Careers in Water Resources Engineering
Careers in Water Resources Engineering
First the soil type and land form to be irrigated and the water requirements of
the proposed crop must be considered to ascertain the volume, distribution, and
frequency of applications best suited to the project.
Then the water source has to be established and quantified, both in water
quality, and available volume, particularly if from subterranean sources.
Next, the distance water needs to be moved and the elevation through which it
must travel has to be detailed accurately by survey. The friction losses need to
be calculated to determine the most efficient and economical pipeline diameters,
or channel width/depth and velocities therein, etc
Young people planning careers in engineering should seek the best and most
thorough background possible in mathematics and science from their secondary
school. Study of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is essential, and classes
in calculus and other "higher" mathematics courses are desirable. Other
branches of science that are important to water resources engineering include
chemistry, physics, and biology. As in every modern career field, familiarity
with computer applications is essential; word processing and
electronic spreadsheets are basic applications, and students will also be
introduced to software design and programming of computer code.
Degree programs that will prepare graduates for engineering careers in the
water sciences include civil engineering, environmental engineering, hydrology,
water resources management, and others with similar functions. Almost all are
nominal 4-year programs, but heavy course loads and the increasing popularity
of cooperative degree programs, which alternate periods of study and work,
often extend the work beyond 4 years to 5 (or more) years.
Graduate degree work is typically not expected for initial employment with a
company or other organization, but is becoming increasingly important for
advancement, and is a good choice for all engineers early in their careers. Most
employers are supportive, and will usually provide assistance for part-time
master's-level study.
Engineering students with a strong undergraduate record can usually study full-
time with tuition and fees paid for them while working as teaching or research
assistants at research universities. These positions are normally applied for at
the schools of the student's choice during the fall months for study beginning
the following summer.
see also Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.; Careers in Environmental Science and
Engineering.
Water Resource Engineers develop new equipment and systems for water
resource management facilities across the United States. The systems that Water
Resource Engineers create ensure that citizens are provided with a continuous
supply of clean, uncontaminated water for drinking, living, and recreational
purposes. Water Resource Engineers not only design these water management
systems, but often oversee the construction and maintenance of these systems as
well. An increasing population and continuous need for more water stimulates
this fast-growing industry. A Bachelor's degree and official certification are
required to pursue this career, though many Water Resource Engineers also go
on to pursue their Masters Degrees.
Water Resource Engineers must create new equipment and systems to increase
the effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment and aquatic resource
management. A typical workday involves the analysis of data from relevant
areas, then designing new or improved facilities to enhance the cleansing effects
of the water treatment system. A Water Resource Engineer must take budgetary
constraints, government regulations, and other factors into consideration when
designing these systems. A Water Resource Engineer may then oversee the
construction and implementation of these systems to ensure that they are
properly assembled. After completion, they may manage the maintenance of
these systems.
Water Resource Engineers spend most of their time in an office looking over
data and designing new water resource management systems. However, part of
the work day may be spent at construction sites, allowing the Engineer to
oversee the construction of their designs. They may also find themselves in
more industrial environments when supervising maintenance on advanced
equipment. Some Water Resource Engineers choose to travel abroad to
participate in large engineering projects.
Most Water Resource Engineers work full-time, with many putting in more than
40 hours a week. This extra time allows them to properly oversee projects and
assure that everything is running smoothly.
Water Resource Engineers make an average of $79,340 a year. The lowest 10%
make around $51,280, while the highest 10% earned around $122,020. Many
Water Resource Engineers work for the government at the federal, state, and
local levels, while others work at engineering firms and nonresidential
construction companies.