WATER RESOURCES PLANNER

Salary
Graduate: £18,000 - £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £25,000 - £35,000

Main Employers

Water and utility companies
Government and environmental bodies
Consultancies
NGOs e.g. RSPB and Wildlife Trusts
Civil engineering and environmental management companies
Academic and research institutions

Job Profile
Water resources planners look at future needs for water, considering and implementing actions for meeting future demand. Considerable negotiations with regulators and pressure groups may be needed and innovative solutions are often required.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

Conducting periodic reviews of the water company's plans
Drought and water supply planning
Implementing demand management and water resource strategies
Liasing with regulators
Performing environmental reviews
Public outreach

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include:
Biochemistry; Biological Science; Civil Engineering; Economics; Environmental Engineering; Fisheries; Forestry Studies; Geography; Geology; Physical Science; Soil Science

Students can approach this field from many disciplines and an MSc or PhD will assist with a better starting position, salary, and advancement potential. In most cases, a PhD is required for a position in academia. All water resources planning careers require computer literacy and many require a background in geographic information systems (GIS). At least 12 months work experience will place your application above others.

Career Development
The Environment Agency is the main public sector employer, with around 600 water resources staff. Water companies are large employers in the private sector, with 400 water resources staff in total. Consultancies also consist of around 400 people in water resources.

Water resources careers, particularly in planning and management, offer many challenges. Rapid population growth, land-use changes and climate change are placing further demands on an already stressed global fresh-water supply and will influence career directions of new professionals. Planning opportunities are available in other countries, both in developed and developing nations.