What do Hydrologists Do?
Hydrologists study the properties of bodies of water by collecting soil and water samples from underground and surface areas. They are responsible for monitoring and researching the circulation, spread and components of water during the water cycle. Pollution, drought and erosion are tracked using samples by studying infiltration rates and precipitation intensity.
Hydrologists Skills and Abilities
You are required to have proficiency in math, English, engineering, chemistry, geography, and physics in order to complete your duties as a hydrologist. These science-related skills guide you to take correct samples and study them under the scientific method. You must also have great communication skills in both writing and speaking, as well as reading comprehension skills to follow procedures and guidelines. You will use your inductive reasoning ability to make scientific connections between data. Problem sensitivity skills are useful to avoid potential problems during the course of your daily duties.
As a hydrologist, you are responsible for running evaluations and preparing reports on your findings, both oral and written. You must design investigations prior to gathering samples and researching. To complete you tasks, you will be responsible for the following:
- Calibrate and use appropriate tools to take water and soil samples.
- Analyze data for pollution, erosion and drought.
- Recommend plans for building projects based on sample data.
- Use illustrations, maps, research, findings and calculations to write up detailed reports on water analysis to promote water preservation and conservation.
- Research previous information available for surface and underground water.
- Evaluate land treatment facilities, hazardous waste sites and feedlot locations.
Hydrologists Tools and Technology
In order to take samples, you will be required to use various pieces of equipment. This may include logging instruments for groundwater, open stream water level recording devices, and analyzers for water pressure, flow, quality and level. Sample work is completed using water sampling devices, such as instream sediment packers and biological oxygen demand water samplers. To record all findings and do research, you will need to work with software programs. Scientific software, such as Electric Rain Swift 3D, lets you analyze your data. You may also need to work with database, photo imaging and map creation software to complete tasks.
Education and Training for Hydrologists
You need to have a high level of education in order to be a hydrologist. Many come with a Bachelor’s degree in related fields, but most obtain a Master’s degree in hydrology, oceanography, earth sciences or geology. It is unlikely that you will find employment with less education. Typically, there is no training once hired.
Whether you are just starting out in the field or have been there for years, the average rates of pay are fairly high. The bottom 10 percent of employees earn $50,000 per year, but the median national average is just above $78,000 per year. The top 10 percent of employees earn above $117,000 per year. Location can play a role in how much you make, as well. Massachusetts, Maryland, Georgia and Virginia have median rates well above the national median average, between $92,000 and $100,000 per year. With the right education and experience, you may find yourself making up to $150,000 in these states. You can expect to earn much less in Nebraska, South Carolina and Wisconsin, where you will find median pay rates between $48,000 and $60,000 per year.
Hydrologists Jobs by Geography
There are not many hydrologist positions that exist in the nation. There are approximately 7,400, but there is a 10 percent expected rise in this field over the next several years. With the increase in positions, you can expect to find a projected 290 available openings each year. Washington, Florida, Texas and Arizona offer the greatest chance at finding employment as the job density is much higher in these states.