As communities face growing challenges from climate change, flooding, and water pollution, careers in storm water are becoming more important. Rainwater runoff can carry pollutants from streets and sidewalks into rivers and oceans, harming ecosystems and public health. Effective storm water systems help protect infrastructure, support cleaner waterways, and build more resilient communities. A wide range of careers help make this work possible.

 

Here is a look at some of the careers in storm water.

 

  • Storm water engineer. Design systems to manage rain runoff in urban areas. This work includes planning pipes, drains, and retention ponds to help prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Different engineering specialties, from civil to structural to environmental, are integral to this career.

 

  • Storm water manager or program manager. Oversees storm water projects from start to finish. This role helps communities follow environmental regulations, meet goals, and keep programs running effectively.

 

  • Storm water outreach specialist. Creates public education initiatives to increase awareness on reducing storm water pollution and protecting waterways.

 

  • Storm water technician or inspector. Checks storm water systems to make sure they are working properly.

 

  • Environmental specialist or scientist. Studies how storm water affects ecosystems, rivers and wildlife. This work often includes monitoring water quality to identify and address environmental problems. Their findings help guide better management decisions and environmental protection efforts.

 

  • Hydrologist. Studies how water moves through landscapes. This role helps predict where flooding and pollution may occur and supports the design of better storm water systems.

 

  • Facilities, erosion control, and landscape maintenance. Builds and maintains storm water infrastructure and outdoor landscapes to keep our storm drainage system maintained, prevent soil erosion, and protect waterways from pollution.

 

No matter your skill set, there is a way to make an impact in storm water. These careers help protect the environment, strengthen communities and support cleaner, safer waterways for everyone.

 

Want to learn even more about careers in storm water? You can use our Career Cards to explore different career paths. The cards are one activity developed for the Storm Patrol Young Professionals program, a set of lesson plans centered around storm water careers and skills in planning, engineering, environmental science, and landscape architecture. The program will be launching in Fall 2026, for educators to use to bring storm water careers into the classroom.