How to hire a water resource manager

How to hire a water resource manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step water resource manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a water resource manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new water resource manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the water resource manager you need to hire. Certain water resource manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect water resource manager also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of water resource managers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Water Resource Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Water Resource Manager	Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.	$22-67
   Generalist	A generalist, also known as a human resource generalist, is responsible for overseeing the operations in a human resource department, focusing on employees' welfare and working conditions. They are primarily involved in the hiring and laying off processes among employees, handing training and benefits programs, and coordinating with every department in the company... Show more	$13-34
   Recruitment Director	A recruitment director is an executive professional who is responsible for directing the recruitment processes and employment programs for an organization. This director is required to assess the external labor market conditions while developing the most effective and appropriate recruiting channels and methods... Show more	$36-82

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • GIS
   • Water Quality
   • Business Development
   • Autocad
   • Geotechnical
   • Surface Water
   • Analyze Data
   • Management Plans
   • Water Conservation
   • NPDES
   • Technical Guidance
   • Scour Analysis
   • Water Management
   • Engineering Services

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage operations and logistics, coordinating transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies to ensure on-time arrival/departure.
   • Review, consult and work with reclamation district representatives or their contractors when performing field geotechnical studies and/or geophysical measurements.
   • Operate and maintain the entire 0.20 MGD water and 0.20 MGD wastewater systems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your water resource manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A water resource manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, water resource managers' average salary in idaho is 40% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level water resource managers 67% less than senior-level water resource managers.
   • Certifications. A water resource manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a water resource manager's salary.

   Average water resource manager salary

   $81,009yearly

   $38.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level water resource manager salary

   $46,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a water resource manager job description

   A water resource manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a water resource manager job description:

   Water resource manager job description example

   As Preconstruction Manager - Water, you will manage the preconstruction activities for one or more complex, large projects by overseeing the estimating, design development and client relations between the bid and initial phase of construction.
   
   Manages project pursuits by working closely with proposal manager, lead estimator, business development manager and project sponsor.
   
   Works with Business Development team to identify opportunities, recommends partnerships for Company pursuit, and coordinates partnership teams to submit proposals within prescribed budgets and timelines.
   
   Develops and manages pursuit timeline and deliverables, attends all schedule and proposal meetings to ensure submission will include all necessary data and documentation.
   
   Reviews design schedule and construction plans to identify cost savings opportunities within the contract specifications by adjusting quantities, estimate materials or alternative construction methods.
   Word with design managers to develop the best possible technical solution. Perform additional assignments per management's direction. Develops project specific client management strategy. Manages client expectations and communication based on contract specifications and needs of the Owner. Works closely with engineers and estimators to develop the budget and secure the final bid price for the pursuit. Supports the project hand-off between the bid and construction teams to ensure proper execution of construction plans and client expectations. Supports project management team with client relations during the initial phases of project construction, as needed. Maintains knowledge of Company's values and strategic plan. Support published corporate policies.
   Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred. 10+ years' construction industry experience related to project pursuits, including estimating, project management or business development required. Experince managing water infrastructure projects (water/wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, water resources management, etc.) required. Demonstrated leadership, communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills required. Demonstrated experience leading partnering and teaming agreements. Understanding of cost estimating practices, development and implementation. Strong communication and organizational skills required.
   Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are: Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vison and/or Provincial Medical Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement Program We are an EEO/AA/ADA/Veterans employer.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find water resource managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your water resource manager job on Zippia to find and attract quality water resource manager candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as hrcrossing, ihirehr, hrjobs, shrm hr jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit water resource managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new water resource manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the water resource manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new water resource manager. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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