Water Resources Career Track

Careers in water resources generally focus on the science of water quantity and quality but can also branch into aspects of water regulation. Past interns have contributed to projects tasked with evaluating water quality and sustainability and assessing natural hazards linked to underground movement of water. The work applies geologic concepts from subject areas of hydrology, geomorphology, geochemistry, and geophysics.

Course Preparation

Students interested in this career track can prepare by enrolling in: GEO 3374 Geochemistry, GEO 3393 Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry, GEO 4113 Geomorphology and its lab (GEO 4121), GEO 4623 Groundwater Hydrogeology, and GEO 3113 Geophysics Field Investigations.

Technical Short Courses and Workshops

Workshops that have or are currently planned include multiple modules at the Texas HydroGeo Workshop and a Streamflow Gauging course presented by our partner the U.S. Geological Survey.

Edwards Aquifer Authority

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is a groundwater district that has powers, rights, and privileges necessary to manage, conserve, preserve, and protect the aquifer. The EAA regulates the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer – a jurisdictional area that provides water to over 2 million people, and covers more than 8,000 square miles across eight counties.

San Antonio River Authority

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is committed to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers. Its goals include the generation of lasting and recognized improvements to the health and safety of river systems, the enhancement of community appreciation for and recreational use of our creeks and rivers, and the development of watershed solutions that balance the environmental, economic and quality of life needs of the San Antonio communities.

Southwest Research Institute

The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) provides independent, premier services to government and industry clients, and pushes the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety.

U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. USGS scientists develop new methods and tools to supply timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes.