Hydrologist

Salary
Graduate: £17,000 - £24,000
Employee with 3-5 years in the role: £18,000 - £28,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £25,000 - £35,000

Main Employers

Utility companies
Environmental bodies
British Waterways
The Waterways Trust
Inland Waterways Association
Local and public authorities
Academic and research institutions
Charities and NGOs
Civil engineering and environmental management companies

Job Profile
Hydrology is the study of the occurrence, distribution, quality and circulation of water in the atmosphere, soil and rocks. Hydrologists are involved with the use and management of water in commercial, environmental or academic settings. They contribute to the efficient planning, development and sustainable utilisation of natural and domestic water resources, ensuring that sufficient water is supplied in the most cost-effective manner.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

Evaluating, auditing and analysing hydrological data
Developing computer modelling packages and applying hydrological and statistical techniques
Providing feedback on drought and water resource plans
Undertaking hydrological modelling to allow flood forecasting and drought management strategy development
Investigating factors affecting acidity, nitrate levels or other diffuse pollution of surface water
Studying the effects of changes in land use on flows
Predicting future trends and planning responses to weather conditions

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Agricultural Engineering; Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences; Agriculture; Civil/Structural Engineering; Earth Sciences; Ecology; Engineering; Environmental Management; Geography; Geology; Physical/Mathematical/Applied Science; Soil Science.

Entry with an HND only is not possible. A postgraduate degree is highly recommended due to competition for roles. Postgraduate courses include Waste Water and Environmental Management; Water Management; Hydrology and Water Quality; Aquatic Resource Management.

In addition to academic qualifications, membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is useful. CIWEM provides training, debating, networking and socialising opportunities, and offers a student membership scheme which can provide useful contacts for the future.

Career Development
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.

Promotion is usually based on merit, although progression can be challenging as few organisations have defined routes. Progression can be towards water resources management or senior scientific posts, with opportunities in engineering and environmental consultancies and utilities companies. Freelance work is sometimes possible, as is employment in international organisations developing water resource strategies.

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