
  • Ability to interpret and accomplish written and verbal instruction and file completion reports on same
  • Working familiarity with equipment (e.g. farm tractors, chainsaws, mulchers, chippers, mowers, cement mixers, backhoes, and bulldozers)
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 7+ years as a Conservation/Natural Resources Inspector or Natural Resources Enforcement Officer
Additional Requirements
  • Meets all requirements for Pesticide License categories 3A, 3C, and 5
  • Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
Preferences
  • Bachelor's degree in a Natural Science
  • Supervisory experience
Salary $76,144 - $129,651
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
WSSC Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
Reasonable Accommodations: WSSC Water provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact us atada@wsscwater.com
Close Date 07/09/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.