Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

Why is water resources engineering important and how do you break into the field?

The world is confronted with a pressing need for sustainable solutions that safeguard our most precious resource: water. 

According to the World Wild Fund for nature, two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages by 2025

From droughts and floods to rising sea levels, the challenges posed by climate change are more apparent than ever. 

It's why Net Zero carbon by 2050 is a global deadline we can't afford to miss. It's why everyone at AtkinsRéalis is committed to making a difference by working together to deliver on this promise. 

Water resource engineers play a pivotal role. They are fortifying our water supply infrastructure, and preparing it to endure the strains of climate change and a growing global population.

If you're an experienced water resources engineer looking for your next step up, skip ahead and explore our water resources engineering careers. There's a range of exciting opportunities from Senior Water Resources Engineer jobs and Wastewater Engineer jobs to project management and water infrastructure roles. 

What is water resource engineering?

Water resource engineers ensure that water supply infrastructure is effective and able to withstand natural disasters caused by climate change, and an aging and growing population.

As a water resource engineer, you shoulder the important task of overseeing a community's water usage and guaranteeing the safety of water treatment for human consumption. 

Your daily routine can involve mapping out the water requirements of a locality and conducting regular assessments of water resources. 

You'll play a pivotal role in devising treatment facilities, supply networks, pipelines, and pumping systems to efficiently handle wastewater for public and private consumption.

Why is water resources engineering important?

From designing resilient water treatment facilities to implementing cutting-edge technologies that promote water conservation and efficiency, water resource engineers are the architects of a secure water future.

With the planet experiencing climate shifts, the impact on water resources has been profound. 

Disrupted rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, and costly billion-dollar natural disasters have significantly altered the availability and quality of water, affecting everything from agriculture and industry to public health and the environment.

As we work to tackle the effects of climate change, it is imperative to recognize the need for proactive, innovative solutions that mitigate its impact on water resources. 

How to become a water resources engineer

If you're interested in becoming a water engineer, here are some key steps to follow to break into the field: 

Earn a Bachelor's Degree:

Consider a degree in a relevant subject such as Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering, preferably with a specialism in water resources, hydraulics, hydrology, and fluid mechanics.

Gain practical experience: 

Seek internships or junior positions with engineering firms, water utilities, or government agencies to acquire hands-on experience.

At AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization, you'll work on a breadth of work on global projects.

Consider a Master's Degree: 

Opt for a Master's in Civil Engineering with a specialization in water resources to broaden your expertise and career opportunities.

Obtain professional licensure: 

In the US, to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) you'll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to earn Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) status, followed by building 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience. 

Pass the PE exam: 

After gaining the necessary experience, take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam, showcasing your competence in water engineering principles and practices.

Attain a license: 

Apply for a Professional Engineer license from your state licensing board, enabling you to legally practice, endorse engineering documents, and assume higher responsibilities.

Commit to professional growth: 

Engage in continuous learning, attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and tune in to leading industry talks like the AtkinsRéalis Built+Beyond podcast to stay abreast of advancements in the field. 

Follow our podcast and hear from experts on critical topics and innovative ideas from climate change and water resilience to water asset management to the water biosolids paradigm shift.

If you're an ambitious graduate, who is keen to dig a little deeper into the role, read more about what water resource engineers do.

Redefine the future of water resource engineering with AtkinsRéalis

Are you driven by a passion to make a tangible difference in the world? AtkinsRéalis offers an unparalleled platform to contribute to cutting-edge projects that define the future of sustainable water resource management. 

Apply for careers in water resource engineering today. By joining our team you can help us engineer a future where resilience triumphs over uncertainty, and where sustainability is not just a goal but a reality. 

Join us at AtkinsRealis, and together, let's engineer a better future.

Related blogs

Sujith in front of atkinsrealis logo

Growth, gratitude, and going the extra mile: Sujith’s journey of learning, collaboration & confidence.

What happens when curiosity meets opportunity? For Sujith, it has meant growing with confidence and creating impact along the way.

Card link for Growth, gratitude, and going the extra mile: Sujith’s journey of learning, collaboration & confidence.

