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Hydrologists - 19-2043.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Groundwater Consultant
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Physical Scientist
  • Research Hydrologist
  • Scientist
  • Source Water Protection Specialist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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- 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 computer models for hydrologic predictions.
  • Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
  • 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.
  • Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  • 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 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.

Detailed Work Activities

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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aerographer's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Environmental Engineering Management Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Environmental Health Officer (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Environmental Science and Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Geospatial Information and Services (GIandS) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Master Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Services Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography Watch Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • METOC Analyst Forecaster (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Preventive Medicine Officer (Public Health) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • RL - Special Duty Officer (Oceanography) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Staff Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Water Treatment Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Geophysical-Laboratory Chief
  • Geophysicist
  • Hydrologist
  • Seismologist