Hydrologists

What the job really is

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-2043
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
• Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
• Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
• Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
• Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
• Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
• Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
• Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
• Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
• Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
• Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, C++, ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
• Hydrologic Technicians
• Industrial Ecologists
• Water Resource Specialists
• Conservation Scientists
• Water/Wastewater Engineers
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
• Soil and Plant Scientists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Hydrologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.