Hydrologist : Job description

Hydrologists are involved in the monitoring, management and protection of water and water resources in commercial, environmental and academic settings. They ensure the effective flow of water through channels and pipes for the engineering and control of water provision. Their work contributes to the efficient planning, development and sustainable use of natural and domestic water resources, ensuring water is supplied in the most cost-effective manner.

Hydrologists use detailed data sources, computer modelling packages and other resources to collect, analyse and interpret data. They play a key role in ensuring the safe, sustainable and environmentally sound management of natural and domestic water resources.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary according to the role, but may include:

• working with specifically designed computer modelling packages to assess the most effective methods of managing available water in a particular area;
• analysing the effect of environmental changes on water flow;
• studying the effects on flows brought about by changes in land use such as afforestation or crop irrigation;
• planning responses to specific weather conditions, such as droughts and floods, and assessing the impacts of such events on water catchments and supplies;
• undertaking hydrological modelling to allow the development of flood forecasting and drought management strategy;
• assisting in the planning of water resource development by forecasting and monitoring water usage and rainfall;
• estimating water yields, taking into account the utilisation of water in a specific natural drainage area ('catchment');
• assessing the relationship between rainfall, run off, and soil and rock features for the catchment;
• investigating factors affecting acidity, nitrate levels or other diffuse pollution of surface water;
• calculating and auditing water resource systems and analysing this data;
• determining licences for companies and bodies requesting to use river resources;
• implementing relevant regulations;
• dealing with enquiries from external bodies and individuals, such as water regulators, consultants and researchers;
• providing project management consultancy in installing new river flow gauges;
• liaising with specialists, consultants and clients;
• providing feedback on drought and water resource plans produced by water companies;
• overseeing data collection on-site by hydrometrists and other staff;
• supervising the collection, processing and evaluation of data for water resource planning and flood management;
• applying hydrological and statistical techniques to water resource modelling and analysis;
• developing computer systems to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis;
• keeping up to date with new research and techniques in all areas of hydrology.