Hydrologic Technicians
Overview
Hydrologic technicians work both in laboratories and outdoors to study water resources and natural materials like soil and gas. They install scientific equipment, collect samples from rivers and groundwater sources, and use advanced testing methods to analyze what they find. These professionals create detailed reports and digital maps using modern software to help scientists understand where valuable natural resources might be located. This career combines hands-on fieldwork with high-tech laboratory analysis, making it perfect for people who enjoy both outdoor exploration and scientific problem-solving.
Did you know?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering or related field, with many employers preferring Professional Engineer (PE) licensure for advanced roles.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$59,437.59 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Key Responsibilities
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
- Provide real time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events.
- Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
- Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
- Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
- Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
- Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow.
- Write groundwater contamination reports on known, suspected, or potential hazardous waste sites.
- Write materials for research publications, such as maps, tables, and reports, to disseminate findings.
- Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
- Perform quality control checks on data to be used by hydrologists.
- Prepare, install, maintain, or repair equipment used for hydrologic study, such as water level recorders, stream flow gauges, and water analyzers.
- Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
Career Considerations
Professional Licensing and Education Requirements
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering or related field, with many employers preferring Professional Engineer (PE) licensure for advanced roles.
Diverse Industry Opportunities
Career paths span consulting firms, government agencies (EPA, USGS), municipal utilities, and private water companies, each offering different project types and advancement opportunities.
Regional Specialization Demands
Job requirements vary significantly by geographic region, with western states emphasizing drought management while coastal areas focus on flood control and stormwater systems.