[Core] [23% incumbents] Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  DWAs: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  DWAs: Research hydrologic features or processes. | Plan environmental research.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  DWAs: Measure environmental characteristics. | Record research or operational data.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
  DWAs: Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives. | Communicate results of environmental research.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  DWAs: Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
  DWAs: Analyze environmental data.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
  DWAs: Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
  DWAs: Research hydrologic features or processes. | Record research or operational data.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
  DWAs: Calibrate scientific or technical equipment. | Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
  DWAs: Research hydrologic features or processes.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
  DWAs: Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
  DWAs: Collect environmental data or samples.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
  DWAs: Assess compliance with environmental laws.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
  DWAs: Evaluate civic projects or public policies.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
  DWAs: Develop environmental research methods.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
  DWAs: Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
  DWAs: Direct natural resources extraction projects.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
  DWAs: Research hydrologic features or processes.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
  DWAs: Conduct climatological research.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
  DWAs: Direct natural resources extraction projects.

[Core] [23% incumbents] Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
  DWAs: Collect data about project sites. | Respond to customer problems or complaints. | Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

[Supplemental] [23% incumbents] Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
  DWAs: Design water conservation systems. | Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning. | Coordinate construction or installation activities.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
  DWAs: Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
  DWAs: Provide technical information or assistance to public.

[Supplemental] [22% incumbents] Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
  DWAs: Compile geographic or related data. | Analyze geological or geographical data.

[EMERGING:Revision] Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.

--- SKILLS ---
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.50) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.62) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Science (imp:3.88 lvl:4.38) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Speaking (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Mathematics (imp:3.75 lvl:4.38) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Writing (imp:3.62 lvl:4.12) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:3.62 lvl:4.38) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:4.00) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Mathematics (imp:4.35 lvl:5.78) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Physics (imp:4.13 lvl:5.00) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Engineering and Technology (imp:4.00 lvl:4.87) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  English Language (imp:3.91 lvl:4.52) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Geography (imp:3.87 lvl:5.70) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.48 lvl:4.52) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Chemistry (imp:3.39 lvl:4.30) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Biology (imp:3.22 lvl:4.17) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:2.74 lvl:3.65) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Administration and Management (imp:2.65 lvl:3.65) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Education and Training (imp:2.57 lvl:3.87) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.43 lvl:3.43) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Design (imp:2.43 lvl:2.96) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Communications and Media (imp:2.39 lvl:2.96) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Law and Government (imp:2.35 lvl:2.91) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Mechanical (imp:2.30 lvl:2.96) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Administrative (imp:2.27 lvl:3.13) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.09 lvl:2.59) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Telecommunications (imp:2.04 lvl:1.78) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.00 lvl:1.91) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.91 lvl:1.87) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Building and Construction (imp:1.87 lvl:1.83) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.83 lvl:1.74) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Psychology (imp:1.74 lvl:1.30) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.74 lvl:1.65) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Transportation (imp:1.74 lvl:1.78) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  History and Archeology (imp:1.65 lvl:1.70) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Production and Processing (imp:1.43 lvl:0.83) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Food Production (imp:1.39 lvl:1.00) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.35 lvl:0.70) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.35 lvl:0.65) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.26 lvl:0.48) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Fine Arts (imp:1.17 lvl:0.26) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:5.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:5.00) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Written Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.62) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.88 lvl:4.25) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.50) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.62) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.38) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Information Ordering (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.50 lvl:4.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.50) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Originality (imp:3.25 lvl:4.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Number Facility (imp:3.25 lvl:4.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Far Vision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.62) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Memorization (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Selective Attention (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Time Sharing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Finger Dexterity (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Manual Dexterity (imp:2.12 lvl:1.62) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Static Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.62) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Stamina (imp:2.12 lvl:1.38) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Depth Perception (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Response Orientation (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Rate Control (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Night Vision (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.82 lvl:6.00) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Getting Information (imp:4.64 lvl:5.55) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Working with Computers (imp:4.64 lvl:4.45) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.45 lvl:5.45) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.27 lvl:4.82) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.18 lvl:5.41) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Processing Information (imp:4.18 lvl:5.73) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:4.18 lvl:5.55) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.14 lvl:5.50) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.00 lvl:5.14) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.00 lvl:5.23) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.95 lvl:5.23) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.86 lvl:5.05) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.81 lvl:5.55) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.68 lvl:4.64) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.68 lvl:4.50) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.59 lvl:4.86) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.50 lvl:4.50) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.41 lvl:4.36) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.36 lvl:4.32) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.36 lvl:4.55) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.32 lvl:4.27) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.27 lvl:4.41) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.23 lvl:3.95) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.09 lvl:4.14) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.09 lvl:4.55) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.86 lvl:3.68) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:2.77 lvl:3.41) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.77 lvl:3.41) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.68 lvl:3.68) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.59 lvl:2.91) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.55 lvl:3.45) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.55 lvl:2.95) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.55 lvl:3.27) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.36 lvl:2.05) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.32 lvl:2.86) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.27 lvl:3.73) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.14 lvl:2.55) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.14 lvl:2.45) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.05 lvl:2.55) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:1.91 lvl:1.86) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.63) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.58) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Dependability (imp:2.39) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Integrity (imp:2.10) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Innovation (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.00) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.99) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.98) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Perseverance (imp:1.64) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.60) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Adaptability (imp:1.48) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Initiative (imp:1.44) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.41) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Cooperation (imp:1.31) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.11) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:0.97) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.92) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Sincerity (imp:0.74) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Humility (imp:0.45) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:0.43) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.26) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Empathy (imp:0.20) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.50 lvl:3.75) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.38 lvl:3.75) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Persuasion (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.62) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Negotiation (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Time Management (imp:2.88 lvl:3.25) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.38 lvl:2.62) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Programming (imp:2.12 lvl:2.62) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Installation (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operation and Control (imp:1.88 lvl:1.88) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Repairing (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.62 lvl:1.00) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 5,850
  annual_median    : $96,600
  annual_pct10     : $64,020
  annual_pct25     : $77,210
  annual_pct75     : $122,830
  annual_pct90     : $153,130
  annual_mean      : $103,600
  hourly_median    : $46.44

