Hydrologists

19-2043.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
• Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
• Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
• Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
• Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
• Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
• Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
• Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
• Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
• Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
• Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
• Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
• Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
• Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
• Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
• Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
• Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
• Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Argus ONE Open Numerical Environments; Bentley Systems gINT; Biodegration flow and transport modeling software; Clover Technology GALENA; Data visualization software; EarthVision; Electric Rain Swift 3D; EnviroData Solutions; Environmental Software and Services SUTRA; Fitts Geosolutions TWODAN; Formlink HydroGEN; Golden Software Strater; Groundwater modeling system GMS; Groundwater Software QuickCross/Fence; Groundwater Software QuickLog; Groundwater Vistas; HEC-1; HEC-2; HEC-RAS; Hydrologic simulation program fortan HSPF software; HydroSOLVE AQTESOLV; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Logger data manager LDM; Logplot software; MLPU; Parameter Estimation PEST; PRINCE; Revised universal soil loss equation RUSLE software; RockWare ChemFlux; RockWare Geochemist's Workbench GWB; RockWare MODFLOW; Scientific Software Group AQUA3D; Scientific Software Group AquaDyn; Scientific Software Group AQUASEA; Scientific Software Group Aquifer win32; Scientific Software Group AQUIPACK; Scientific Software Group AT123D; Scientific Software Group BIO1D; Scientific Software Group BIOF&T; Scientific Software Group BIOSLURP; Scientific Software Group BioTrends; Scientific Software Group CHASM; Scientific Software Group EnviroScape; Scientific Software Group FEFLOW; Scientific Software Group Filter Drain FD; Scientific Software Group GFLOW; Scientific Software Group HydroGeo Analyst; Scientific Software Group HYDROGEOCHEM; Scientific Software Group Infinite Extent; Scientific Software Group MARS 2-D/3-D; Scientific Software Group MIDUSS; Scientific Software Group MIGRATE; Scientific Software Group MINTEQA2; Scientific Software Group MOCDENSE; Scientific Software Group MODFLOWT; Scientific Software Group MODPUMP; Scientific Software Group MODRET; Scientific Software Group MOFAT; Scientific Software Group MohrView; Scientific Software Group MOVER; Scientific Software Group MS-VMS; Scientific Software Group MT3D99; Scientific Software Group OILVOL; Scientific Software Group POLLUTE; Scientific Software Group QHM; Scientific Software Group QuickSoil; Scientific Software Group RISC WorkBench; Scientific Software Group SEQUENCE; Scientific Software Group SESOIL; Scientific Software Group SLAEM/MLAEM; Scientific Software Group Soil Vapor Extraction BioSVE; Scientific Software Group SOILPARA; Scientific Software Group SOLUTRANS; Scientific Software Group StepMaster; Scientific Software Group SVFlux; Scientific Software Group SVHeat; Scientific Software Group TUFLOW; Scientific Software Group VAM2D; Scientific Software Group WinFlow; Scientific Software Group WinTran; Scientific Software GroupWinFence; SoilVision Systems SVGrainsize; Starpint Software Super Slug; Surface water modeling system SMS software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Vieux & Associates Vflow; Visual MODFLOW Pro; Waterloo Hydrogeologic AquaChem; Waterloo Hydrogeologic AquiferTest Pro; Waterloo Hydrogeologic RBC Tier 2 Analyzer; Watershed modeling system WMS software
• Categorization or classification software - GAEA Technologies WinSieve
• Compliance software - National pollutant discharge elimination system NPDES compliance software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Advanced Logic Technology WellCAD; Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D; Autodesk Land Desktop; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; BOSS International Visual Groundwater; Carlson SurvCADD; Integrated Environmental Services 3D Master; Scientific Software Group 3DFATMIC; Scientific Software Group 3DFEMFAT; Scientific Software Group EVS; SEDCAD
• Data base user interface and query software - ChemStat; Database software; EarthSoft EQuIS Geology; GIS/Solutions GIS/Key; Groundwater Software Visual Site Manager; Microsoft Access 🔥; River Lake Altimetry Product; RIVERMorph; Satellite database software; Scientific Software Group ChemGraph; Scientific Software Group Enviro-Base Pro; Scientific Software GroupWHI UnSAT Suite; SoilVision Systems SVOFFICE; Structure query language SQL; Waters eLab Notebook
• Development environment software - Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems; RockWare RockWorks; Trimble TerraSync
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Amtec Engineering Tecplot; Graphics software; RockWare SieveGraph; StatPoint StatGraphics Plus
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Golden Software Surfer; Scientific Software Group DTM; Scientific Software Group RMT; Scientific Software Group SURF; Softree Technical Systems Terrain Tools; Trimble Pathfinder Office
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows Vista Business
• Presentation software - EnviroInsite; Microsoft PowerPoint
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web platform development software - Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - GAEA Technologies Packet ESA; GAEA Technologies WinLog; Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Research hydrologic features or processes.
• Plan environmental research.
• Measure environmental characteristics.
• Record research or operational data.
• Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
• Communicate results of environmental research.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
• Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
• Collect environmental data or samples.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
• Develop environmental research methods.
• Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
• Direct natural resources extraction projects.
• Provide technical information or assistance to public.
• Conduct climatological research.
• Compile geographic or related data.
• Analyze geological or geographical data.