Water/Wastewater Engineers
Medium47.31%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$63,220
Median$95,890
High (90th %)$150,640
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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.
The occupation of Water/Wastewater Engineers has an automation risk of 47.3%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 48.2%. This moderate level of automation risk reflects the blend of highly technical, procedural tasks—many of which are increasingly amenable to automation—and tasks that require advanced, context-specific expertise. As advanced algorithms and computer-aided design (CAD) technologies develop, the automation of routine and structured components of water and wastewater engineering becomes more feasible. Automatable tasks, such as providing technical direction or supervision to junior engineers and CAD technicians, are ripe for automation given the rise of sophisticated project management software and expert systems that can offer real-time feedback and coordination. Additionally, tasks like reviewing and critiquing proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems are increasingly being handled by specialized AI tools. These tools can apply standardized codes, detect design flaws, and ensure regulatory compliance faster and more consistently than manual reviews. Likewise, the actual design of domestic or industrial water and wastewater treatment plants often involves repetitive calculations, simulations, and optimization—activities that are efficiently automated using advanced software. Automating these top tasks can substantially reduce human intervention, driving the overall automation risk close to the base rate. Despite the trend toward automation, significant portions of the water/wastewater engineering role remain resistant to full automation, mainly due to the need for originality and complex reasoning. Tasks such as performing mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, conducting environmental impact studies, and gathering and analyzing water use data to forecast demand require creative problem-solving, judgment in dealing with unique environmental variables, and an understanding of broader ecological impacts. Bottleneck skills such as originality, measured at 3.6%–3.9%, underscore the occupation’s reliance on creative and innovative thinking to handle nuanced engineering challenges. These more resistant tasks help keep the automation risk below 50%, indicating that while automation will shape the role, human expertise will remain essential for the foreseeable future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
Non-Automatable
Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
Partially Automatable
Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.
Partially Automatable
Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.
Partially Automatable
Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.
Partially Automatable
Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterize water pollutant sources.
Partially Automatable
Analyze and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.
Partially Automatable
Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.
Partially Automatable
Design water runoff collection networks, water supply channels, or water supply system networks.
Partially Automatable
Design water or wastewater lift stations, including water wells.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical support on water resource or treatment issues to government agencies.
Partially Automatable
Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
Partially Automatable
Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges.
Partially Automatable
Oversee the construction of decentralized or on-site wastewater treatment systems, including reclaimed water facilities.
Partially Automatable
Develop plans for new water resources or water efficiency programs.
Partially Automatable
Perform hydrological analyses, using three-dimensional simulation software, to model the movement of water or forecast the dispersion of chemical pollutants in the water supply.
Partially Automatable
Write technical reports or publications related to water resources development or water use efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Design water storage tanks or other water storage facilities.
Partially Automatable
Analyze and recommend sludge treatment or disposal methods.
Partially Automatable
Design sludge treatment plants.
Partially Automatable
Gather and analyze water use data to forecast water demand.
Partially Automatable
Analyze the efficiency of water delivery structures, such as dams, tainter gates, canals, pipes, penstocks, or cofferdams.
Partially Automatable
Conduct cost-benefit analyses for the construction of water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
Partially Automatable
Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply systems or water distribution networks to model flow characteristics, test for pressure losses, or to identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Conduct environmental impact studies related to water and wastewater collection, treatment, or distribution.
Partially Automatable
Perform mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, such as floodplains, ocean coastlines, streams, rivers, or wetlands.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems EvaluationWritingMathematicsScienceActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material 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 ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsForeign LanguageGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologySociology and AnthropologyEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationPsychologyTherapy and Counseling
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging 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 WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting 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 PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Hydraulic modeling softwareAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitOracle JavaWallingford Software InfoSewerAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DMapInfoBashGeographic information system GIS softwareMicrosoft ProjectSAP softwareWeb browser softwareHEC-1HEC-RASESRI ArcGIS softwareDHI MIKE URBANBusiness software applicationsHEC-HMSMWH Soft InfoSWMMMozilla FirefoxGeographic information system GIS systemsBentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering SuiteBentley SewerCADBentley WaterCADGoogle ChromeHEC-GeoRASKYPipeNIWA TidedaXP Software XPSWMMMicrosoft OutlookMinitabESRI softwareMicrosoft Internet ExplorerHydraulic modeling softwareMinitabWallingford Software InfoSewerAutodesk RevitBentley StormCADOracle JavaMicrosoft WordSAP softwareAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DMapInfoHEC-1BashBusiness software applicationsGeographic information system GIS softwareHEC-RASDHI MIKE URBANHEC-HMSMozilla FirefoxEagle Point LANDCADDBentley SewerCADGoogle ChromeHEC-GeoRASKYPipeNIWA TidedaXP Software XPSWMMESRI softwareMicrosoft ProjectPythonPythonAutodesk AutoCADSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWord processing softwareBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsComputer aided design and drafting software CADDEagle Point LANDCADDStructured query language SQLMicrosoft Internet ExplorerBentley MicroStationWord processing softwareComputer aided design and drafting software CADDMWH Soft InfoSWMMWallingford Software InfoWorks WSWallingford Software InfoWorks WSBentley InRoads SuiteBentley InRoads SuiteBentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering SuiteOpenRoads DesignerOpenRoads DesignerBentley WaterCADBentley StormCADHydroCAD Software Solutions HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling SystemHydroCAD Software Solutions HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling SystemEPA Storm Water Management Model SWMMEPA Storm Water Management Model SWMMMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQL
Geothermal Production Managers
Medium50.68%
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Medium54.67%
Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Water Resource Specialists
Medium52.67%
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
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.
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
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.
Transportation Engineers
Medium49.13%
Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.
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.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
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.
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Medium52.65%
Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
Wind Energy Engineers
Medium49.16%
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
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.
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.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Medium52.51%
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Medium44.96%
Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.
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.
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Medium47.22%
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Medium52.85%
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.
Energy Auditors
Medium58.63%
Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.