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Maryland ($143,010)
  lowest_state     : South Carolina ($65,770)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.174x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (34 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    3,790  median: $  94,520
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    1,720  median: $ 106,460
  Educational Services                     emp:      170  median: $  82,340
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       50  median: $  87,380

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (4 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    3,790  median: $  94,520
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    1,720  median: $ 106,460
  Educational Services                     emp:      170  median: $  82,340
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       50  median: $  87,380

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Hydrology
match_score        : 0.7619
wikidata_qid       : Q42250
word_count         : 2,773
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrology
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:48:50.813625Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Hydrology (from Ancient Greek  ὕδωρ (húdōr) 'water' and  -λογία (-logía) 'study of') is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth and other planets, including the water cycle, water resources, and drainage basin sustainability. A practitioner of hydrology is called a hydrologist. Hydrologists are scientists studying earth or environmental science, civil or environmental engineering, and physical geography. Using various analytical methods and scientific techniques, they collect and analyze data to help solve water related problems such as environmental preservation, natural disasters, and water management.
Hydrology subdivides into surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology (hydrogeology), and marine hydrology. Domains of hydrology include hydrometeorology, surface hydrology, hydrogeology, drainage-basin management, and water quality.
Oceanography and meteorology are not included because water is only one of many important aspects within those fields.
Hydrological research can inform environmental engineering, policy, and planning.


== Branches ==
Chemical hydrology is the study of the chemical characteristics of water.
Ecohydrology is the study of interactions between organisms and the hydrologic cycle.
Hydrogeology is the study of the presence and movement of groundwater.
Hydrogeochemistry is the study of how terrestrial water dissolves minerals weathering and this effect on water chemistry.
Hydroinformatics is the adaptation of information technology to hydrology and water resources applications.
Hydrometeorology is the study of the transfer of water and energy between land and water body surfaces and the lower atmosphere.
Isotope hydrology is the study of the isotopic signatures of water.
Surface hydrology is the study of hydrologic processes that operate at or near Earth's surface.
Drainage basin management covers water storage, in the form of reservoirs, and floods protection.
Water quality includes the chemistry of water in rivers and lakes, both of pollutants and natural solutes.


