What does a Hydrogeologist do?
Published 4 min read
A hydrogeologist is a scientist who studies water in the environment. They may work in fields such as environmental science, engineering, or geology. Hydrogeologists may study the movement of water through the ground, the quality of groundwater, or the effects of drought.
Hydrogeologist job duties include:
- Conduct field investigations to collect data on the geologic, hydrologic, and chemical characteristics of groundwater
- Analyze data to determine the nature, distribution, and history of groundwater
- Develop models to simulate groundwater flow and contaminant transport
- Prepare reports and maps to communicate findings to clients and government agencies
- Manage and oversee drilling operations for groundwater wells
- Install and maintain monitoring wells
- Pump water from wells to collect samples for analysis
- Treat contaminated groundwater using pump-and-treat or other methods
- Monitor groundwater quality at Superfund sites
Hydrogeologist Job Requirements
A hydrogeologist is a scientist who studies the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. They may work in the public or private sector to solve water-related problems. A bachelor's degree in geology or a related field is required for most entry-level positions, and many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher. Some states require hydrogeologists to be licensed as professional engineers. Many hydrogeologists have experience working in the field collecting data and samples before moving into management or research positions.
Hydrogeologist Skills
- Groundwater
- Aquifers
- Wells
- Water quality
- Field work
- Data analysis
- Modeling
- Report writing
- Project management
- Client interaction
- Regulatory compliance
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How to become a Hydrogeologist
A hydrogeologist is a scientist who studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water on Earth. Hydrogeologists play an important role in water resource management and are employed in a variety of industries, including environmental consulting, engineering, and government.
There are many ways to become a hydrogeologist. A bachelor’s degree in geology or a related field is a good start. Many hydrogeologists have a master’s degree or higher in hydrogeology or a related field such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, or earth sciences.
There are many professional organizations for hydrogeologists, such as the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America, that offer networking opportunities and continuing education resources. Many states also have their own groundwater associations.
Most hydrogeologists work in the private sector as consultants or for engineering firms. Others work in state or federal agencies, such as the US Geological Survey or the Environmental Protection Agency. Some hydrogeologists teach at universities or conduct research in academic institutions.
If you’re interested in becoming a hydrogeologist, start by pursuing a degree in geology or a related field. Then get involved with professional organizations and continue your education throughout your career.
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