Careers in Natural Science and Resource Management

Hydrologist

Job Description

Hydrologists apply scientific knowledge and mathematical principles to solve water-related problems in society: problems of quantity, quality and availability. They may be concerned with finding water supplies for cities or irrigated farms or controlling river flooding or soil erosion. They may work in environmental protection, preventing or cleaning up pollution or locating sites for safe disposal of hazardous wastes. Scientists and engineers in hydrology may be involved in both field investigations and office work. In the field, they may collect basic data, oversee testing of water quality, direct field crews and work with equipment. In the office, hydrologists interpret hydrologic data and perform analyses, including the use of computer simulation models. Much of the work also relies on computers for organizing, summarizing, and analyzing data such as precipitation, weather, climate, soils, runoff, groundwater levels, and water quality.

Skills

• Communicating clearly in writing and speech is a basic requirement essential for any professional person
• Hydrologists should be able to work well with people, not only as part of a team with other scientists and engineers, but also in public relations, whether it be advising governmental leaders or informing the general public on water issues

Preparation

Students who plan to become hydrologists need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, geology, physics, computer science, chemistry and biology. In addition, background in other subjects—economics, public finance, environmental law, government policy—is needed to communicate with experts in these fields.