== Applications ==
Calculation of rainfall.
Calculation of Evapotranspiration
Calculating surface runoff and precipitation.
Determining the water balance of a region.
Determining the agricultural water balance.
Designing riparian-zone restoration projects.
Mitigating and predicting flood, landslide and Drought risk.
Real-time flood forecasting, flood warning, Flood Frequency Analysis
Designing irrigation schemes and managing agricultural productivity.
Part of the hazard module in catastrophe modeling.
Providing drinking water.
Designing dams for water supply or hydroelectric power generation.
Designing bridges.
Designing sewers and urban drainage systems.
Analyzing the impacts of antecedent moisture on sanitary sewer systems.
Predicting geomorphologic changes, such as erosion or sedimentation.
Assessing the impacts of natural and anthropogenic environmental change on water resources.
Assessing contaminant transport risk and establishing environmental policy guidelines.
Estimating the water resource potential of river basins.
Water resources management.
Water resources engineering - application of hydrological and hydraulic principles to the planning, development, and management of water resources for beneficial human use. It involves assessing water availability, quality, and demand; designing and operating water infrastructure; and implementing strategies for sustainable water management.


== History ==

Hydrology has been subject to investigation and engineering for millennia. Ancient Egyptians were one of the first to employ hydrology in their engineering and agriculture, inventing a form of water management known as basin irrigation. Mesopotamian towns were protected from flooding with high earthen walls. Aqueducts were built by the Greeks and Romans, while history shows that the Chinese built irrigation and flood control works. The ancient Sinhalese used hydrology to build complex irrigation works in Sri Lanka, also known for the invention of the valve pit (bisokotuwas) which allowed construction of large reservoirs, anicuts and canals which still function.
Marcus Vitruvius, in the first century BC, described a philosophical theory of the hydrologic cycle, in which precipitation falling in the mountains infiltrated the Earth's surface and led to streams and springs in the lowlands. With the adoption of a more scientific approach, Leonardo da Vinci and Bernard Palissy independently reached an accurate representation of the hydrologic cycle. It was not until the 17th century that hydrologic variables began to be quantified.
Pioneers of the modern science of hydrology include Pierre Perrault, Edme Mariotte and Edmund Halley. By measuring rainfall, runoff, and drainage area, Perrault showed that rainfall was sufficient to account for the flow of the Seine. Mariotte combined velocity and river cross-section measurements to obtain a discharge value, again in the Seine. Halley showed that the evaporation from the Mediterranean Sea was sufficient to account for the outflow of rivers flowing into the sea.
Advances in the 18th century included the Bernoulli piezometer and Bernoulli's equation, by Daniel Bernoulli, and the Pitot tube, by Henri Pitot. The 19th century saw development in groundwater hydrology, including Darcy's law, the Dupuit-Thiem well formula, and Hagen-Poiseuille's capillary flow equation.
Rational analyses began to replace empiricism in the 20th century, while governmental agencies began their own hydrological research programs. Of particular importance were Leroy Sherman's unit hydrograph, the infiltration theory of Robert E. Horton, and C.V. Theis' aquifer test/equation describing well hydraulics.
Since the 1950s, hydrology has been approached with a more theoretical basis than in the past, facilitated by advances in the physical understanding of hydrological processes and by the advent of computers and especially geographic information systems (GIS). (See also GIS and hydrology)


== Themes ==

The central theme of hydrology is that water circulates throughout the Earth through different pathways and at different rates. The most vivid image of this is in the evaporation of water from the ocean, which forms clouds. These clouds drift over the land and produce rain. The rainwater flows into lakes, rivers, or aquifers. The water in lakes, rivers, and aquifers then either evaporates back to the atmosphere or eventually flows back to the ocean, completing a cycle. Water changes its state of being several times throughout this cycle.
The areas of research within hydrology concern the movement of water between its various states, or within a given state, or simply quantifying the amounts in these states in a given region. Parts of hydrology concern developing methods for directly measuring these flows or amounts of water, while others concern modeling these processes either for scientific knowledge or for making a prediction in practical applications.


=== Groundwater ===

Ground water is water beneath Earth's surface, often pumped for drinking water. Groundwater hydrology (hydrogeology) considers quantifying groundwater flow and solute transport. Problems in describing the saturated zone include the characterization of aquifers in terms of flow direction, groundwater pressure and, by inference, groundwater depth (see: aquifer test). Measurements here can be made using a piezometer. Aquifers are also described in terms of hydraulic conductivity, storativity and transmissivity. There are a number of geophysical methods for characterizing aquifers. There are also problems in characterizing the vadose zone (unsaturated zone).


