Water and water resources are essential for maintaining adequate food supplies and a productive environment for all living organisms. As human populations and economics continue to grow, global freshwater demand has increased rapidly.
As a water resources engineer, you’re responsible for analyzing and managing water resources to ensure they match your community’s needs. You’ll work on developing treatment plans, pump and supply systems, and other facilities for treating wastewater and limiting its adverse effects on the environment. If you’re interested in starting or expanding a career in this field, keep reading to learn more about how to get started.
Need for water resources engineering in California
There are many reasons for the growing demand for water engineering jobs in the golden state. Some parts of California are considered high-risk flood areas, as seen in early February 2024 when two atmospheric rivers brought extensive flooding. Water engineers are crucial for constructing and maintaining water facilities to plan for future water needs, flood protection, and water issues.
Water resources engineers in California also work on preventing and responding to water-related events, such as diverting water flow during floods. They also work on managing water supply reliability, droughts, protecting lives and property, ensuring public safety during emergencies, and restoring habitats. Water resources engineers also help create and maintain environments that are used for recreational activities like boating, swimming, fishing, and more.
Skills and certification
Many job openings in water resources engineering require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree; however, it’s still possible to land a job without a degree. Candidates with enough experience in the field and the right skill set can also be considered for roles in water resources engineering.
You may also be required to complete an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) certified training program to gain your license. Other certifications that can help advance your career are the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Engineer in Training (EIT) exams.
Below are a few skills and knowledge areas that will help you excel at the job:
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Water treatment knowledge
- Background in environmental studies, engineering, earth sciences, or geology
- Water related modeling and/or software skills (e.g., AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS)
- Problem-solving
- Knowledge of Hydrology / Hydrogeology
- Developing and implementing awareness programs
- Experience with feasibility studies
Companies hiring water resources engineers in California
Rick Engineering
Rick Engineering was founded sixty-five years ago and has its headquarters in San Diego, California. They’re committed to building resilient infrastructure and stable communities through innovative design and sustainable practices. They’re an engineering, planning, and design company that uses collaboration, expertise, and innovation to complete several successful projects.
Some of the services include:
- Urban drainage and flood control
- Hydrology and hydraulics
- Stormwater program management
- FEMA floodplain compliance
- Drainage and stormwater master planning
Water Resources Engineering, Inc. (WRE)
WRE was founded in 1989 and has its headquarters in San Diego, California. The company provides engineering services, including planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining water structures and systems. They use their professional teams’ skills to provide these services to various clients in the public and private sectors. You can find job openings for water resources designers Some of their services include:
- Consultancy for water-related engineering
- Field sampling and testing
- System system analysis
- Preparing plans for the design and retrofit of wastewater pump stations
HDR
Henningson, Durham, and Richardson (HDR) are hiring water resources EIT’s in Sacramento, California. H.H. Henningston founded the company in 1917 to help his community adapt to a rapidly developing world. HDR is committed to designing solutions to the world’s challenges using smart designs that work.
Some of their services include
- Water quality modeling
- Marine and ocean sciences
- Monitoring and compliance
- Ecosystem restoration
- Environmental remediation
Find your water resource engineering job with a technical staffing agency
Aspiring water resources engineers working with a technical staffing agency have access to lucrative positions thanks to their databases of job opportunities. We match our clients with positions they’re highly qualified for to guarantee success. Contact us today and we’ll work with you to find a suitable position as a water resources engineer.