In the context of the new era, in order to adapt to the new situation and undertake new missions, the water conservancy industry urgently needs to cultivate high-quality water conservancy talents and conduct research on the competency characteristics of leading cadres in the water conservancy industry. This study is based on competency theory, using literature research and behavioral event interviews to summarize the competency characteristics of water conservancy cadres. Through theoretical analysis and empirical testing, a competency model is constructed to analyze the connotation of competency characteristics in different dimensions. The research results indicate that the competency model for leading cadres in the water conservancy industry consists of 5 dimensions and 18 competency elements. The model mainly includes the knowledge characteristics, skill characteristics, attitude characteristics, motivation characteristics, and strategic characteristics that leaders in the water conservancy industry should possess. Based on this, countermeasures and suggestions are proposed for the management and team building of water conservancy cadres.