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Waterways Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patrol county lakes, rivers, and waterways using assigned patrol vessels. * Enforce Michigan marine safety laws, boating regulations, and applicable criminal statutes. * Conduct vessel inspections ...

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Waterways information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do waterways jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterways in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are waterways and what do professionals working with waterways do?

Waterways are bodies of water such as rivers, canals, and channels that are used for transportation, irrigation, drainage, and recreation. Professionals working with waterways may be involved in managing, maintaining, and improving these water routes to ensure safe navigation, control flooding, support ecological health, and facilitate commerce. Their tasks often include monitoring water quality, coordinating dredging operations, designing infrastructure like locks or dams, and enforcing environmental regulations. They may work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private engineering firms.

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

To thrive as a Waterways Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water resource management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and hydraulic modeling tools is essential for designing and analyzing waterway projects. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help coordinate with stakeholders and deliver sustainable solutions. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of water infrastructure.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in waterway management roles?

Professionals in waterway management often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental sustainability with economic and recreational uses of waterways. They may need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and industry partners, to ensure compliance with regulations and address concerns like pollution control, flooding, and habitat preservation. Additionally, responding to unexpected events such as severe weather or infrastructure failures requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Collaboration and clear communication are key aspects of overcoming these challenges and ensuring the effective management of water resources.

What is the difference between Waterways vs Marine Transportation Worker?

AspectWaterwaysMarine Transportation Worker
Required CertificationsMaritime licenses, safety trainingSTCW certification, safety courses
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, canalsShips, ports, docks
Industry UsageNavigation, maintenance of waterwaysOperating vessels, cargo handling

Waterways primarily focus on the navigation and maintenance of inland and coastal waterways, while Marine Transportation Workers operate vessels and handle cargo in maritime settings. Both roles require maritime certifications and involve working in aquatic environments, but their specific duties and work settings differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in the maritime industry.

More about Waterways jobs
What cities are hiring for Waterways jobs? Cities with the most Waterways job openings:
What states have the most Waterways jobs? States with the most job openings for Waterways jobs include:
Infographic showing various Waterways job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

District Waterways Advisory Commission (DWAC)

Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$72K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

TOTAL PUBLIC MEMBERS: 7METHOD OF APPOINTMENT:Appointed by the Mayor with the advise and consent of CouncilLENGTH OF APPOINTMENT:4 years*RESIDENCY:Strong preference for District residency, with representation from all 8 wardsPAID BOARD: No (all roles are voluntary) Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.
*Members appointed by the Mayor shall serve for 4-year staggered terms; provided, that of the members initially appointed under this subsection, 4 of the members shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and 3 for a term of one year.
description

The District Waterways Advisory Commission advises the Office of District Waterways and adopts the Waterways Advisory Plan, which creates a strategic vision for the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, the Washington Channel, and adjacent property.
The Advisory Plan shall include recommendations for:
  1. The orderly, safe, and efficient use of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Washington Channel for boating and recreation
  2. Public and private uses of property and infrastructure adjacent to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Washington Channel
  3. Interagency and regional coordination on issues relevant to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, the Washington Channel, and adjacent property
  4. Environmental conservation and management of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, the Washington Channel, and adjacent property
  5. Strategies for coordinated economic growth on and adjacent to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Washington Channel
  6. Assessments of safety and security risks and needs on and adjacent to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Washington Channel
  7. Identification of transportation gaps on and adjacent to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Washington Channel; and
  8. Opportunities to increase local control of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, the Washington Channel, and adjacent property.
commission membership
The Commission shall be comprised of fourteen (14) voting members appointed as follows.
Seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor with experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • Public safety
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Economic development or tourism
  • Maritime management or policy
  • Athletics and recreation
  • Maritime transportation.

Seven (7) members appointed by the Chairman of the Council as follows:
  • Two (2) Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, each of whose single-member districts borders a waterway, one from east of the Anacostia River and one from west of the Anacostia River
  • Two (2) individuals, each representing a Business Improvement District that borders a waterway, one from east of the Anacostia River and one from west of the Anacostia River
  • Two (2) individuals, each representing a marina or yacht club located in the District; provided, that the individuals do not represent the same marina or yacht club; and
  • An individual with expertise or interest in waterway management.

The government officials who head the following entities, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio non-voting members of the Commission:
  1. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
  2. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ)
  3. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
  4. The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS)
  5. The District Department of Transportation; (DDOT)
  6. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)
  7. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA)
  8. The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (EventsDC)
  9. The Public Service Commission (PSC)
  10. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

The Mayor shall request that each of the following federal agencies appoint a representative as an ex officio non-voting member of the Commission:
  1. The National Park Service (NPS)
  2. The United States Coast Guard (USCG)
  3. The Department of Defense (DOD)
  4. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
  5. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)
time commitment
The Commission shall meet at least once every month until the first Advisory Plan developed pursuant to D.C. Code ยง 8-191.03 is published and at least quarterly thereafter.
If you are interested in an appointment to this commission, please complete the appointment application and attach the required documentation. All applicants will receive an email confirming their application was received. Applications will be screened as they are received. Candidates deemed most suited based on the application will be contacted to schedule further discussion.