On the job

Water engineers can be responsible for repairs and maintenance of reservoirs and pumping stations. They can research solutions to problems such as ageing infrastructure, and repair any structures relevant to their field of expertise. They will frequently monitor flood levels when there is a high risk of flooding, and work on developing flood defense strategies for high risk areas. Water engineers can work from an office or at different locations outdoors, and their responsibilities will usually include both technical and management tasks.

Key Skills

Water engineers must have excellent asset management skills, as their job usually involves work on structures that control water resources. They must also have good budgeting skills because they are the ones responsible for controlling project budgets. Negotiation skills are very useful in this field, as water engineers often negotiate prices with vendors.

Water engineers must be good at complex problem solving and analysis. Project management skills are essential in this line of work, as are time management skills. Additionally, teamwork and people skills, and a proactive approach to the project at hand, can be a huge asset.

Strong IT skills and a driving license are generally required for most jobs in this profession.

Qualifications

Water engineers most commonly have an academic degree in civil engineering.

Work duties

Water engineers can plan, design and develop flood defence programs, modification schemes for sewers, and waste water disposal methods, or oversee repairs of related structures. They will produce documentation for any construction activities, meet with other project managers to troubleshoot problems and plan different stages of a project, and present technical information to clients and colleagues. They will also frequently meet with the relevant local authorities, contractors and vendors and keep up to date with any policy changes.

Water engineers usually monitor progress of any given project from the feasibility stage to implementation and handover, but they can also be responsible for overseeing a single stage of a project, especially if it is larger in scope. They will also be the ones who administer contracts and make sure that all the work is completed within deadline.