Hydrologists

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Duties

The following are typical tasks for hydrologists:

• Volume and stream flow are two examples of water qualities that may be measured.
• The pH or pollution levels can be determined by taking water and soil samples and conducting tests.
• Data on pollution, erosion, drought and other environmental issues should be analyzed.
• Investigate methods for reducing the environmental harm caused by erosion, sedimentation, or pollution.
• Predict future water supply, pollution, floods and other occurrences using computer models.
• Perform feasibility studies on water-related projects, include dams and irrigation systems as well as sewage treatment facilities.
• Present their results in writing form and via public speaking engagements.

Remote sensing devices may be used by hydrologists to gather information. Installation and maintenance of these equipment are often performed by them or professionals under their direction. Expert computer programs are also used by hydrologists to assess the data they have acquired. Hydrologists frequently use computer models to better interpret large datasets.

To better understand and manage the water supply in the United States, hydrologists collaborate with engineers, scientists, and public authorities. Examples include collaborating with lawmakers on water conservation measures and biologists to monitor wildlife for their water requirements.

The majority of hydrologists specialize on a single water source or a specific facet of the water cycle, such as the evaporation of water from lakes and streams, Hydrologists fall into one of the following categories:

Water under the surface is studied by groundwater hydrologists. When it comes to water supply, certain groundwater hydrologists select where to drill new wells and how much may be pumped from those wells. The remediation of groundwater contaminated by chemical spills at a plant, airport, or gas station is the attention of other groundwater hydrologists. To ensure that groundwater does not get contaminated, these hydrologists typically recommend the ideal locations to establish waste disposal facilities, such as landfills.

Hydrologists that work with surface water collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including rivers, lakes, and snowpacks. Reservoir managers may use historical data on water use and precipitation to make informed decisions about whether to release or reserve water in the future. They are also involved in the development of flood management strategies and predictions.

Hydrologists, like meteorologists, may have to deal with issues that are normally handled by atmospheric scientists. Environmental scientists and professionals have a background in hydrology and a focus on water quality. As a result of their training in hydrology, some persons choose to teach high school or college students.

Education

Hydrologists normally require a bachelor's degree in physical science or a related discipline, such as natural resources, in order to work in this industry. Candidates with a master's degree are occasionally preferred by employers. A Ph.D. is often required for postsecondary-level hydrologists performing research or teaching.

Few colleges and universities offer undergraduate degrees in hydrology; however, many colleges and universities offer specializations in hydrology as part of their geosciences, engineering, or earth science majors. Mathematics, statistics, and the biological sciences are examples of possible course requirements.

Criteria to Be Considered

Skills in analysis. Data from the field and laboratory testing must be analyzed by hydrologists.

Effective communication abilities. Hydrologists chronicle their studies in comprehensive reports. 

Government officials and the general public are examples of people who may not have a technical background and may need to be presented with their results.

Possessing the capability to think critically. In order to analyze the possible dangers to water supplies from pollution, floods, droughts and other events hydrologists build and use models. To deal with these dangers, they devise water management strategies.

Personality traits. It is common for hydrologists to collaborate with other scientists, engineers, technicians, and other types of specialists on larger projects.

Stamina of the body. Hydrologists may have to trek to isolated sites while lugging testing and sampling equipment when they are out in the field.

Pay

Hydrologists earned an average of $84,040 per year in May 2020. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median wage." Ten percent of the population earned less than $52,900 and 10 percent more than $130,030, respectively.

Job Projections

From 2020 to 2030, employment of hydrologists is expected to expand at a rate of 6%, on par with the overall average.