What field of study would someone have to do to become a water resource specialist?

Hi Samantha!

To become a water resource specialist, your first step will be to determine if this career is right for you. Are you interested putting your education to use in a lucrative career that allows you to have an impact on the safety and sustainability of our water supply? Are you able to build consensus when communicating your ideas? Are you interested in a career that lets you share ideas and work with professionals from different fields? If you’ve answered yes to all three of theses questions, then a career as a water resource specialist may be well suited for you!

Education Needed to Become a Water Resource Specialist:

To become a water resource specialist, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, hydrology or related field.

Coursework in areas such as hydrology, geoscience, chemistry, environmental science, engineering or water resources will give you excellent background knowledge for this career.

In order to be considered for a job, many employers will require water resource specialist candidates to have at least two years of related work experience as an engineer, hydrologist or geologist.

Success Tip: Working an internship as a student is a great way to gain in-field experience, and get your foot in the door with an organization.

Water Resource Specialist Job Description:

Water resource specialists provide project management on issues or assigned initiatives relating to the water resources of a city or municipality. They coordinate with other local jurisdictions regarding the water resource management program of the city or municipality, which encompasses issues such as surface water runoff, drinking water issues and conservation issues.

Water Resource Specialist Job Duties:

• Direct and implement the city or municipality’s water outreach and education programs

• Develop and implement programs which assist businesses and citizens understand water quality and conservation issues

• Review and provide comments on draft documents

• Develop work plans for regional programs by conferring and negotiating with other jurisdictions

• Become involved with political advisory committees

• Represent the city or municipality in regional water resources planning and response efforts related to water quality protection and enhancement

• Prepare press releases and correspondences to alert public when water related health and safety concerns arise

• Analyze probable cause of water quality problems

Who Hires Water Resource Specialists?

There are a few different types of organizations that are interested in employing the skills, knowledge and competencies of water resource specialists; they may be hired by these organizations on a part-time, full-time, temporary or contract basis, depending on the needs of the employer.

• Federal, provincial/state and municipal governments
• Private water, sewage and sanitary utility services companies (contracted by governments)
• Private research firms
• Environmental and engineering consulting firms

In this link you can have too Job Opportunities in the area:

http://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/geology-careers/how-to-become-a-water-resource-specialist

Best!!!

Hi, you have a great answer above...I would add that a lot of Environment Science/Engineering programs and degrees will have water resource courses and training as well.
Good luck!

Hi!

This looks like an interesting and important area. How did you become interested in it? What attracts you to it? These are important questions to ask yourself.

Since you spend a lot of time at work, it is very important to find a field that will be comfortable and rewarding for you. The goal is to look forward to going to work every day.

A good source of information would be your science teacher. Talk to him/her about your interest and see how he/she feels about it as a field appropriate for your to consider. When in the conversation, see if he/she might be aware of anyone that would be helpful for you to talk with regarding the field. See if you can talk with them and visit them at their place of work to see what they do and where they do it.

Good luck. Let me know how you are doing.