Occupation AtlasWater Resource Specialists
O*NET · 11-9121.02
Water Resource Specialists
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Also called Community Resource Consultant · Environmental Resource Specialist · Hydrotechnical Specialist · Hydrotechnician · Power Supply Engineer · Resource Specialist · Water Quality Specialist · Water Resource Agent
6 more
Water Resource Consultant · Water Resource Engineering Specialist · Water Resource Specialist · Water Resources Planner · Water Restoration Technician · Water Rights Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Soil and Plant Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.80
- R Realistic4.45
- C Conventional4.17
- E Enterprising3.53
- S Social2.58
- A Artistic1.78
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (18%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (41%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (18%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Time ManagementImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- SciencebasicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
20 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.Importance 4.4
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.Importance 4.1
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.Importance 3.9
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.Importance 3.8
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.Importance 3.8
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.Importance 3.8
- Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.Importance 3.7
- Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.Importance 3.7
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.Importance 3.6
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.Importance 3.6
- Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.Importance 3.5
- Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.Importance 3.4
Show the other 9
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.Importance 3.4
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.Importance 3.4
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.Importance 3.4
- Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.Importance 3.3
- Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.Importance 3.1
- Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.Importance 3.0
- Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.Importance 3.0
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.Importance 3.0
- Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 4.6Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
- MathematicsImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- DesignImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- PhysicsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- GeographyImportance 3.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Building and ConstructionImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
Show all 33
- ChemistryImportance 3.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- BiologyImportance 3.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- MechanicalImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- AdministrativeImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TransportationImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.9
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.5Level 5.8
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
34 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Hot (5; 3 more marked hot above)
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (25)
- Database software
- DHI MIKE URBAN
- ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcPad
- ESRI ArcView
- ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
- FishXing
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Google Earth Pro
- HEC-HMS
- HEC-RAS
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Mapping software
- MWH Soft H2ONET MSX
- MWH Soft InfoSWMM
- RIVERMorph
- TIBCO Spotfire S+
- Wallingford Software InfoSewer
- Wallingford Software InfoWater
- Wallingford Software InfoWorks CS
- Wallingford Software InfoWorks WS
- Water flow modeling software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.0, Time Management −1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Animal Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.0, Active Learning +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Environmental Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring +0.7, Time Management −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Transportation Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring −0.9, Technology Design +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design +1.0, Equipment Selection +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Food Scientists and Technologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection +0.9, Science +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Environmental Restoration Planners
Average difference 0.2 points · Time Management −0.9, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.1, Operations Analysis −1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.