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.

• Geophysical-Laboratory Chief
• Geophysicist
• Hydrologist
• Seismologist

• Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
• Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
• Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
• Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
• Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
• Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
• Conduct short-term and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
• Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
• Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
• Develop or modify methods of conducting hydrologic studies.
• Draft final reports describing research results, including illustrations, appendices, maps, and other attachments.
• 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.
• Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
• Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments, such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
• Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
• Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
• Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
• Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
• Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
• Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
• Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of the hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
• Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
• Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze ecosystem data
• analyze geological research data
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect geographic or physical data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• develop mathematical simulation models
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• draw maps or charts
• explain complex mathematical information
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• forecast weather changes
• interpret aerial photographs
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• make presentations
• monitor atmospheric or meteorological processes
• observe weather conditions
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
• provide expert testimony on research results
• read maps
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• resolve engineering or science problems
• understand properties of gases or liquids
• use building or land use regulations
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use geographic positioning system (GPS)
• use geographical information system (GIS) software
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of tides and currents
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use measuring instruments to collect geological data
• use physical science research techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use research methodology to study atmospheric phenomena
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use teaching techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers