The earth's water supply is an abundant resource but is not bottomless.
A career in water resources is a smart path to take. The 21st century presents environmental challenges that require expertise in some very specific academic areas. The term water resources covers every job that deals with the concerns of water quality and amounts across the globe. Jobs in this field are not only proving to be plentiful and reliable, but the work being done in this field can improve this planet's future.
Engineering
Water resource engineers work to solve a wide range of water related problems. An important focus of the job revolves around the earth's water supply and ensuring its existence for human usage. Water resource engineers also do work in the field of water-based emergencies such as hurricanes, floods and droughts. These engineers work to disperse or deliver water and assist with the aftermath of such an emergency, but they also design methods to try to avoid such damage from occurring. Water resource engineers also design the buildings that are necessary tools for this field, like water treatment plants.
Research & Data Collection
A career in water resources research means helping to ensure a quality water supply on every level, from local communities to across the country. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Water Resources Research Act, which established an institute in each state in the nation to be dedicated to the research and technology of water sustenance and improvement. Water resource researchers and data collectors complete geographical surveys of water amounts and conditions in each community in each state. This data is analyzed so researchers can monitor water supplies.
Watershed Management
A watershed is any spot where water that collects on land is drained off into a body of water. These areas must be managed and maintained, as watersheds connect to other bodies of water and to the oceans, eventually. If an area of land is contaminated through pollution, dumping or erosion of the soil, these watersheds can be contaminated too. This could endanger people near and far. Watershed managers are responsible for taking samples of the water running into the area and the surrounding soil. These samples are tested regularly by the managers, who work to ensure the water is safe for humans and wildlife.
Qualifications
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2010-11 Occupational Outlook handbook, a range of educational experience is required for different jobs within the field of water resources. A bachelor's degree is enough for some entry level research positions, but a master's degree is preferred for jobs that involve management or the overseeing of projects. A master's degree is also sufficient to work in academia and become a professor in water resource studies. A Ph.D. is often required for engineers working on projects at a governmental level.
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