How to Be Civil/Water Resources Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 28, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for water resources has caused Civil/Water Resources Engineers to become increasingly important. They have the expertise to analyze and design solutions for water-related needs, such as understanding the hydrological cycle, water supply and distribution, drainage, irrigation, and flood control. By designing sustainable systems that integrate natural and built environments, they can help conserve, clean, store, and deliver water resources in a cost-effective manner.

In addition to improving water management, they also help to protect people and property from the effects of floods and other extreme weather events. Their work helps to ensure the availability of clean drinking water, reduce pollution, and improve public health.

Steps How to Become

Earn an Undergraduate Degree. The first step to becoming a civil or water resources engineer is to earn a bachelors degree in civil engineering or a related field.
Complete an Internship. Completing an internship while in college can be beneficial for civil and water resources engineers. Internships provide hands-on experience working with engineering projects, allowing students to develop skills and gain experience that can be beneficial for future job prospects.
Obtain Professional Certification. Many civil and water resources engineers choose to earn professional certification. Professional certification is offered through organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Consider Graduate Education. While not required, many employers prefer civil and water resources engineers who hold a masters degree in civil engineering or a related field. A masters degree can provide additional knowledge and skills that can be beneficial in the job market.
Research Job Prospects. Civil and water resources engineers can find positions in many industries, including construction, consulting, government, and research. Researching the job prospects and available positions in the area can help prospective civil and water resources engineers determine which type of position may be the most rewarding for them.

The reliable and capable performance of Civil/Water Resources Engineers is essential for the successful functioning of our environment and infrastructure. The engineering expertise of these professionals is required for the accurate design and construction of structures, such as bridges, dams, and water systems, which are critical for the safety of people and their environment. Consequently, the failure of these structures can lead to a range of disastrous consequences, such as flooding, water pollution, and loss of life.

Therefore, Civil/Water Resources Engineers must possess the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to ensure that their designs are safe, efficient and up to code. Furthermore, they must collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure the optimal functioning of their projects and to minimize the risk of any adverse effects. In conclusion, the reliable and capable performance of Civil/Water Resources Engineers is essential to ensure a safe, healthy environment for all.

You may want to check Civil/Geotechnical Engineer, Civil Field Engineer, and Civil Engineering Drafter for alternative.

Job Description

Civil Engineer: Plans, designs, and oversees construction and maintenance of building structures and other infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, dams, irrigation projects, and water and sewage systems.
Water Resources Engineer: Plans, designs and implements water-related projects such as flood control systems, water supply systems, wastewater treatment systems and water resource management plans.
Environmental Engineer: Creates solutions to environmental problems using engineering principles and technology.
Hydrologist: Studies the movement, distribution and quality of water throughout the environment, including underground aquifers and surface water sources.
Construction Manager: Coordinates and oversees the construction of civil engineering projects.
Surveying Technician: Collects data and performs calculations to create maps and surveys of construction sites.
Water Treatment Plant Operator: Operates and maintains water treatment plants to ensure clean drinking water is supplied to the public.
Drainage Technician: Designs, installs, maintains and repairs drainage systems in order to prevent flooding and other damage.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant civil engineering principles and theories
Understanding of hydrology and hydraulics
Proficiency in AutoCAD and other relevant software programs
Ability to develop effective drainage solutions
Experience with stormwater management systems
Knowledge of water resource management practices
Familiarity with relevant regulation and codes
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Having a strong technical background and deep understanding of the fundamentals of civil and water resources engineering is essential for success in this field. A civil/water resources engineer must be able to analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions. They must possess knowledge in areas such as hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and stormwater management.

Problem solving and data analysis skills are paramount for engineers in this field, as they must be able to assess data and develop solutions to complex water resource problems. interpersonal skills are key for engineers who must work with stakeholders, including landowners and government agencies, to develop effective solutions. Finally, having a strong knowledge of relevant software programs for modeling and analysis is also important, as civil/water resources engineers are often required to create models of water systems and structures.

