Environmental Science: Water Resource Management Emphasis

The Water Resource Management concentration in the Environmental Science major familiarizes students with scientific, agricultural, and environmental aspects of water quality and quantity issues associated with land use and climate change. Graduates in the Water Resource Management concentration might work as water resource managers, researchers, consultants, policy analysts, or environmental control officers. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in hydrology, geography, arid lands resource science, or environmental law. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.

Potential Career Areas:

  • Water resources management
  • Water policy analysis/design
  • Environmental regulation
  • Research
  • Risk assessment
  • Technology
  • Consulting
  • Advocacy
  • Education

 

Sample Employers:

  • Government agencies
  • Water treatment facilities
  • Research institutes
  • Municipal councils
  • Park and forest services
  • Nonprofit agencies
  • Development firms
  • Consulting firms
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Colleges and universities

 

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:

Job Title

Salary Range

Water Resources Manager $67,300 - $116,000
Soil/Water Conservationist $36,000 - $59,300
Environmental Compliance Inspector $34,500 - $58,700
Agricultural Consultant $27,431 - $41,563
Policy Analyst $39,000 - $108,000
Research Associate $21,000 - $61,000
National Park Service Employee $27,431 - $33,979
Groundwater Professional $44,410 - $71,450
Renewable Energy Specialist $40,300 - $79,160
Land Trust Manager $35,190 - $86,910
Environmental Planner $36,000 - $87,000

 

Sources of Information:  United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).