Masters in Water Quality Planning Jobs, Careers & Salary Outlook

Water Quality Planner Job Duties

A water quality planner utilizes their specialized knowledge of the environment and the natural sciences to maximize the protection of the environment and our natural resources. A water quality planner with a MPH degree will pinpoint problems and discover solutions that will minimize any hazards to water quality and to the environment overall. These efforts have a strong impact on improving public health, so your MPH degree is very much in need in this field.

Some of the most common job duties for a water quality planner include:

  • Collect important environmental samples and data, such as various water samples and soil samples for detailed scientific analysis
  • Come up with effective plans to prevent or to control serious water quality problems
  • Develop strong plans to help to restore contaminated water so that it is clean and potable
  • Inform government officials and the general public on potential environmental water hazards
  • Assemble reports that will explain findings on water quality analyses

Water quality planners will work closely with local officials to reclaim any waters or lands that have been previously contaminated by any kind of pollution. They also will assess any risks that new construction may pose to water supplies, lakes and streams. They also will work on how to change human behavior so that pollution of water supplies may be avoided in the future.

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Water Quality Planner Career & Salary Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the employment possibilities of water quality planners and other environmental scientists will increase about 19% in the next decade. This is about average when compared with other occupations. As there is more public interest in the many hazards that face our water supplies and the environment overall, there will be more demand for many types of environmental scientists, including water quality planners. Demand in this field will continue to grow as there are newer and more complex environmental regulations that particularly pertain to water supplies, rivers, lakes and streams.

Much of the anticipated employment growth is thought to occur in consulting firms in the private sector who will help businesses monitor water contamination issues as they construct new facilities. Being proactive on these matters is much better than causing a major environmental problem and having the EPA come in and punish the company. Other types of environmental scientists work with these businesses to help them reduce waste, prevent all types of pollution and to save natural resources.

The median salary for water quality planners and other environmental scientists was $61,600 in 2010. The median wage of the top 10% with master’s degrees in public health and other related fields was $107,900.

Job Outlook for Water Quality Planners

Water quality planners and other environmental health scientists should see strong job prospects; many new positions are opening as some scientists are retiring or are moving on to positions in management.

There were 89,400 environmental scientists employed in 2010, including water quality planners. This will increase to 106,100 in 10 years, an increase of 16,700.

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Water Quality Planner Education and Training

To become a water quality planner, you will likely need to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or another natural science. These include biology or chemistry. You will need to have a master’s degree in public health to enjoy the most career advancement potential. As you go through your university programs, you should try to study classes with computer modeling, data analysis, and informational geographic systems. If you’re short on time, review our selection of accredited MPH programs online.

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