# Hydrologists

> Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 19-2043.00
- **Summary:** Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

## Aliases

- Groundwater Consultant
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Research Hydrologist
- Physical Scientist
- Scientist
- Source Water Protection Specialist
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Hydrologic Engineer
- Isotope Hydrologist
- Project Hydrogeologist
- Seismologist

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.c |
| Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.i |
| Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.j |
| Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. | Core | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.m |
| Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.u |
| Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.j |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions. | 4.A.2.b.2.u |
| Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. | 4.A.3.b.6.c |
| Research hydrologic features or processes. | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Record research or operational data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Supervise scientific or technical personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Assess compliance with environmental laws. | 4.A.2.a.3.b |
| Plan environmental research. | 4.A.2.b.2.s |
| Analyze environmental data. | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Collect environmental data or samples. | 4.A.3.a.2.al |
| Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems. | 4.A.2.b.2.m |
| Measure environmental characteristics. | 4.A.1.a.2.i |
| Collect data about project sites. | 4.A.1.a.1.f |
| Respond to customer problems or complaints. | 4.A.4.a.8.c |
| Order materials, supplies, or equipment. | 4.A.4.c.3.e |
| Provide technical information or assistance to public. | 4.A.4.a.3.b |
| Develop environmental research methods. | 4.A.2.b.2.s |
| Calibrate scientific or technical equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Maintain laboratory or technical equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.c |
| Evaluate civic projects or public policies. | 4.A.2.a.1.b |
| Conduct climatological research. | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives. | 4.A.1.a.1.j |
| Communicate results of environmental research. | 4.A.4.a.2.a |
| Design water conservation systems. | 4.A.2.b.2.m |
| Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Coordinate construction or installation activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Review environmental permits, plans, or reports. | 4.A.2.a.3.a |
| Direct natural resources extraction projects. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Compile geographic or related data. | 4.A.2.a.2.c |
| Analyze geological or geographical data. | 4.A.2.a.4.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 4.35 |
| Physics | knowledge | 4.13 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 4 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 4 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 4 |
| Written Expression | ability | 4 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.91 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.88 |
| Science | essential_skill | 3.88 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.88 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.88 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | ability | 3.88 |
| Geography | knowledge | 3.87 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Mathematics | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.75 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.62 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.62 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Fluency of Ideas | ability | 3.5 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.5 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.48 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 3.39 |
| Systems Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Originality | ability | 3.25 |
| Number Facility | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Biology | knowledge | 3.22 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Access | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| HEC-RAS | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Graphics Software | Specialized Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Database Software | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ESRI ArcGIS software | Geographic information system | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | yes |
| Python | Object or component oriented development software | yes | yes |
| R | Object or component oriented development software | yes | yes |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Bentley MicroStation | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| C++ | Object or component oriented development software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP | Web platform development software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Visual Basic | Development environment software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| The MathWorks MATLAB | Analytical or scientific software | yes | no |
| Geographic information system GIS systems | Geographic information system | no | yes |
| HEC-HMS | Analytical or scientific software | no | yes |
| HEC-RAS | Analytical or scientific software | no | yes |
| RockWare MODFLOW | Analytical or scientific software | no | yes |
| Advanced Logic Technology WellCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Amtec Engineering Tecplot | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Argus ONE Open Numerical Environments | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Autodesk Land Desktop | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Bentley Systems gINT | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Biodegration flow and transport modeling software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| BOSS International Visual Groundwater | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Carlson SurvCADD | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| ChemStat | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Clover Technology GALENA | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Data visualization software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| EarthSoft EQuIS Geology | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| EarthVision | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Electric Rain Swift 3D | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| EnviroData Solutions | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| EnviroInsite | Presentation software | no | no |
| Environmental Software and Services SUTRA | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| ESRI ArcView | Geographic information system | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| E-Mail | 4.96 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.55 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.39 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.22 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.18 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.14 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.05 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4 |
| Contact With Others | 3.91 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.86 |
| Level of Competition | 3.55 |
| Time Pressure | 3.35 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.22 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.22 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 3.09 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.09 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.04 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.04 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 3 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.91 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.7 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 2.65 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.57 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.57 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.48 |
| Public Speaking | 2.39 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 2.35 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 2.3 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 2.3 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 2.26 |
| Spend Time Standing | 2.26 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.22 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.17 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 2.09 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.04 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 2.04 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 1.91 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 1.87 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 1.83 |
| Degree of Automation | 1.82 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 5
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- **Experience:** Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- **Svp Range:** (8.0 and above)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Master's Degree | 52.17 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 39.13 |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 4.35 |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 4.35 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 6.41 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 6.01 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 5.84 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 5.38 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 5.01 |
| Dependability | work_style | 5 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.31 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 4 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.86 |
| Integrity | work_style | 3 |
| Life Science | specific_interest_area | 2.86 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 2.8 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.69 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 2.62 |
| Intellectual Curiosity | work_style | 2.58 |
| Public Speaking | specific_interest_area | 2.51 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 19-2042.00 | role-19-2042-00 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Primary-Short |
| 19-4044.00 | role-19-4044-00 | Hydrologic Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 19-2041.03 | role-19-2041-03 | Industrial Ecologists | Primary-Short |
| 11-9121.02 | role-11-9121-02 | Water Resource Specialists | Primary-Short |
| 19-1031.00 | role-19-1031-00 | Conservation Scientists | Primary-Short |
| 17-2051.02 | role-17-2051-02 | Water/Wastewater Engineers | Primary-Long |
| 19-2041.00 | role-19-2041-00 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Primary-Long |
| 19-1013.00 | role-19-1013-00 | Soil and Plant Scientists | Primary-Long |
| 19-2041.02 | role-19-2041-02 | Environmental Restoration Planners | Primary-Long |
| 17-2081.00 | role-17-2081-00 | Environmental Engineers | Primary-Long |
| 19-4043.00 | role-19-4043-00 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | Supplemental |
| 19-2021.00 | role-19-2021-00 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Agriculture | agriculture |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Bachelor's degree

