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Robert M. Hirsch, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Water
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunset Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
Phone: (703) 648-5215
Fax: (703) 648-7031
Email: rhirsch@usgs.gov

Robert M. Hirsch serves as Associate Director for Water. In this capacity, Dr. Hirsch is responsible for all U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water science programs. These programs encompass research and monitoring of the nation’s ground water and surface water resources including issues of water quantity as well as quality. He has served as the leader of USGS water programs since 1994. As Associate Director he represents the interests of the USGS in scientific, technical, and leadership aspects of hydrology and serves as the Director’s principal advisor on water-related issues. In his capacity as spokesperson for the USGS and its water resources mission, Hirsch holds the title of Chief Hydrologist.

Hirsch began his USGS career in 1976 as a hydrologist and has conducted research on water supply, water quality, pollutant transport, and flood frequency analysis. His scientific leadership contributed to development of several USGS national water programs. Leadership positions include: Acting Director of the USGS during an interim period between Directors (August 1993 to March 1994); Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Research and External Coordination (1989-1993); and Staff Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, U.S. Department of the Interior (1987-1988).

Hirsch was born in Highland Park, Illinois. He received degrees from Earlham College (bachelor of arts degree in geology, 1971), University of Washington (master of sciences degree in geology, 1974), and The Johns Hopkins University (doctorate in geography and environmental engineering, 1976). He has received numerous honors from the Federal Government and from non-governmental organizations. He is co-author of the textbook “Statistical Methods in Water Resources.” Dr. Hirsch is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an active member of the American Geophysical Union and the American Water Resources Association.