Hydrologist
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.
Work activities vary according to the role, but may include:
Relevant degree subjects include:
Entry with an HND only is increasingly rare.
Although not necessary for all jobs, a postgraduate degree is highly recommended, and increasingly required, because of the level of competition for posts. Postgraduate courses vary in focus, so it is important to choose a course that matches your career aims. Possible subject areas include:
Contact individual institutions for course information and further details of entry requirements.
When choosing an undergraduate or further degree it is important to consider whether it is recognised and accredited by the professional body to which you may wish to apply for membership in the future.
Whilst pre-entry experience is not formally required, relevant experience, such as a work placement in a relevant or related field, such as hydrometrics, is recommended.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
It can be difficult to gain pre-entry work experience. Look across the environmental sector as a whole and try to gain work in a related area. Working on volunteer conservation projects shows commitment to the area and will also help develop relevant transferable skills and make useful contacts. Experience gained on relevant postgraduate courses is also valued by employers. While there are a variety of opportunities in the field, competition is strong because of the level of specialisation. Research potential employers thoroughly and be prepared to start contacting them before Christmas of your final year.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The level of training support provided depends on individual organisations. While many of the required technical skills are gained on the job, hydrologists may receive additional training in specific IT software, as well as soft skills such as time management. Professional training is often provided by a mix of in-house staff, professional bodies and external consultants. Mentoring from a colleague with extensive hydrological experience can be very beneficial and can help consolidate knowledge and build confidence.
Because of the technical nature of the work, hydrologists need to keep up to date with new techniques, technologies and legislation, particularly at the start of a career. Membership of a professional body such as the British Hydrological Society (BHS) or the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is useful in terms of training, networking and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.
CIWEM, for example, provides a recognised professional training and assessment programme, which is obligatory for its associate and corporate members. A range of professional activities, such as seminars, conferences and technical meetings, are recognised as part of CPD.
CIWEM provides a professional development scheme which is a central part of institution membership at direct entry, member and associate levels. Progressive levels of membership are reached by acquiring recognised competences and knowledge. The training programme must be provided by approved employing organisations, so it is important to check with employers about chartership opportunities before applying.
CIWEM also accredits undergraduate and postgraduate environmental qualifications at a number of universities. Visit the website for further details and for a list of CIWEM-accredited universities.
Promotion is usually based on merit and on gaining a broad range of experience in the various practical aspects of hydrology. Progression through an organisation is the clearest way to develop in the field in the first two to five years.
Career development within the area as a whole can be challenging because most employers have no defined route for progression. The main exceptions are environmental agencies and bodies, such as the Environment Agency (EA) , which do tend to offer clear routes for career development.
Many hydrologists choose to undertake a professional qualification and gain membership of a professional body relevant to their chosen specialisation. For example, those with appropriate engineering qualifications can achieve membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) ; those with a scientific qualification would usually seek membership of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) . Criteria for membership vary depending on the professional body but you will need to show that you regularly undertake a range of CPD activities and have relevant experience at a specific level.
Progression may be towards water resources management or senior scientific posts within environmental bodies and agencies. Those hoping to gain senior positions will need to develop people and project management skills as well as skills in managing budgets. There are other opportunities in engineering and environmental management consultancies for higher level work. Hydrologists may also move into managing and planning resources for utilities companies. Employment in international organisations developing water resource strategies is possible.
Some hydrologists choose to pursue an academic career in research and there are opportunities at universities offering relevant courses.
With five to ten years' experience, a number of hydrologists move on to working independently on a consultancy basis or as part of a larger, multidisciplinary consultancy company. Hydrologists working independently often have additional experience and qualifications. The British Hydrological Society (BHS) and Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) both have an online directory of consultancies.
Typical employers include:
Occasional opportunities arise in industries whose activities affect surface and ground water.
Hydrologists are also employed by international organisations to develop and manage water resource strategies, particularly in areas where emergency relief is necessary.
Hydrology continues to be a specialist area with a relatively low number of vacancies. However, with growing concern for the effective management of natural resources, it is likely that opportunities will broaden in scope in the future.
Environmental and specialist recruitment agencies such as Aquatech Recruitment also handle vacancies. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of member agencies.
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