Hydrologic Technicians

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

Interest Profile (RIASEC)

Key Tasks

Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.

Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.

Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.

Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.

Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.

Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.

Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.

Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.

Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.

Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow.

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.

Provide real time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events.

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.

Technology Skills

Geographic information system

ESRI ArcGIS software
ESRI ArcInfo
Geographic information system GIS software
Geographic information system GIS systems

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Analytical or scientific software

Datasurge GEOPRO
Delft GeoSystems MStab
Mitre Software GSLOPE
Salix Applied Earthcare Erosion Draw

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft Outlook

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft Access
State Soil Geographic STATSGO Database

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Document management software

Adobe Acrobat

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Operating system software

Microsoft Windows

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

Web platform development software

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Detailed Work Activities

Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

Write reports or evaluations.

Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.

Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.

Analyze environmental data.

Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.

Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.

Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

Collect environmental data or samples.

Communicate with the public on environmental issues.

Compile environmental or climatological data.

Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.

Evaluate data quality.

Install gauges or controls.

Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.

Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.

Research hydrologic features or processes.

Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

SVP Range: (6.0 to < 7.0)