Agricultural Careers

Hydrologist

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Nina Maxey

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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Job Duties & Responsibilities

•Prepare maps of study areas and collect water samples

•Observe and collect data on both surface and ground waters

•Perform laboratory testing of samples

•Report findings formally to the science community in publications or presentations

Qualities and Skills•Good health and physical stamina

•Ability to hike to remote locations in extreme weather (if needed)

•Good vision and depth perception

•Deep appreciation for natural resources and the conservation of resources for generations to come.

•Good communication skills and second or third languages may be necessary.

•The ability to lead and deal with others is also important.

•Computer skills are essential

Salary

Median annual earnings of hydrologists were

$56,530 in 2002, with the middle 50 percent

earning between $44,080 and $70,160, the lowest

10 percent less than $36,790, and the highest

10 percent more than $86,620

Work Environment

•Most work will be done outdoors collecting data, mapping, or sampling

•Some office and laboratory work is also required

•Work week is typically 40 hours

Becoming a HydrologistMany students graduate with degrees in geosciences or engineering, particularly agricultural engineering, and from there get involved in the field of hydrology. But some schools do offer specific degree programs in hydrology, especially with higher levels of education, such as graduate studies. It is possible to be a hydrologist with only a bachelor’s degree, but many supervisory positions and others with increased responsibility require at least a master’s degree for advancement, including a number of jobs with the federal government. Training in skills such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) is also becoming more and more important as use of technology in this field grows.

Career Resources

American Institute of Hydrology2499 Rice Street, Suite 135

St. Paul, Minnesota 55113-3724Internet: http://www.aihydro.org

American Geological Institute4220 King Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22302-1502Internet: http://www.agiweb.org