Hydrologist Job Description

Water is the most precious natural resource on the planet and it is dwindling very fast. Many scientists have predicted that there will be a time when there will be no drinking water left on the earth. Hence, the job of a hydrologist has become more important. They are people who study water present in the atmosphere and in the ground. To get the correct information on this important profession, read the hydrologist job description.

Human beings can survive without food for a few weeks, but they cannot survive without water for more than a couple of days. Such is the importance of water. 70% of the body is made up of water. Hence, it is important to have experts look at the water crisis that is looming in the near future.

Hydrologists study all the water patterns, both above and under the ground. They look for water underground and try to get samples to check whether it is fit for drinking or not. They also see the rain patterns in particular areas, and test the rain waters for pollution in them. Their reports help understand water cycles and hence, people are well prepared for changes in water quality and quantity.

Water that is present in the soil determines the fertility of the soil. The hydrologists determine quality of the water and how it affects the fertility. They can also tell if the water can be used for irrigation. All this information is provided to farmers wanting to farm the land. Hydrologists are also hired to search for water in unlikely places so the people of the area can avail of it.

They also test water for any water borne diseases. Many times we hear the residents of a particular area fall ill at the same time then a hydrologist is called in to test the waters of that area. They help in preventing more people from falling ill. More detailed information on a hydrologist job description is available below.

Duties and responsibilities of a hydrologist

They test the water that is present under the ground and above it
Regarding water from the ground, they test the rivers, ponds and other such water bodies for pollution and diseases
They see all the rain patterns and how climate change has affected the quality of the water
Acid rain has also been reported at times, the hydrologists have to go there and investigate the phenomenon
They also test the waste that is present underground as it affects the fertility of the soil
They check if the water is drinkable and can be used for irrigation as many places don't have running water for irrigation
Hydrologist have to report to the proper authorities if they find any diseases in the water so proper measures can be taken to stop it from spreading
They need to have well-equipped laboratories for testing water

Education required by hydrologists

A master's degree in hydrology with a bachelor's degree in the same subject
For doctorates in the subject one needs to complete a thesis on the subject of hydrology
To further become a teacher, a teacher's degree is required with a license from the state

Career Advancement

Hydrologists can later become professors and get tenure. They can also get seniority in the organization they work in and move up in the management.

The work stated in the hydrologist job description not only improves the quality of water, but it also ends up saving lives.