Hydraulic engineer is a professional who is responsible for designing hydraulic systems and ensuring that all the hydraulic components will work as per the expected purpose. The hydraulic engineer responsibilities include dealing with the control and flow of fluids, especially water and using the fluid mechanics theory and principles to deal with the problems related to storage, collection, transportation, control, regulation, etc. The hydraulic engineer studies the environment, the water, its forces, and helps in creating concepts and designing structures to support the assigned purpose. He/she generally uses software programs related to hydrologic modeling and data analysis to make his/her work more easier.
Key Responsibilities of a Hydraulic Engineer
The hydraulic engineer is normally associated with storing the water resources and managing its flow by designing computerized hydraulic and hydrologic models that will meet the clients or organizations' requirements. He/she basically deals with restoring the aquatic habitat, enhancing it, analyzing the hydraulic structures and conducting the hydrologic analysis, designing structures, leading and supporting the relevant tasks, etc. To better understand the role, here is a list of key responsibilities that will explain in detail the exact nature of duties and tasks that need to be carried out by a hydraulic engineer:
The hydraulic engineer makes sure that all the designed hydraulic systems and structures are being designed as per the government rules and regulation and that quality standards are being maintained at optimum level. He/she ensures that the work performed by the other members is complete and accurate and that it adheres by the drawing specifications and standards. He/she develops and maintains proficiency and competency in all areas of hydrologic and hydraulic designing and analysis.
Essential Skills
An aptitude for engineering and a vision that would help in effective management of water resources would be the most essential skills. Good business acumen, excellent project management skills, ability to work under pressure, good planning and organizing skills are some of the other qualities which will be of great help. He/she should be able to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, commitment, and dedication.
Educational Qualification
The individual aspiring to apply for this position must have completed at least a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university or college in water resources engineering, civil engineering, etc., or any other relevant educational background in biology, physics, chemistry, oceanology, etc. Additional licensure or previous work experience in designing hydraulic systems or components would be preferred.
Work Schedule
The weekly routine of this engineering professional normally does not extend beyond forty hours. However, he/she must be flexible to work for longer hours in case a project needs to be completed within the given time limits. Frequent traveling to project sites may be required.
Salary Details
The average median salary for this professional is close in the range of $53,000 to $57,000. The lowest remuneration package for an inexperienced individual is $37,000, whereas the highest is close to $109,000. It varies depending on the level of responsibilities that need to be handled and the kind of experience, skills, and qualifications that he/she has in that particular field.
Career Prospects
Conserving the water has been a significant issue in the recent times and hence there is expected to be a great rise in hiring these professionals. There are plenty of vacancies, and therefore more opportunities to get promoted to higher managerial or supervisory positions.
Therefore, now you are fully aware of the hydraulic engineer responsibilities and the requisite background that is required to become a complete professional and ensure a huge success in this field.