Stories you may like

• Hydrologist

• Recycling Officers

• Oceanographers

• Water Engineers

• WATER CONSERVATIONIST

Hydrologists research, develop and maintain safe and sustainable domestic or natural water management strategies.

Hydrologists apply scientific knowledge and mathematical principles to solve water-related problems such as quantity, quality and availability. Hydrologists could work on finding new water sources, predicting droughts or floods and reducing waste water.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• studying relationships between soil and rock features, rainfall and water run-off

• using specialist computer modelling applications

• recording and analysing water resource systems data

• employing statistical and hydrological modelling techniques

• determining the most effective water management methods

• assessing the impact of environmental changes and land use changes

• predicting and monitoring rainfall, water yields and usage

• liaising with clients, consultants, water regulators, researchers, external bodies and other professionals

• managing on-site data collection

• forecasting floods

• producing water and drought management plans

• ensuring appropriate regulations are implemented

• keeping up to date with scientific and technical developments

• making presentations

• supervising the work of hydrometrists and other staff

Qualifications and training required

A strong academic background is essential for all candidates. You will need a degree in an appropriate subject, eg geography, engineering, science, maths, or environmental studies. A relevant postgraduate qualification is also beneficial, particularly for research positions.

Key skills for hydrologists

• Project management

• Problem solving

• Organisation

• Teamworking

• Communication skills

• Good computing ability

• Mathematical skills

Typical employers of hydrologists

• Environmental bodies

• The Environment Agency

• National government

• Regional councils

• Public authorities

• Water or sewerage utility companies

• Research and development organisations

• The Natural Environment Research Council

• Consultancies