How to Be Urban Stormwater Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 21, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Urban stormwater managers are responsible for ensuring that urban areas are equipped to handle the impacts of stormwater runoff. They play a critical role in protecting cities from flooding and other water-related damage. To do this, they must implement strategies such as green infrastructure, stormwater collection systems, water conservation, and comprehensive drainage plans.

These strategies are aimed at reducing flood risk, protecting water quality, and promoting healthy ecosystems. By utilizing these strategies, urban stormwater managers can help to reduce the amount of pollutants entering nearby rivers and streams, reducing the risk of flooding and providing healthier water sources for the community.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, earth science, or a related field is usually required to become an urban stormwater manager. Programs typically include courses in hydrology, hydraulics, and geology, as well as a range of other topics in engineering and the sciences.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required for urban stormwater managers, but it may give job seekers an advantage. The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers offers the Certified Water Resources Engineer designation for those with at least four years of experience in the field.
Gain Work Experience. Employers typically prefer applicants who have several years of relevant work experience. It is possible to gain experience through internships or volunteer work in the field of stormwater management.
Consider Additional Education. An advanced degree in a related field may be beneficial for urban stormwater managers who wish to further their career. Master's and doctoral degree programs are available that focus on water resources engineering, hydrology, and other related topics.
Take Professional Development Courses. Urban stormwater managers should take advantage of additional professional development courses to stay current with the latest standards and practices in the field. This can help them to increase their knowledge base and improve their skills.

Urban stormwater managers must stay on top of the latest developments in stormwater management in order to effectively protect communities from flooding and water pollution. This requires staying up-to-date on changes in regulations, best practices, and new technologies. To ensure they are qualified to do this, stormwater managers must attend continuing education courses and seminars, as well as participate in professional development activities such as conferences and workshops.

They must also keep their certifications current and participate in certifying programs to remain knowledgeable in their field. By staying informed and qualified, urban stormwater managers can better manage stormwater runoff and protect their local environment.

You may want to check Urban Resilience Strategist, Urban Designer/Artist, and Urban Renewal Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement stormwater management plans, including best management practices, to reduce pollutants and improve water quality in urban areas.
Monitor and inspect stormwater systems to ensure proper operation, maintenance, and compliance with regulations.
Analyze stormwater data and develop strategies to address flooding, erosion, runoff, and other stormwater-related issues.
Educate the public on stormwater management practices, including best management practices, standards, and regulations.
Conduct site assessments to evaluate current and potential stormwater impacts from land use activities.
Prepare and present reports on stormwater management programs to local, state, and federal agencies.
Develop plans for stormwater system upgrades and improvements.
Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to stormwater management.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of stormwater systems and related infrastructure.
Monitor stormwater-related projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of stormwater management regulations, best management practices, and policies.
Ability to develop and implement stormwater management plans.
Knowledge of stormwater infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance.
Understanding of environmental impacts related to stormwater runoff.
Ability to assess stormwater quality data and develop plans to address any deficiencies.
Ability to work with other departments and consultants in order to develop and implement stormwater management plans.
Knowledge of hydrology and hydraulic analysis techniques.
Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders including local, state, and federal government agencies.
Knowledge of public communication strategies for effectively engaging the public on stormwater-related issues.

The urban stormwater manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of strategies that help cities deal with stormwater runoff. To be successful in this role, the urban stormwater manager must have a variety of skills. One of the most important is the ability to assess and analyze the impacts of stormwater runoff on various areas such as public health, water quality, and the environment.

The manager also needs to be able to develop plans and strategies to mitigate these impacts. the manager should be well-versed in engineering and construction techniques in order to properly design and implement stormwater management systems. Finally, the manager needs to have excellent communication and people skills to be able to coordinate with all stakeholders involved in stormwater management, from city officials to environmental groups.

Having these skills will enable the urban stormwater manager to effectively reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff and ensure a more sustainable future for our cities.

