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Watershed Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

... watershed management projects for public agencies throughout Colorado. Working alongside senior engineers and project managers, you will develop engineering solutions using advanced modeling tools ...

... watershed management projects for public agencies throughout Colorado. Working alongside senior engineers and project managers, you will develop engineering solutions using advanced modeling tools ...

New

Project Engineer

Arvada, CO ยท On-site

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

... watershed management projects for public agencies throughout Colorado. Working alongside senior engineers and project managers, you will develop engineering solutions using advanced modeling tools ...

Project Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$66 - $82/hr

... watershed management projects for public agencies throughout Colorado. Working alongside senior engineers and project managers, you will develop engineering solutions using advanced modeling tools ...

Project Engineer

Arvada, CO ยท On-site

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

... watershed management projects for public agencies throughout Colorado. Working alongside senior engineers and project managers, you will develop engineering solutions using advanced modeling tools ...

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Showing results 1-20

Watershed Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$65.9K

$119.3K

How much do watershed manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed manager in Colorado is $65,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,300.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watershed manager?

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 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.

How much does a watershed manager make?

A watershed manager's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles can earn higher salaries, especially with certifications in environmental management or hydrology.

What are popular job titles related to Watershed Manager jobs in Colorado?

For Watershed Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Watershed Manager jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Watershed Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Watershed Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,889 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Water Resources Project Manager - Technical Manager

Jobtailor

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

  • Cultivate and maintain client relationships
  • Lead project pursuits by developing proposals and interviews
  • Lead, assign, and review team work
  • Check work and progress and identify scope changes and additional services
  • Mentor and develop staff
  • Develop and oversee project budgets and schedules
  • Provide technical direction, support, and strategic planning
  • Support watershed assessments, watershed planning studies, stormwater/drainage master plans, storm drainage design, river restoration, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, floodplain mapping studies, and post-flood recovery
  • Support stormwater, floodplain development, and wetland permit applications
  • Support construction plans, specifications, and construction management
  • Develop trusted adviser relationships with key clients
  • Lead market awareness through professional associations, technical articles, conferences, and boards
  • Participate in strategic positioning for major surface water project opportunities
  • Manage client relationships and guide application of Water practice services
  • Ensure successful contracting and project execution with regional staff and office leadership
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Fundamental understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater design.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license or the ability to obtain one
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ownership and accountability for quality deliverables
  • Ability to be flexible and have self-initiative
  • Basic knowledge of industry standard computer software, including AutoCAD/MicroStation, ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro, HEC-RAS, and SRH 2D
  • Experience preparing engineering-related calculations and analyses, analyzing data in spreadsheets and programming tools, and preparing visual aids
  • Experience preparing plans and specifications for storm water systems and stream channel restoration design projects
  • Strong track record of executing projects and overseeing successful delivery of diverse surface water projects for City, County, and State agencies
  • Demonstrated supervisor and mentoring skills
  • Strong proposal writing and presentation skills
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as exceptional organizational skills
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater design, with a strong focus on project management, client relationship cultivation, and team leadership. Proficient in developing project budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables while ensuring quality and compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License
  • Hydrology and Hydraulics Expertise
  • Project Management and Execution
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Proposal Writing and Presentation Skills
Hard Skills
  • Stormwater Design
  • Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling
  • Engineering Calculations and Analyses
  • Plans and Specifications Preparation
  • Project Budgeting and Scheduling
Soft Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Mentoring and Supervising
  • Organizational Skills
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Self-Initiative
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License or Eligibility
Industry Keywords
  • Watershed Assessments
  • Floodplain Mapping
  • Stormwater Management
  • Construction Management
  • Surface Water Projects
Tools & Technologies
  • AutoCAD
  • MicroStation
  • ArcMap
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • HEC-RAS
  • SRH 2D
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