Water Resource Specialist

Also called: Community Resource Consultant, Environmental Resource Specialist, Hydrotechnical Specialist, Hydrotechnician, Power Supply Engineer

Water Resource Specialist

Varies

estimated salary

Water resource specialists design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

 

 

  • Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
  • Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
  • Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
  • Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
  • Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
  • Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
  • Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
  • Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
  • Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
  • Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
  • Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
  • Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
  • Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
  • Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
  • Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
  • Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
  • Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
  • Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.
  • Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
  • Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
  • Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 91% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 72% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 53% responded "Very important".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded "Some freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 41% responded "A lot of freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Supervise workers performing environmentally sustainable activities.
  • Evaluate environmental or sustainability projects.
  • Negotiate contracts for environmental remediation, green energy, or renewable resources.
  • Test green technologies or processes.
  • Compile operational data.
  • Compile operational data.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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