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National

Median wages (2008) $34.35 hourly, $71,450 annual
Employment (2006) 8,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Much faster than average (21% or higher)
Projected need (2006-2016) 4,000 additional employees
19-2043.00 - Hydrologists

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

Sample of reported job titles: Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Consultant, Groundwater Consultant, Hydraulic Engineer, Hydrologic Engineer, Water Resources Program Director

Tasks

  • Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
  • Draft final reports describing research results, including illustrations, appendices, maps, and other attachments.
  • Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  • Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  • Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
  • Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
  • Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  • Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Logging instruments for water wells — Groundwater data logging instruments; Wireless data collection systems
Open stream current meters — Hydrological current meters; Stream gauges
Pressure sensors — Drive-point piezometers; Pore pressure piezometers to measure pressures in rock
Water analyzers — Multi-port sampling systems to monitor groundwater; Multiparameter water quality instruments; Submersible pressure and level sensors; Submersible water quality sensors
Water samplers — Biological oxygen demand water samplers; Sediment samplers; Suction samplers; Swing water samplers

Technology used in this occupation:

Analytical or scientific software — HEC RAS *; Laboratory information management system LIMS software; Waterloo Hydrogeologic RBC Tier 2 Analyzer; Watershed modeling system WMS software
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; Bentley MicroStation; Scientific Software Group EVS; SEDCAD software
Data base user interface and query software — EarthSoft EQuIS Geology; Scientific Software GroupWHI UnSAT Suite; SoilVision software; Waters eLab Notebook
Graphics or photo imaging software — Amtec Engineering Tecplot; Graphics software; RockWare SieveGraph; StatPoint StatGraphics Plus
Map creation software — ESRI ArcView; Scientific Software Group DTM; Softree Technical Systems Terrain Tools; Trimble TyraSync

* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.

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