Water Resource Specialists
Water resource specialists design and carry out programs that address water supply, quality, and regulatory compliance. They work for government agencies, consulting firms, utilities, and environmental organizations, analyzing water systems and developing strategies to meet legal standards and community needs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against water resource specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves analyzing water data, reviewing regulatory requirements, and coordinating with stakeholders. A specialist might spend time in the field collecting samples or inspecting infrastructure, then return to the office to prepare reports, model scenarios, or draft policy recommendations. Meetings with agency staff, engineers, and community representatives help shape implementation plans.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to investigating problems systematically and working with concrete, measurable systems. You prefer hands-on technical work backed by evidence, and you're comfortable with the regulatory framework that governs water management.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $214,550 | $267,290 | $321,770 | 10,590 |
| Connecticut | $170,560 | $210,670 | $259,720 | 1,190 |
| California | $167,630 | $210,230 | $304,380 | 14,950 |
| New Jersey | $169,560 | $207,030 | $281,510 | 10,040 |
| Washington | $142,130 | $182,480 | $223,260 | 2,490 |
| North Carolina | $134,460 | $173,870 | $216,510 | 6,010 |
| Maryland | $141,530 | $168,620 | $200,510 | 4,820 |
| Illinois | $115,190 | $159,670 | $208,440 | 2,810 |
| District of Columbia | $126,730 | $156,730 | $185,220 | 1,540 |
| Kansas | $121,590 | $153,820 | $190,420 | 240 |
| Colorado | $121,090 | $152,730 | $210,340 | 1,640 |
| Virginia | $110,300 | $150,570 | $185,220 | 1,470 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Water Specialist (CWS) — Water Quality Association
- Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Water Lab Analyst Class I — Water Professionals International
- Certified Natural Resources Professional (CNRP) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Certified Water Technologist (CWT) — Association of Water Technologies
- Certified Landscape Water Managers (CLWM) — Irrigation Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against water resource specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9121.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.