Hydrogeologist

What is a Hydrogeologist?

Duties

As expert scientists, hydrogeologists have multiple tasks that revolve around assessing underground water, such as the ones listed here:

• Performing fieldwork that involves collecting data on different hydrogeological properties of an assigned area, such as molecular diffusion, porosity and hydrodynamic dispersion.
• Analysing and interpreting technical information in a concise way, from documents such as geographical reports and maps to model groundwater flow and geological aspects.
• Designing and organising the drilling of boreholes for the purpose of sampling and measuring both groundwater and surface water.
• Liaising with other hydrogeologists and hydrogeologists in the field to keep up-to-date on the latest developments.

Day In The Life

The work of a hydrogeologist is mostly office based, but frequent site visits and field duties are a significant part of the job. These responsibilities bring you outdoors throughout the year, no matter what the weather conditions. On a daily basis, you will be spending time at different sites to monitor and collect data samples for examination with regard to water quality, movement and distribution. You will use a range of techniques to extract pertinent data for further research, such as geographical information systems (GIS).

After an on-site visit, you will spend a lot of your time at a laboratory or office setting, evaluating and critically analysing the data for patterns. Some of your time as a hydrogeologist will also be spent writing reports in an easy-to-understand manner and presenting models of groundwater flow with the help of sophisticated computer applications.

Reports compiled by you will make an impact in various ways, such as help construction companies, agricultural development agencies and mining companies assess the impact of their projects on local groundwater resources. It will also give you the opportunity to provide people with clean water sources, through guidance on where to produce pumps or wells.

Work Schedule And Typical Hours

A hydrogeologist has to work for five days a week, typically from 9 am to 5 pm. However, longer hours might occasionally be required due to busy schedules or tight deadlines. With some employers, flextime and part-time work is also an option.

Most will also get the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally based on the job position and scope of work. Due to the nature of the role, your working hours will be mostly outdoors interacting with nature, conducting research on both surface water and groundwater resources.

Growth Of The Job

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the market will see a growth of 7 percent in job opportunities for hydrogeologists. Employers are looking for specialists with the expertise to conserve as well as manage the earth’s valuable resources and hydrogeologists will be in great demand.

An increasing focus on environmental and sustainability issues will lead to better prospects for aspirants in this line of work. A deeper understanding on groundwater management will also be necessary to address the necessities of rising populations.

Typical Employers

There is great potential for jobs in an emerging field like hydrogeology. A range of industries require their services, including construction, manufacturing, mining, environmental research and hazardous waste.

They are often employed by the federal government, architectural or engineering firms, lawyers, contracting firms, company owners as well as the general public. A select few in this employment sector will find lucrative opportunities working for charities and non-governmental organisations to source new water supplies and conducting quality checks.