=== Infiltration ===

Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil. Some of the water is absorbed, and the rest percolates down to the water table. The infiltration capacity, the maximum rate at which the soil can absorb water, depends on several factors. The layer that

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Anna University (similarity: 0.0741)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_University
  QID: Q165053
  Extract: Anna University is a public state university located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The main campus is in Guindy. It was originally established on 4 September 1978 and is named after C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

  Title: Rain gauge (similarity: 0.1818)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_gauge
  QID: Q190052
  Extract: A rain gauge is an instrument used by meteorologists and hydrologists to gather and measure the amount of liquid precipitation in a predefined area, over a set period of time. It is used to determine the depth of precipitation that occurs over a unit area and measure rainfall amount.

  Title: Drainage system (geomorphology) (similarity: 0.2791)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drainage_system_(geomorphology)
  QID: Q285451
  Extract: In geomorphology, drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin. They are governed by the topography of land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the gradient of the land. Geomor

  Title: Groundwater model (similarity: 0.2069)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundwater_model
  QID: Q370689
  Extract: Groundwater models are computer models of groundwater flow systems, and are used by hydrologists and hydrogeologists. Groundwater models are used to simulate and predict aquifer conditions.

  Title: Erin Brockovich (similarity: 0.2963)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Brockovich
  QID: Q232019
  Extract: Erin Brockovich is an American paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmental activist who was instrumental in building a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) involving groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, for attorney Ed Masry in 1993. Their successful lawsuit was the su

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data including detailed work activities, extensive BLS wage data with 5,850 employment count, clear educational requirements, and Wikipedia verification of the field definition.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T15:45:16.013218+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,709
tokens_output        : 4,361
cost_usd             : $0.048570
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Hydrology
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms hydrology as the scientific study of water movement, distribution, and management on Earth, with practitioners called hydrologists who study earth or environmental science, civil or environmental engineering, and physical geography.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Hydrologists are scientists who research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters, studying precipitation patterns and water movement through Earth's systems. They analyze data on water resources, design hydrogeological investigations, and apply research findings to address environmental challenges such as water quality, flood management, and conservation. These professionals work primarily for government agencies and consulting firms to ensure sustainable water resource management and inform policy decisions.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A hydrologist begins their day analyzing water level and flow data collected from monitoring stations, using specialized software like ESRI ArcGIS to create maps and visualizations of hydrological patterns. They spend significant time in the field installing, maintaining, and calibrating instruments that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments across various water bodies. Back in the office, they process complex datasets to identify trends in water distribution and quality, preparing detailed reports with illustrations, maps, and appendices to communicate findings to stakeholders. They coordinate with research assistants and technologists to ensure data collection protocols are followed, and participate in meetings to discuss project timelines and conservation strategies. Their work often involves studying public water supply issues, assessing flood and drought risks, and researching the impacts of pollution on water resources.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as hydrologists possess strong analytical and mathematical reasoning abilities, with high levels of intellectual curiosity driving their research pursuits. They demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and dependability, as water resource decisions impact entire communities and ecosystems. These professionals are intellectually oriented problem-solvers who enjoy working with complex data and scientific instruments, combining investigative thinking with realistic hands-on fieldwork. They communicate effectively both orally and in writing, translating technical findings into actionable recommendations for diverse audiences including government officials, engineers, and the public.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most hydrologists enter the field with a master's degree in hydrology, environmental science, geology, or related earth sciences, representing 52.2% of practitioners according to O*NET education data. Those with bachelor's degrees (39.1%) typically gain experience through internships with government agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey or environmental consulting firms before pursuing advanced studies. Entry-level positions often begin as hydrologic technicians or research assistants, providing hands-on experience with data collection and monitoring equipment. Job Zone 5 classification indicates extensive preparation is needed, requiring both formal education and specialized training in hydrogeological investigation methods.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Career advancement typically progresses from research hydrologist to senior scientist roles with increased supervisory responsibilities over professional and technical staff. Many hydrologists specialize in areas such as groundwater consulting, surface water management, or isotope hydrology, developing expertise that commands premium compensation. Leadership paths include project management positions, water resource specialist roles in government agencies, or principal scientist positions in environmental consulting firms. Some transition into related fields such as environmental engineering, water resource management, or academic research positions.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The hydrology field employs 5,850 professionals with a median annual wage of $96,600 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $64,020 to $153,130 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Government employment dominates the sector with 3,790 positions (64.8% of total employment) across federal, state, and local agencies, followed by 1,720 positions in professional and technical services. Geographic compensation varies significantly, with Maryland offering the highest wages at $143,010 compared to South Carolina's $65,770, reflecting a 2.17x difference. The concentration of government positions provides job stability, while consulting opportunities in the private sector often offer higher earning potential. Employment prospects remain steady due to ongoing needs for water resource management and climate change adaptation planning.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Hydrology work shows moderate resistance to automation due to the complex analytical reasoning and field investigation requirements that characterize the profession. While data collection and basic analysis tasks may become increasingly automated through remote sensing technologies and AI-powered monitoring systems, the interpretation of hydrological patterns and development of water management strategies require human expertise in synthesizing multiple data sources and understanding local environmental contexts. The profession's emphasis on making decisions and solving problems, combined with the need for site-specific fieldwork and stakeholder communication, suggests continued demand for human hydrologists in the foreseeable future.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (19-2042.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require high-level mathematics (4.3 importance), physics knowledge, and share analyzing data work activities at importance levels above 4.5.
    data: Mathematics knowledge importance 4.3
    data: Analyzing Data work activity importance 4.8
    data: Physics knowledge 4.1 importance
  [career_pathway] Hydrologic Technicians (19-4044.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Technician role serves as entry-level pathway with shared water monitoring and data collection tasks, supporting the extensive preparation needed for hydrologist positions.
    data: Job Zone 5 extensive preparation needed
    data: Shared water monitoring tasks
    data: Documenting/Recording Information work activity
  [knowledge_overlap] Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (19-2041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles emphasize environmental research with shared chemistry knowledge (3.4 importance) and apply research findings to environmental problems.
    data: Chemistry knowledge importance 3.4
    data: Apply research findings to environmental problems task
    data: Research and conservation work activities
  [task_similarity] Environmental Engineers (17-2081.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles apply scientific findings to minimize environmental impacts and work with water resource management, sharing engineering and technology knowledge.
    data: Engineering and Technology knowledge 4.0 importance
    data: Apply research findings to minimize environmental impacts task
    data: Water resource focus
  [riasec_cluster] Water/Wastewater Engineers (17-2051.02) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles exhibit investigative and realistic RIASEC patterns, working with technical water systems and scientific analysis.
    data: Investigative RIASEC code 6.41
    data: Realistic RIASEC code 5.84
    data: Water systems focus

