Hydrologists research and study the quality, current challenges, and distribution of water on Earth. They study water supply from rivers, streams, and springs to determine their adequate and sustainable use. Together with a cross-functional team of professionals, they plan and develop ways to supply water to cities and urban areas while ensuring efficiency and resource conservation.
Hydrologists work in a variety of environments, including outdoor fieldwork, laboratories, and offices. Fieldwork involves traveling to different sites to measure water flow, collect samples, and monitor hydrological conditions, often requiring physical stamina and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions. Field activities must adhere to safety protocols, especially when working near water bodies or in remote areas. Laboratory work includes analyzing water samples and data using various analytical techniques and instruments. Office work involves data analysis, modeling, report writing, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers. The role often requires balancing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and staying updated with advancements in hydrological research and technology.
A bachelor’s degree in hydrology, environmental science, geology, or a related field is typically required, with many employers preferring candidates with a master’s degree or Ph.D. Specialized coursework in hydrology, fluid mechanics, water resources management, and environmental science is beneficial. Practical experience through internships, fieldwork, or research projects is highly valuable.
Proficiency in using hydrological modeling software, geographic information systems (GIS), and other analytical tools is essential. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for interpreting data and conveying findings effectively. Continuous professional development and staying updated with advancements in hydrological research and technology are important for career progression. Certifications or licensure, such as becoming a Certified Hydrologist through the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH), can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of hydrologist.
Environmental policy: Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.
Water policies: Have a solid understanding of policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations concerning water.
Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
Scientific modelling: Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.
Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing a hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
These skills are necessary for the role of hydrologist.
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Develop environmental policy: Develop an organisational policy on sustainable development and compliance with environmental legislation in line with policy mechanisms used in the field of environmental protection.
Develop water purification methods: Develop strategies for the development and use of water purification equipment and plans, by aiding in the design of equipment, planning purification procedures, and identifying the necessary actions and potential risks.
Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of hydrologist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Microbiology-bacteriology: Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Botany: The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
Oceanography: The scientific discipline that studies oceanic phenomena such as marine organisms, plate tectonics, and the geology of the ocean bottom.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Soil science: The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.
Geography: The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of hydrologist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Conduct sediment control: Manage sediment control processes and projects. Plan sediment control actions to prevent eroded soil from polluting nearby waterways.
Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
Manage water quality testing: Direct the procedures surrounding the testing and quality analysis of water and subsequent purification procedures by managing operations from sample collection to laboratory testing, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with legislation.
Advise on soil and water protection: Advise on the effects of soil and water management practices in controlling pollutant loss, nitrate leaching and reduce soil erosion.
Advise on pollution prevention: Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions that aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
Carry out waste water treatment: Perform waste water treatment according to regulations checking for biological waste and chemical waste.
Report test findings: Report test results focusing on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, tables, and visual methods to clarify where needed.
Develop flood remediation strategies: Develop plans and design equipment for the prevention of floods and efficient aid in the event of a flood, by assessing the risks, identifying improvements in existing strategies, and designing new strategies in flood remediation.
Analyse environmental data: Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Test samples for pollutants: Measure concentrations of pollutants within samples. Calculate air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes. Identify potential safety or health risks such as radiation.
Conduct erosion control: Manage erosion control processes and projects. Plan erosion control actions to control or prevent erosion from occurring and avoid water pollution or soil loss.
Promote environmental awareness: Calculate the carbon footprint of business processes and other practices in order to promote sustainability and to raise awareness for the environmental impact.
Develop scientific research protocols: Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
Advise on environmental remediation: Advise on the development and implementation of actions that aim to remove sources of pollution and contamination from the environment.
Identify risk of flooding: Identify the areas that are most at risk of being damaged by floods, such as areas close to rivers, and the events that would cause floods, such as changes in the weather.
Conduct field work: Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Monitor water quality: Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2, NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.
Develop environmental remediation strategies: Develop strategies for the removal of pollution and contaminants from soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment, taking into account environmental remediation regulations and available technologies.
Design scientific equipment: Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.
Report on environmental issues: Compile environmental reports and communicate on issues. Inform the public or any interested parties in a given context on relevant recent developments in the environment, forecasts on the future of the environment, and any problems and possible solutions.
