Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Groundwater Consultant
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Research Hydrologist
Alternate Job Titles
- Groundwater Consultant
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologic Engineer
- Hydrologist
- Isotope Hydrologist
- Physical Scientist
- Project Hydrogeologist
- Research Hydrologist
- Scientist
- Seismologist
- Source Water Protection Specialist
- Surface Hydrologist
- Volcanologist
- Water Resources Scientist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Geography
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Science
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Innovation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Master's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Tools & Equipment
- Bailers
- Biological oxygen demand water samplers
- Calipers
- Cellular telemetry system water level monitors
- Clinometers
- Conductivity meters
- Core samplers
- Data logging pressure/temperature sensors
- Desktop computers
- Dessicators
- Dip nets
- Dissolved oxygen meters
- Doppler current and depth meters
- Double-packer systems
- Drive-point piezometers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $60,010 |
| Median | $92,060 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $139,420 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 5,720
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $99,240
Hydrologic Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $58,570
Industrial Ecologists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $80,060
Water Resource Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $161,180
Conservation Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.