agricultural careers hydrologist by: dr. frank flanders and nina maxey georgia agricultural...
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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