Hydrologic Technicians Career, Salary and Skills

Occupation description

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.

National salary and employment

Typical tasks

• Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
• Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
• Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
• Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
• Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
• Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
• Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.

Technology

• Adobe Acrobat
• Datasurge GEOPRO
• Delft GeoSystems MStab
• Email software
• ESRI ArcGIS software
• ESRI ArcInfo
• ESRI ArcView
• GEO-SLOPE SEEP/W
• Geographic information system GIS software
• Geographic information system GIS systems
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software

Hydrologic Technicians salary by location

Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.

• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in CA
  Median $70,790 · Employment 300
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in TX
  Median $88,400 · Employment 270
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in FL
  Median $61,820 · Employment 240
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Orlando, FL
  Median $64,750 · Employment 110
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in NC
  Median $59,590 · Employment 110
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in PA
  Median $65,420 · Employment 100
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in OR
  Median $62,510 · Employment 80
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in OH
  Median $52,120 · Employment 80
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in WA
  Median $85,240 · Employment 70
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in MT
  Median $53,550 · Employment 70
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Sacramento, CA
  Median $70,510 · Employment 60
• Hydrologic Technicians Salary in GA
  Median $66,770 · Employment 60

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