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | multi-interdisciplinary-studies |
| Physical Sciences | physical-sciences |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 92060
- **Mean Wage:** 98130
- **Pct10Wage:** 60010
- **Pct25Wage:** 73330
- **Pct75Wage:** 114940
- **Pct90Wage:** 139420
- **Employment:** 5720
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 1670 | 96170 | 4.18 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 640 | 85450 | 14.92 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 170 | 80690 | 0.34 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 90 | 39120 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 90 | 111750 |  |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 50 | 83630 |  |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector |  | 165480 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 640 | 14.92 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 1670 | 4.18 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 170 | 0.34 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.014 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | 0.6405071 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.8979447 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | 0.5548691 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 67
- **Percentile:** 67
- **Band:** High
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 63 | felten_aioe |
| 75 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 62 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | 0.6405071 | 63 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.875 | 75 | High | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.18048011194822802 | 62 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.014
- **Percentile:** 9
- **Band:** Low
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** yes

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.125
- **Beta:** 0.5
- **Gamma:** 0.875

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 0.11092441117625067 | 4.43 |
| Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions. | 0.014892629278292916 | 2.8 |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 0.009654532083858854 | 3.35 |
| Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. | 0.005957051711317166 | 3.87 |
| Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. | 0.005546220558812534 | 3.77 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -0.1
- **Growth Percentile:** 26
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.5
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 7
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 6.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 6.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Ai Playbook

- **Trusted Task Count:** 2
- **Task Count:** 5
- **Total Sample:** 444
- **Autonomy Median:** 3.5
- **Dominant Collaboration:** directive
- **Automation Share:** 49.87
- **Augmentation Share:** 41.65
- **Work Use Percent:** 27.06

### Collaboration

| Label | Percent |
| --- | --- |
| directive | 49.87 |
| task iteration | 28.12 |
| learning | 13.53 |

### Use Case

| Label | Percent |
| --- | --- |
| coursework | 57.56 |
| work | 27.06 |
| personal | 14.06 |

### Delegated Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Collaboration | Autonomy Median | Sample Count |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 0.033204150518814854 | directive | 4 | 332 |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 0.00450056257032129 | directive | 3 | 45 |

### Boundary Tasks

| Task | Human Needed Percent | Sample Count |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 95.55555555555556 | 45 |
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 92.16867469879519 | 332 |

### Seed Prompts

| Prompt | Collaboration |
| --- | --- |
| Do this for me: prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. Give me a finished draft I can review and adjust. | directive |
| Do this for me: review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. Give me a finished draft I can review and adjust. | directive |
- **Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 25
- **Skills:** 40
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 154
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** a0ccd9ea84adf2d1