Description
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Initiative
Tasks
- Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Documenting/Recording Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Map creation software
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Geography
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Level III Hydrologic Technician: Surface WaterCertifying Organization
American Institute of Hydrology
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Water TechnologistCertifying Organization
Association of Water Technologies
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Water SpecialistCertifying Organization
Water Quality Association
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System SpecialistCertifying Organization
EnviroCert International
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Erosion and Sediment Control - Level ICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $65,925 |
| Median (50%) | $83,705 |
| High (90%) | $134,065 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $72,942 |
| Mid Level | $81,891 |
| Senior Level | $102,463 |
| Expert Level | $131,687 |
Employability
There are currently 6,500 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 6,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 3%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 3%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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