Starting over, without starting from scratch - Jon's story

Discover how Jon’s return to AtkinsRéalis was shaped by collaboration, support, and the opportunity to contribute to projects across the Middle East from Hong Kong.

Card link for Starting over, without starting from scratch - Jon's story

How artificial intelligence is changing engineering careers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is now part of the daily reality of many engineering professionals. Whether it is automating certain tasks, quickly extracting insights from large volumes of data, or supporting decision-making, AI is changing how engineers work and reshaping the skills employers seek. Organizations are investing heavily in talent capable of leveraging these new technologies, creating exciting new career opportunities.

Card link for How artificial intelligence is changing engineering careers
Headshot of Aston smiling at the camera

How I build confidence into complex projects

Meet Aston, Regional Director in AtkinsRéalis’ Estimating & Cost Advisory team, as he shares how he helps clients build confidence in complex infrastructure projects while supporting the growth of future talent.

Card link for How I build confidence into complex projects
Eleanor smiling at the camera

Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

From graduate hire to risk manager, discover how Eleanor has grown her career at AtkinsRéalis while helping clients navigate uncertainty and deliver major projects.

Card link for Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery

From family favour to climate-smart homes, read how Shely brought sustainable design to life across continents.

Card link for Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery
Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts

Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts

Meet Nicole and read how she's driving safer, more resilient transportation networks.

Card link for Nicole on public service, safety, and building transportation that lasts
Rajesh in black jacket

From humble beginnings to HR leadership: Rajesh's journey at AtkinsRéalis.

Rajesh's story shows how resilience, curiosity, and the right opportunities can shape an extraordinary career.

Card link for From humble beginnings to HR leadership: Rajesh's journey at AtkinsRéalis.
Bharathi smiling in front of camera

How saying yes opened new doors for Bharathi: A career move that changed everything.

Sometimes the best career moves are the ones you never planned. Discover Bharathi's story.

Card link for How saying yes opened new doors for Bharathi: A career move that changed everything.

How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang

How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang and discover how data driven sustainability solutions can create measurable results.

Card link for How do you know your work is making a difference? Meet Siu Hang

What makes someone stay at AtkinsRéalis for 10+ years? Meet Jae Ho.

What keeps people at AtkinsRéalis for more than a decade? Jae Ho shares how growth, flexibility, trust, and meaningful work shaped his career.

Card link for What makes someone stay at AtkinsRéalis for 10+ years? Meet Jae Ho.
Devendra on his bike

Creating impact through engineering excellence

What keeps an engineer inspired after nearly a decade in the industry? Devendra shares his journey.

Card link for Creating impact through engineering excellence

Related jobs

Hydraulic Modeller
Water Engineering Full time
Hydraulic Modeller

Various locations

Associate Director - Water Quality Scientist
Environment & geoscience Engineering Full time
Associate Director - Water Quality Scientist

Various locations

Practicante Profesional del Área Socioambiental – Calidad de Agua e Hidroquímica
Engineering Full time
Practicante Profesional del Área Socioambiental – Calidad de Agua e Hidroquímica

Lima, Lima, Peru

Especialista en Recursos Hídricos Junior
Engineering Full time
Especialista en Recursos Hídricos Junior

Lima, Lima, Peru

Senior Water/ Wastewater Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Senior Water/ Wastewater Engineer

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Assistant Modeller
Water Engineering Full time
Assistant Modeller

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Wastewater Hydraulic Modellers – Assistant to Principal
Water Engineering Full time
Wastewater Hydraulic Modellers – Assistant to Principal

Various locations

Senior Clean Water Modeller
Water Engineering Full time
Senior Clean Water Modeller

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Principal / Associate Director Hydraulic Modeller - Drainage and Surface Water
Water Engineering Full time
Principal / Associate Director Hydraulic Modeller - Drainage and Surface Water

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Wastewater Hydraulic Modelling Specialist - Associate Director
Water Engineering Full time
Wastewater Hydraulic Modelling Specialist - Associate Director

Various locations

Senior Wastewater Hydraulic Modeller
Water Engineering Full time
Senior Wastewater Hydraulic Modeller

Various locations

Principal/ Associate Director Wastewater Hydraulic Modeller
Water Engineering Full time
Principal/ Associate Director Wastewater Hydraulic Modeller

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.