Water Resources Technology - Spokane Community College

Water Resources Technology from Spokane Community College is a Campus Associate Water Resources Engineering degree that prepares you for a Engineering career. Program Description The Water Resources Technology program is designed to prepare students for positions in hydrology and water quality for local, state and federal agencies, and private industry. The Water Resources Technology Water and Wastewater option is designed to prepare students for positions in public and private water and wastewater operations facilities. Program Goals Install, operate and maintain instruments used in stream gaging and discharge measurement. Collect samples, complete field surveys, analyze, and report water quality parameters in the field and laboratory using standard chemical, biological, physical, and field survey techniques commonly utilized in water resource studies. Collect, recognize and identify aquatic organisms from invertebrate insects to fish species, relating what is found to the habitat and aquatic ecosystem conditions. Install, operate, and maintain instruments used in collecting hydro-meteorological measurements. Set up monitoring plans and schedules to collect, measure, analyze and report ground water levels and water quality parameters. Familiar with restoration practices used to improve fish habitat and water quality, including techniques to stabilize slopes, recover degraded lakes and stream courses. Utilize, interpret and analyze maps and aerial photographs in the characterization and management of water resources, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS). Operate a hand compass, staff compass, transit, level, global positioning systems (GPS) and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations. Work safely in a variety of adverse conditions and environments, including obtaining 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification according to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120. Have knowledge and understanding of Federal and State laws that pertain to water and the aquatic environment including a good working knowledge of water rights laws. Use the computer as a tool for solving water resources problems. Record, report, analyze and store data gathered according to established protocol. Write technical reports and give presentations. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance. Career Opportunities There is an increasing demand for technologists to assist professional personnel in the investigation, interpretation and analysis of data for proper monitoring and management of water resources. Potential employers for graduates are federal agencies such as the US Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and US Natural Resources Conservation Service, State water resources agencies, health districts, county and municipal governments, semi-public agencies such as irrigation, drainage and water districts, private lumber and mining companies, and private consulting firms. POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE: Hydrologic technician , environmental technician, water quality technician , water resources technician, fisheries technician , watershed technician, hydrographer, watermaster, water distribution technician , groundwater technician. View more details on Spokane Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Water Resources Engineering courses.