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Water/Wastewater Engineers

Architecture and Engineering (17-2051)
Bright Outlook

Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.

At a Glance

Water/Wastewater Engineers earns a median of $99,590/yr with +5.0% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Engineering and Technology, Making Decisions and Solving Problems, Oracle Java.

Median Annual Wage

$99,590/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+5.0%

Annual Openings

24

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (16)

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.9
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.9
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.9
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.8
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.8
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.6
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

3.5
Management of Personnel Resources

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

3.3
Operations Analysis

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

3.3
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3

Knowledge (11)

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.7
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

4.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.2
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.2
Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

3.8
Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

3.6
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.5
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3.5
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

3.5
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.4
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

3.3

Abilities (18)

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.0
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4.0
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.9
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.9
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.9
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.8
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.8
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.8
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.6
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.4
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3

Technology (20)

Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Mozilla Firefox

Category: Internet browser software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
Bentley MicroStation

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Bash

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk Revit

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
HEC-HMS

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0
HEC-RAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0

Work Activities (29)

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.6
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.4
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.2
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.2
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.1
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.9
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.9
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.9
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.9
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.8
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.8
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.8
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.8
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.6
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.6
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.6
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.5
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.4
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.3
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.3
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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