As of June 2026, Water Resource Specialists has an AI-exposure score of 56/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Water Resource Specialists
More exposed than 50% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$167,220. About 8,500 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Management roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
- Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
- Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
- Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
- Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
- Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
- Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.
- Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
Safer adjacent roles
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