Natural Resources: Watershed Hydrology & Management Emphasis

The Natural Resources major in the Watershed Hydrology and Management concentration provides students with a strong career foundation, through coursework in hydrology, ecology, geology, water quality, fire science, resources management, soil and plant science, policy, communications, and economics. Graduates are well prepared for work as hydrologists, resource managers, planners, environmental advocates, and consultants for government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in hydrology, geology, or arid lands resource science. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree or certificate.
 

Potential Career Areas: 

 

  • Water resources management
  • Hydrology
  • Consulting
  • Integrated land management
  • Environmental advocacy
  • Research
  • Policy analysis

 

Sample Employers:

 

  • Government agencies
  • Municipal water districts
  • Consulting firms
  • Conservation organizations
  • Research institutes
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Development firms

 

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
National Park Service Employee $27,431 - $33,979
Wetland Scientist $31,366 - $94,460
Environmental Restoration Planner $37,900 - $61,700
Policy Analyst $39,000 - $108,000
Hydrologist $44,410 - $71,450
Conservation Warden $30,400 - $48,930
Environmental Protection Technician $26,600 - $41,400
Ecologist $43,500 - $61,500
Fire Scientist $30,000 - $40,000

 

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