Water Resource Specialists
Medium52.67%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$77,520
Median$157,740
High (90th %)$--
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Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
The occupation "Water Resource Specialists" has an automation risk assessed at 52.7%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 53.6%. This moderate risk level indicates that a significant portion of the role’s tasks can potentially be automated, primarily due to the technological advancements in data processing, modeling software, and automated monitoring systems. The most automatable tasks for water resource specialists include performing hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling; analyzing storm water systems for improvement opportunities; and conducting or overseeing investigations related to water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, and compliance. These tasks often involve handling large data sets, following established protocols, and utilizing computer models, all of which are areas where AI and automation tools excel. However, not all responsibilities within this occupation are equally susceptible to automation. Some of the most resistant tasks include identifying methods for distributing purified wastewater into natural water bodies, monitoring water use or quality in specific regions, and negotiating water rights with various stakeholders to satisfy supply demands. These aspects of the job require nuanced judgment, adaptability to unpredictable variables, and proficiency in human interaction and negotiation. For example, negotiating water rights is a complex process involving understanding political, social, and legal contexts, making it difficult to fully automate. Similarly, monitoring water quality often demands on-the-ground observations and quick decision-making in response to changing environmental conditions. The biggest bottleneck to automating the occupation arises from the need for originality, which is rated at 3.3% and 3.5% in required skill levels. Originality is crucial when developing novel solutions for unique water distribution problems, especially in unpredictable environments or when regulations change. While automation can analyze standard data and perform routine modeling efficiently, it currently struggles to propose innovative strategies or respond creatively to new challenges. Therefore, even as technology progresses, the unique blend of analytical and creative skills required by water resource specialists ensures that a substantial portion of their work remains safeguarded from full automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
Partially Automatable
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
Partially Automatable
Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
Partially Automatable
Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
Partially Automatable
Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
Partially Automatable
Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
Partially Automatable
Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
Partially Automatable
Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
Partially Automatable
Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
Partially Automatable
Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
Automatable
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
Partially Automatable
Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
Partially Automatable
Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
Partially Automatable
Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.
Partially Automatable
Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
Partially Automatable
Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
Partially Automatable
Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
Partially Automatable
Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
Automatable
Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
Partially Automatable
Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalBiologyEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsPhysicsChemistryLaw and GovernmentPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingTelecommunicationsAdministrativeFood Production
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving Objects
Database softwareAutodesk AutoCADDHI MIKE URBANESRI ArcGIS Spatial AnalystMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareStructured query language SQLMapping softwareWord processing softwareESRI ArcPadGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareESRI ArcViewHEC-RASESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcView 3D AnalystFishXingGoogle Earth ProHEC-HMSMWH Soft H2ONET MSXMWH Soft InfoSWMMTIBCO Spotfire S+Wallingford Software InfoWaterWallingford Software InfoWorks CSWater flow modeling softwareMapping softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordDatabase softwareStructured query language SQLAutodesk AutoCADWord processing softwareESRI ArcPadGlobal positioning system GPS softwareESRI ArcViewHEC-RASESRI ArcGIS softwareDHI MIKE URBANESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcView 3D AnalystFishXingGoogle Earth ProHEC-HMSMWH Soft InfoSWMMTIBCO Spotfire S+Wallingford Software InfoWaterWater flow modeling softwareRIVERMorphWallingford Software InfoWorks WSCustomer relationship management CRM softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareLaboratory information management system LIMSLaboratory information management system LIMSGeographic information system GIS systemsCustomer relationship management CRM softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcGIS Spatial AnalystMWH Soft H2ONET MSXWallingford Software InfoWorks CSWallingford Software InfoSewerWallingford Software InfoSewerRIVERMorphWallingford Software InfoWorks WSWeb browser software
Geothermal Production Managers
Medium50.68%
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Natural Sciences Managers
Medium46.02%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Wind Energy Development Managers
Medium49.23%
Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Medium48.09%
Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Medium52.09%
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Agricultural Engineers
Medium43.86%
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Medium47.31%
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Environmental Engineers
Medium47.36%
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Conservation Scientists
Medium46.68%
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Range Managers
Medium46.07%
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Medium51.39%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Environmental Restoration Planners
Medium49.13%
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Industrial Ecologists
Medium49.08%
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Medium50.23%
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Hydrologic Technicians
Medium53.13%
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Energy Auditors
Medium58.63%
Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.
Chief Sustainability Officers
Medium50.38%
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Clinical Research Coordinators
Medium49.27%
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Sustainability Specialists
Medium54.37%
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Foresters
Medium47.18%
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Urban and Regional Planners
Medium50.08%
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Medium40.64%
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.