How to Be Urban Water Resources Planner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 9, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Urban water resources planners are responsible for ensuring that cities have access to sufficient, clean, and safe water. Their work is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for citizens. The effects of their work can be seen in the improved water quality, increased water availability, and better water infrastructure in cities.

They analyze existing water resources, assess the needs of the population, and develop strategies to meet those needs. This includes creating policies, regulations, and management plans to ensure that the water supply is efficiently used and managed. they often coordinate with other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure that local regulations comply with federal laws.

By doing this, urban water resources planners are essential in helping cities manage their water resources responsibly and sustainably.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Urban water resources planning typically requires a bachelors degree in a field related to planning, such as urban planning, civil engineering, environmental science, or geography.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Once you have a degree in a related field, you can begin looking for entry-level positions in the urban water resources planning field. Working as an intern or volunteer for a water resources organization is a great way to gain experience and build relationships within the industry.
Apply for a Certfication. Most employers prefer urban water resources planners to hold certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). To become AICP certified, you must pass an exam covering the latest trends and techniques in urban water resources planning.
Pursue Professional Development. To stay current in the field and remain competitive in the job market, regularly pursue professional development opportunities to expand your knowledge of urban water resources planning. This can include attending conferences, workshops, networking events, and classes related to water resources planning.
Consider Graduate School. To advance your career as an urban water resources planner, you may want to consider pursuing a graduate degree in urban planning, public administration, or another related field.

Urban water resources planners must stay ahead of the curve and continually upgrade their qualifications in order to remain competitive. This requires taking courses to earn certifications, researching new technologies and trends, and attending conferences to learn best practices. Such professional development helps ensure that planners have the knowledge and skills required to develop effective water resource plans and programmes.

staying up-to-date with water resource regulations and laws is essential. Being aware of changes to regulations can help planners anticipate potential challenges and proactively develop solutions that protect both the environment and the needs of the community. Finally, networking with peers in the field is critical for staying informed of new developments, sharing ideas, and creating meaningful partnerships.

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Job Description

Develop and implement water resource management plans.
Monitor and analyze water resources usage.
Develop strategies to conserve water resources and promote their efficient use.
Assist in the development of new water supply sources and infrastructure.
Assist in the development of regulatory policies related to water resources.
Research and evaluate water-related issues, such as contamination, drought, flooding, and water-borne diseases.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other documents on water resources planning topics.
Participate in public hearings, workshops, and other outreach activities related to water resources planning.
Collaborate with stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, and other agencies.
Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps and analyze water resources data.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic processes
Knowledge of watershed management principles
Knowledge of computer models for water resources planning
Ability to develop and implement urban water resources plans
Ability to analyze and interpret data related to urban water resources
Ability to conduct research on urban water resources issues
Ability to develop and direct public education and outreach initiatives
Knowledge of water quality principles and regulations
Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS)
Knowledge of stormwater management principles
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to urban water resources
Ability to effectively collaborate with other stakeholders
Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to develop and manage budgets related to urban water resources planning

Urban water resources planning is an important part of managing our water resources. It involves making decisions about how to use and manage water resources to ensure that cities have reliable and sustainable access to water for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, industry and recreation. A successful urban water resources planner needs a wide range of skills, from technical knowledge of water systems to financial skills, communication and problem-solving abilities.

Technical skills are critical for understanding the complex hydrology of a city, the sources of water, and the methods to analyze, store and move water. Financial skills are necessary for assessing the costs and benefits of various water management options, balancing budgets, and determining the most cost-effective solutions. Excellent communication skills are essential for working with stakeholders to gain consensus on water management strategies.

Problem-solving skills are key for resolving conflicts and finding strategies that will be acceptable to all parties. Without these skills, a planner may find it difficult to effectively manage a city's water resources.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with urban water resources planning?
How would you go about developing an urban water resources plan?
What strategies have you used to coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders on urban water resources planning?
How have you incorporated public input into your urban water resources plans?
What challenges have you faced in developing urban water resources plans?
How have you identified and addressed potential impacts of urban water resources planning on the environment?
What strategies have you used to ensure the sustainability of urban water resources planning?
How do you stay current on regulations, trends, and best practices related to urban water resources planning?
What tools and technologies have you used to develop and analyze urban water resources plans?
How do you manage competing interests within an urban water resources plan?

Common Tools in Industry

Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A computer system used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. (e. g ArcGIS, QGIS)
Hydraulic Modeling Software. Software used to simulate and analyze the behavior of water flowing through a system of pipes and other components. (e. g. HEC-RAS, InfoWorks ICM)
Stormwater Management Software. Software used to evaluate the impact of stormwater on urban runoff, flooding, water quality, and other natural resources. (e. g. StormCAD, SWMM)
CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create detailed drawings of infrastructure components and urban landscapes. (e. g. AutoCAD, MicroStation)
Water Quality Modeling Software. Software used to forecast the water quality of a given area based on various inputs such as rainfall and land use. (e. g. WASP, SWAT)
Water Distribution Network Modeling Software. Software used to simulate the flow of water through a network of pipes, pumps, and other infrastructure components. (e. g. EPANET, InfoWorks WS Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI)
American Planning Association (APA)
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
International Water Association (IWA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
National Groundwater Association (NGWA)
The Water Environment Federation (WEF)
American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC)

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Common Important Terms

Stormwater Management. The practice of managing stormwater runoff and flooding to reduce potential impacts on the environment and infrastructure.
Watershed Planning. A process of assessing and understanding the current conditions of a watershed, and developing plans to protect and improve the watersheds resources.
Water Quality Monitoring. The practice of monitoring water sources to assess their condition and identify any potential pollutants or contaminants.
Hydrology. The study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth and other planets.
Hydraulics. The study of the properties, behavior, and effects of liquid flowing through pipes, channels, and other structures.
Climate Change. The long-term changes in weather patterns that occur as a result of human activities and natural processes.
Green Infrastructure. The practice of using natural systems and technologies to manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding impacts.
Water Resources Management. The practice of managing water resources to ensure their availability, quality, and sustainability.
Wastewater Treatment. The practice of removing pollutants from wastewater before it is released back into the environment.
Floodplain Management. The practice of managing the use of floodplains to reduce the potential impacts of flooding on people and property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Urban Water Resources Planner?

An Urban Water Resources Planner is a professional who specializes in developing and implementing plans for the efficient use and management of water resources in urban areas.

What skills are needed for an Urban Water Resources Planner?

An Urban Water Resources Planner requires knowledge of water resource systems, hydrology, hydraulics, environmental science, economics and finance, public policy, and GIS mapping. Technical, analytical, and communication skills are also important.

What kind of tasks do Urban Water Resources Planners perform?

Urban Water Resources Planners develop water resource management plans, evaluate water resource options, create policies and regulations, analyze data, and provide public outreach.

How much do Urban Water Resources Planners earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Urban Water Resources Planners earned an average salary of $65,170 in 2020.

What organizations employ Urban Water Resources Planners?

Urban Water Resources Planners work for local, state, and federal government agencies, engineering firms, consulting companies, and non-profit organizations.