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Hydrologists

Also called: Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist, Professor, Research Hydrologist

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Navy.

What they do:
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and 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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of the hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
  • Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • physics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Engineering and Technology
  • product and service development
  • computers and electronics
Safety and Government
  • law and government

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by writing
  • read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen
Math
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software
  • HEC RAS
  • Scientific Software Group AQUA3D
Data base user interface and query software
  • EarthSoft EQuIS Geology
  • Groundwater Software Visual Site Manager
Computer aided design CAD software
  • Advanced Logic Technology WellCAD
  • BOSS International Visual Groundwater

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$75,680
per year, on average
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs
Green
This work is part of the green economy.

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about hydrologists.