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Watershed Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trilon

Watershed Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

Support watershed planning, stormwater, drainage, and water resources engineering projects from concept through construction * Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for watershed studies ...

Waggoner

Watershed Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

$70K - $90K/yr

Support watershed planning, stormwater, drainage, and water resources engineering projects from concept through construction * Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for watershed studies ...

Trilon Group

Watershed Engineer

Jackson, MS · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Support watershed planning, stormwater, drainage, and water resources engineering projects from concept through construction * Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for watershed studies ...

Trilon Group

Watershed Engineer

Jackson, MS · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Support watershed planning, stormwater, drainage, and water resources engineering projects from concept through construction * Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for watershed studies ...

City of Redmond

Senior Planner

Redmond, WA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead long-range watershed planning and community engagement. Collaborate with stakeholders on Redmond's Storm and Surface Water Systems Plan (SSWSP) development to prioritize flood prevention ...

City of Redmond, WA

Senior Planner

Redmond, WA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define, scope, and manage watershed and stormwater basin planning projects-including watershed prioritization, BMP selection, and rehabilitation strategies from Redmond's Watershed Plan. * Draft ...

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Watershed Planning information

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$56K

$102K

$155.5K

How much do watershed planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed planning in the United States is $102,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is watershed planning?

Watershed planning is the process of developing and implementing strategies to manage water resources, land use, and environmental impacts within a specific watershed area. It involves assessing the current conditions of the watershed, identifying sources of pollution or degradation, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create a plan that supports both environmental health and community needs. Effective watershed planning helps protect water quality, reduce flooding, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. These efforts often include public education, restoration projects, and policy recommendations to guide future development.

What are some common challenges faced when collaborating with stakeholders in watershed planning projects?

Collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders—including local governments, community groups, environmental agencies, and private landowners—can present challenges such as balancing competing interests, addressing conflicting priorities, and ensuring clear communication. Watershed planners often need to facilitate consensus-building and mediate between groups with different goals or concerns. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for developing practical, sustainable watershed management plans and typically involves regular meetings, workshops, and transparent data sharing.

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

To thrive as a Watershed Planner, you need expertise in environmental science, hydrology, GIS mapping, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with watershed modeling software, geographic information systems (GIS), and regulatory frameworks is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and stakeholder communication skills help you build consensus and implement effective plans. These skills are crucial for developing sustainable watershed management strategies that balance environmental, social, and regulatory needs.

What is the difference between Watershed Planning vs Hydrologist?

AspectWatershed PlanningHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Geology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, planning meetings, environmental assessmentsField measurements, data analysis, modeling
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, NGOsResearch institutions, government agencies, consulting firms

Watershed Planning focuses on developing strategies to manage and protect entire watersheds, involving planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Hydrologists primarily analyze water movement, distribution, and quality through scientific research and data modeling. While both roles work within environmental and water resource sectors, Watershed Planners emphasize planning and coordination, whereas Hydrologists focus on scientific analysis and data interpretation.

More about Watershed Planning jobs

What cities are hiring for Watershed Planning jobs?

Cities with the most Watershed Planning job openings:

What states have the most Watershed Planning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Watershed Planning jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Watershed Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Watershed Planning jobs are:

Watershed Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watershed Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,002 per year, or $49 per hour.

Research Assistant/Associate (Watershed Planning)

Auburn University

Auburn University, AL • On-site

$35K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
This is a one-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
The individual selected for this position will serve as the lead author and technical coordinator for watershed planning projects focused on agricultural water management, watershed protection, drought resilience, and natural resource conservation. The position supports watershed planning efforts conducted in collaboration with USDA-NRCS, state conservation agencies, local watershed sponsors, and multidisciplinary technical teams. The successful candidate will lead the development of watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related planning documents. This position requires exceptional technical writing skills and the ability to synthesize information from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and agency partners into comprehensive planning products.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as lead author for watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and planning documents.
  • Coordinate technical input from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and other subject matter experts.
  • Develop and evaluate watershed management alternatives and implementation strategies.
  • Integrate technical analyses into cohesive planning documents.
  • Coordinate technical reviews and revisions.
  • Prepare responses to agency comments and review findings.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA-NRCS planning requirements and applicable environmental regulations.
  • Prepare presentations, reports, and supporting materials for agency and stakeholder review.
  • Communicate technical information to diverse audiences including agencies, conservation organizations, producers, and the public.
  • Support development of proposals, scopes of work, and project reports.

Qualifications
Research Assistant:
Level I:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.

Level II:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.

Level III:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.

Research Associate:
Level I:
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.

Level II:
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.

Level III:
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
  • Experience with watershed planning, agricultural water management, natural resource planning, or environmental consulting.
  • Experience preparing environmental assessments, watershed plans, or similar planning documents.
  • Familiarity with USDA-NRCS programs and planning procedures.
  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams.
  • Knowledge of hydrology, ecology, conservation planning, or environmental policy.
  • Experience with GIS products and spatial data interpretation.
  • Experience presenting technical information to stakeholders and agency personnel.

Contract Type
Limited Term
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
  • Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date
7/7/2026

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