Civil Estimator, Civil Drafter, and Civil Engineering Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in civil/water resources engineering?
What challenges have you faced in your civil/water resources engineering projects?
How do you approach problem solving in civil/water resources engineering?
How do you handle working with multiple stakeholders on a project?
What experience do you have with hydraulic and hydrology modeling?
What safety protocols do you use when conducting civil/water resources engineering projects?
How do you stay informed of the latest advancements in civil/water resources engineering?
How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your work?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
What is your experience with developing cost and time estimates for civil/water resources engineering projects?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. GIS software is used to analyze and map geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS)
Hydrology Software. Hydrology software is used to study and analyze the movement, distribution, and management of water. (eg: HEC-HMS)
Hydraulic Modeling Software. Hydraulic modeling software is used to simulate the flow of water in open channels, rivers and streams. (eg: EPA-SWMM)
CAD Software. CAD software is used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings and designs. (eg: Autodesk AutoCAD)
Stormwater Management Software. Stormwater management software is used to manage, monitor and control stormwater runoff. (eg: EPA-SWMM)
Drainage Design Software. Drainage design software is used to design drainage systems for urban and rural areas. (eg: Bentley StormCAD)
Engineering Analysis Software. Engineering analysis software is used to perform engineering calculations, such as stress and strain analysis. (eg: ANSYS)
Flow Measurement Software. Flow measurement software is used to calculate the flow of water in a pipe. (eg: FluidFlow)
Data Analysis Software. Data analysis software is used to analyze large data sets and generate reports. (eg: SPSS)
Project Management Software. Project management software is used to manage and coordinate projects, tasks, and resources. (eg: Microsoft Project)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Water Environment Federation (WEF)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
International Association for Hydraulic Research (IAHR)
National Ground Water Association (NGWA)

We also have Civil Site Engineer, Civil Maintenance Technician, and Civil Roadway Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hydrology. the study of the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on the Earth's surface, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere.
Hydraulics. the study of the mechanical properties of liquids, particularly water, and their effects when in motion.
Hydraulic Engineering. the application of principles from hydraulics to engineering problems, such as the design of dams, channels, canals, and pipelines.
Drainage Engineering. the planning, design, and construction of drainage systems for the collection, storage, and disposal of surface runoff.
Groundwater Engineering. the study of the properties of subsurface water and its movement through the subsurface.
Hydrometry. The measurement of water flow in streams and rivers.
Water Resources Planning. The identification and analysis of water resources, as well as the determination of the best use of those resources.
Water Supply Engineering. The design, construction and operation of systems for supplying potable water to communities.
Wastewater Treatment Engineering. The design and operation of systems for treating wastewater to meet environmental standards before it is discharged into natural water bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Civil/Water Resources Engineer? A1: A Civil/Water Resources Engineer is a professional engineer who specializes in designing, constructing, and managing projects related to civil infrastructure and water resources, such as bridges, dams, canals, and water treatment plants. Q2: What types of tasks do Civil/Water Resources Engineers typically perform? A2: Civil/Water Resources Engineers typically perform tasks such as analyzing data, designing structures, and overseeing construction projects. They may also perform environmental studies and assess the impact of their designs on the natural environment. Q3: What qualifications are necessary to become a Civil/Water Resources Engineer? A3: To become a Civil/Water Resources Engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. You may also need to obtain a professional engineering license in order to practice engineering in your state. Q4: How long does it take to become a Civil/Water Resources Engineer? A4: It usually takes 4-5 years to complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. After completing the degree, you may need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and obtain a professional engineering license in order to practice engineering in your state. Q5: What types of organizations hire Civil/Water Resources Engineers? A5: Organizations such as government agencies, engineering consultancies, and construction companies often hire Civil/Water Resources Engineers for their projects.

Web Resources

Water Resources Engineering | Texas A&M University Engineering engineering.tamu.edu
Water Resources Civil Engineering | College of Engineering engineering.oregonstate.edu
Civil Engineering (MS) Water Resources Engineering www.ucf.edu