Description
Research the distribution, movement, and physical properties of groundwater and surface water; study precipitation, infiltration, subsurface flow, and return to oceans and atmosphere; and apply findings to water-resource planning, hazard mitigation, and environmental protection.
- • Study and document the quantity, distribution, and development of groundwater and surface water.
- • Coordinate and supervise professional and technical staff.
- • Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations for hazardous waste sites and land treatment or feedlot facilities.
- • Design and conduct hydrogeologic investigations to support water resource decisions.
- • Assess public water supply issues, including floods, droughts, water quality, wastewater, and wetland impacts.
- • Collect and analyze water samples for field investigations and monitor validation.
- • Apply findings to minimize impacts of pollution, waterborne disease, erosion, and sedimentation.
- • Measure and plot lake levels, streamflows, and water volume changes.
- • Investigate complaints on alterations to public waters and recommend actions.
- • Provide technical assistance to contractors and the public on wells, codes, hydrology, and geology.
- • Develop or refine methods for hydrologic studies.
- • Install, maintain, and calibrate water level, rainfall, and sediment monitoring instruments.
- • Evaluate data and advise on feasibility of projects such as hydropower, irrigation, flood warning, and wastewater facilities.
- • Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and analyze storm events.
- • Analyze earth systems in hydrologic context, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and subsurface.
- • Conduct research and communicate to promote water resource conservation.
- • Design hydrologic civil works and oversee construction, installation, and maintenance.
- • Review site plans and permit applications and recommend action.
- • Evaluate data for implications on soil and water conservation, flood control, and water supply forecasting.
- • Monitor well contractors and drillers and enforce applicable rules.
- • Administer programs to ensure proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- • Compile and evaluate hydrologic data to prepare maps and support atmospheric predictions.
- • Investigate the properties and dynamics of glaciers, snow, ice, and permafrost.
- • Develop computer models for hydrologic prediction.
- • Prepare written and oral reports with maps, figures, and appendices.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
