Summary of What they do:

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

What Geological and Hydrologic Technicians Do

Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources, such as soil, natural gas, and water.

Duties

Geological and hydrologic technicians help identify locations that are suitable for oil and gas wells.

Geological and hydrologic technicians typically do the following:

• Install and maintain laboratory and field equipment
• Gather samples in the field, such as mud and water, and prepare them for analysis in the laboratory
• Conduct scientific tests on samples to determine their content and characteristics
• Record data from tests and compile information from reports, databases, and other sources
• Prepare reports and maps to identify geological characteristics of areas that may have valuable natural resources

Geological and hydrologic technicians typically specialize either in fieldwork and laboratory study or in analyzing data. However, technicians may have duties that overlap into multiple areas.

In the field, geological and hydrologic technicians use equipment, such as seismic instruments and depth sensors, to gather data. They also use tools, such as shovels and gauges, to collect samples for analysis. In laboratories, these technicians use microscopes, computers, and other equipment to analyze samples for problem-solving and other purposes.

Geological and hydrologic technicians work on teams under the supervision of scientists and engineers. Geological technicians help with tasks such as exploring and developing prospective sites or monitoring the productivity of existing ones. Hydrologic technicians assist with a variety of projects, such as providing information for negotiating water rights.

Geologic and hydrologic technicians also might work with scientists and technicians of other disciplines. For example, these technicians may work with environmental scientists and technicians to identify the potential impacts of drilling on an area’s soil and water quality.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians evaluate data and samples using a variety of techniques, including laboratory experimentation and computer modeling.

Communication skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians explain their methods and findings through oral and written reports to scientists, engineers, managers, and other technicians.

Critical-thinking skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians must use their judgment when interpreting scientific data and determining what is relevant to their work.

Interpersonal skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians need to be able to work well with others as part of a team.

Physical stamina. To do fieldwork, geological and hydrologic technicians must be able to reach remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.

Tasks On The Job

1. Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
2. Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
3. Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
4. Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
5. Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
6. Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
7. Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
8. Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
9. Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
10. Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
11. Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow.
12. Perform quality control checks on data to be used by hydrologists.
13. Prepare, install, maintain, or repair equipment used for hydrologic study, such as water level recorders, stream flow gauges, and water analyzers.
14. Provide real time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events.
15. Write groundwater contamination reports on known, suspected, or potential hazardous waste sites.
16. Write materials for research publications, such as maps, tables, and reports, to disseminate findings.