Water resources planner

How to become a water resources planner

There are several routes to becoming a water resources planner. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a water resources planner to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

University 

To become a water resources planner, you could complete an undergraduate or postgraduate university course in a relevant subject.

You’ll need: 

• 2 - 3 A levels, or equivalent (undergraduate degree) 
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (postgraduate degree).  

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a university course 
• Funding advice 

College/training provider 

To help start your journey to becoming a water resources planner, you could complete either:  

• Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning 

You’ll need 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a course near you 
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship 

You could train to become a water resources planner by completing a higher or degree apprenticeship in engineering, or by completing an apprenticeship in urban planning with a Local Authority or town council. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and college or a training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.  

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work 

If you have experience working in a related industry, such as town planning or civil engineering, you might be able to apply directly to an employer for a position as a water resources planner. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a water resources planner. Potential employers will be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience 

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a water resources planner include:  

• Ability to use your initiative 
• Experience in project management 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Knowledge of water systems  
• Logical and analytical thinking abilities 
• Strong IT skills. 

Qualifications

What does a water resources planner do?

As a water resources planner, you will strategically develop plans for water management, based on demand and feasibility. 

The job role of a water resources planner involves the following duties:  

• Analysing information and drawing on data to influence decision-makers  
• Assessing demand for water, based on population data, usage and storage  
• Assessing water quality implications and developing measures for drought management  
• Communicating technical issues to stakeholders 
• Enforcing health and safety regulations and water legislation 
• Forecasting and managing budgets  
• Keeping project deliverables on track 
• Liaising with water companies, planners and engineers 
• Overseeing multiple water resource management projects 
• Predicting water usage, demands and future resources  
• Preparing bids for tender 
• Staying up to date with UK water policies 
• Undertaking in-depth research and drawing up feasibility studies 
• Using planning software. 

How much could you earn as a water resources planner?

The expected salary for a water resources planner varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained water resources planner can earn in the region of £30,000 
• Experienced water resources planner can earn up to £50,000* 
• Self-employed water resources planner set their own rates. 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest water resources planner vacancies:   

• Indeed 
• Reed 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role will vary. New opportunities will be posted as they become available. 

Career path and progression

As a water resources planner, you could progress into a position as a water resources engineer or environmental consultant. 

You could become self-employed and work as a water resources planning consultant.