How to Become a Hydrologist

A hydrologist studies water-related issues, including flooding, droughts, water safety, and supply. Hydrology offers diverse areas and specializations, leading to an exciting and fulfilling career. If you're interested in this field, here’s a guide on how to become a hydrologist, what the role involves, the necessary skills and qualifications, and potential career options.

See the steps below to find out how to become a hydrologist:

Good GCSEs in maths and science are needed to progress to A-levels. You may need two to three A-levels to pursue an apprenticeship or a bachelor’s degree. A-level subjects like geography, maths, and physics are desirable.

A degree in environmental science, geography, or ecology is essential for certain hydrology areas. A technical degree in civil or environmental engineering may be preferable for other areas. Take time to research which degree aligns with your interest and career goals.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, consider a postgraduate degree, possibly specializing in water engineering, flood risk management, or groundwater hydrology. This can enhance career prospects, increase earning potential, and allow you to focus on a specific area of hydrology.

Alternatively, an environmental practitioner degree apprenticeship can allow you to specialize in hydrology. This enables you to earn a wage while training, a good option if you prefer practical learning. After your apprenticeship, you could work as an assistant hydrologist and pursue a postgraduate qualification while working, finding a mentor and completing additional courses to enhance your skills and CV.

A hydrologist applies scientific principles to solve and prevent water-related issues concerning water supply, quantity, and quality. They also focus on preventing problems like flooding and soil erosion.

The role requires various skills for different tasks. For instance, assessing groundwater quality requires specific knowledge of groundwater hydrology. One day you might be outdoors assessing flood risks; the next, you could be in a lab analyzing water samples for contamination. As you advance, you may specialize, which can change your work's scope and variety.

Some common duties of a hydrologist include:

Monitoring and Processing Meteorological Data: By tracking meteorological data and observing patterns in weather systems, hydrologists can anticipate issues like floods or droughts.

Obtaining Surface Water and Groundwater Samples: These samples are used to compile reports to guide new projects.

Checking Water Quality and Supply Problems: Hydrologists address supply issues and poor water quality, making recommendations to resolve these challenges and plan for future projects.

Creating Groundwater Contour Maps: These maps are essential for identifying geological structures, water cross-sections, and other hydrogeological data.

Hydrologists enjoy a varied work life, addressing all water-related issues. They measure river flows, monitor water levels above and below ground, and assess the causes and effects of flooding and droughts. They ensure water safety by analyzing samples for chemicals and pollutants and address supply issues to create long-term water sustainability plans.

Hydrologists may also assess water use in agriculture and industry or work on engineering projects like dams, drainage, and flood defenses. As they gain experience, they may advise policymakers and public agencies on sustainable water use, contributing data from flood events to improve forecasting and risk management. They may work on long-term research projects or consult on large government or private projects, with their findings influencing water policy and usage.

Hydrologists have many career options to explore. They might become a senior hydrologist, leading a team on government projects, a consultant advising large organizations on water usage, or a team leader on research projects. Specializations like becoming a flood risk engineer also provide distinct career paths.

Here are some roles for a hydrologist:

National Average Salary: £35,933 per year

Primary Duties: Flood risk engineers look for solutions to mitigate flood risk in affected areas. They need teamwork skills, technical knowledge of building structures, and planning and IT skills, as the work may involve specialist software.

National Average Salary: £47,880 per year

Primary Duties: Senior hydrologists coordinate teams on various projects, ensuring completion. They need prioritization and organizational skills, adaptability to work in varied environments (outdoors, office, or lab), and strong communication skills.

Becoming a hydrologist is challenging and requires a wide range of skills and attributes, regardless of the route taken. Here are some essential qualities:

Knowledge of math and science

Strong geographical knowledge and analytical skills

Attention to detail

Interest in the environment and ecology

Familiarity with technical subjects, like engineering

Flexibility in working environments

Ability to switch focus between subject areas

Proactive and problem-solving mindset

Teamwork skills

Analytical abilities for data analysis to support project decisions

Communication skills to explain complex concepts to non-specialists

A love for nature and environmental passion can also aid in career growth, as hydrologists' work directly impacts sustainability. With dedication, hydrology can be a rewarding profession, with opportunities to prevent flooding and drought, influence large-scale projects, and improve water policy.