Urban Economist, Urban Water Resources Planner, and Urban Planning Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in urban stormwater management?
How have you worked with regulatory bodies related to stormwater management?
What strategies have you implemented to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution?
Are you familiar with green infrastructure initiatives such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavement?
Are you familiar with current laws and regulations related to stormwater management?
How have you tracked and evaluated the success of stormwater management efforts?
What strategies have you used to engage stakeholders in the process of stormwater management?
What challenges have you faced related to stormwater management?
How would you ensure that the best practices in urban stormwater management are implemented?
How would you prepare a budget for a stormwater management project?

Common Tools in Industry

Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). This is a comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic simulation model used to simulate the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff from both urban and natural areas. (eg: SWMM can be used to simulate the effects of different stormwater control measures such as green infrastructure, detention ponds, and permeable pavements. )
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). This is an important tool used to identify and control sources of pollution in stormwater runoff. It includes the development of a plan that outlines best management practices, inspection and maintenance procedures, and a monitoring and reporting system. (eg: SWPPP can be used to reduce stormwater runoff to reduce the impacts of pollutants on receiving water bodies. )
GIS/Geospatial Analysis. This is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze, visualize, and manage geographic data such as topography, watersheds, land use, and other characteristics. (eg: GIS can be used to identify areas of the watershed that are most vulnerable to flooding and erosion, or to identify areas for stormwater infiltration and detention. )
Stormwater Management Software. These are computer programs used to manage stormwater data, such as rainfall and runoff, as well as to design and analyze stormwater management systems. (eg: Stormwater management software can be used to design a detention pond or other control measure for a specific site, or to analyze the effects of land use on stormwater runoff. )
Hydrologic/Hydraulic Modeling. This is a tool used to simulate the flow of water through a system, such as a stream, river, or drainage basin. (eg: Hydrologic/hydraulic modeling can be used to evaluate the impacts of different land use scenarios on the hydrology of a watershed. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Planning Association (APA)
Water Environment Federation (WEF)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
International Stormwater Best Management Practices Association (ISBMP)
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM)
Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI)
U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

We also have Urban Sociologist, Urban Landscape Architect, and Urban Forestry Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Stormwater Management. The process of managing stormwater runoff to reduce the potential for flooding, erosion, and water pollution.
Stormwater Infrastructure. The physical components used to control and manage stormwater runoff, such as catch basins, detention ponds, and retention basins.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention. The practice of minimizing the amount of pollutants from entering stormwater systems by implementing best management practices.
Wetlands. Areas of land that contain standing water for part or all of the year, used to control stormwater runoff and filter pollutants from water.
Green Infrastructure. Structural components that manage stormwater runoff through natural processes, such as vegetated swales and rain gardens.
Low Impact Development. A design approach that uses natural processes to manage stormwater runoff, such as rainwater harvesting or green roofs.
Hydrology. The science of the properties and distribution of water on the earth's surface, in the soil, and in the atmosphere.
Water Quality. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for a particular use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Urban Stormwater Management? A1: Urban Stormwater Management is the process of managing rainfall runoff from urban areas in order to reduce flooding, protect water quality, and reduce the impacts of stormwater on the environment. Q2: What are some common practices of Urban Stormwater Management? A2: Common practices of Urban Stormwater Management include using green infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rain barrels, as well as implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as stormwater detention ponds, infiltration trenches, and bioretention basins. Q3: How does Urban Stormwater Management help the environment? A3: Urban Stormwater Management helps the environment by reducing flooding, protecting water quality, and reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff on aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive habitats. Q4: What is the role of an Urban Stormwater Manager? A4: The role of an Urban Stormwater Manager is to design, implement, and manage stormwater infrastructure and BMPs in order to reduce flooding and protect water quality in urban areas. Q5: What qualifications are required to be an Urban Stormwater Manager? A5: Qualifications to be an Urban Stormwater Manager typically include a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field, as well as experience in stormwater management.