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Hydrologists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

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

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.