Hydrogeologist : Salary and conditions

Range of typical starting salaries: £20,000 - £25,000.
Range of salaries for senior hydrogeologists: £30,000 - £45,000. Salaries for experienced professionals and managers range from £50,000 - £60,000.
Salaries tend to be higher in private companies/consultancies than in the public sector.
Working hours tend to be 9am to 5pm in the public sector, but longer for those working in the private sector. Long working hours may be required during field work, at busy periods or when deadlines are approaching. Weekend working is unusual.
Work is typically office based, but site visits and field work can form an essential aspect of the work (especially within consultancy). These can take place throughout the year and in all weather conditions. Some roles also have an element of laboratory work.
Flexitime and part-time work is available with some employers.
Experienced hydrogeologists may become self-employed as a consultant once they have built up a wide background of experience and a good reputation.
Hydrogeologists work throughout the UK in a range of sectors, and opportunities are available in all parts of the country.
As site visits may be in remote and hard-to-reach areas, this work would be difficult for someone with mobility issues.
Travel is typical within the working day, and there may be occasional overnight absences from home.
There are opportunities for overseas work for those with appropriate experience.

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AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date:

July 2011