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['hydrologist', 'hydrology', 'water resources', 'groundwater', 'surface water', 'hydrogeological', 'water quality', 'precipitation']
  exclude_keywords : ['marine', 'atmospheric', 'meteorologist', 'oceanographer', 'climatologist']
  title_patterns   : ['hydrologist', 'hydrogeologist', 'water resources scientist', 'groundwater consultant', 'surface hydrologist']
  common_variations: ['research hydrologist', 'project hydrogeologist', 'groundwater hydrologist', 'surface water hydrologist', 'consulting hydrologist', 'government hydrologist', 'environmental hydrologist', 'isotope hydrologist']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['water', 'hydrology', 'research', 'tendency', 'others', 'environmental', 'equipment', 'resources', 'management', 'hydrologic', 'hydrological', 'models', 'surface', 'study', 'quality', 'principles', 'groundwater', 'flow', 'control', 'problems']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
water                     109  0.02425  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:16%  onet_tasks:8%
hydrology                  55  0.01224  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:9%  onet_tasks:2%
research                   42  0.00935  wikipedia            wikipedia:36%  dwas:31%  inference:17%
tendency                   42  0.00935  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     39  0.00868  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  wikipedia:3%
environmental              29  0.00645  dwas                 dwas:41%  wikipedia:28%  inference:28%
equipment                  28  0.00623  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  dwas:14%  inference:4%
resources                  27  0.00601  wikipedia            wikipedia:48%  onet_dimensions:33%  dwas:7%
management                 26  0.00579  wikipedia            wikipedia:38%  inference:31%  onet_dimensions:27%
hydrologic                 26  0.00579  wikipedia            wikipedia:69%  dwas:15%  onet_tasks:12%
hydrological               24  0.00534  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:8%  onet_tasks:4%
models                     22  0.00490  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  onet_tasks:5%  onet_dimensions:5%
surface                    20  0.00445  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  inference:10%  onet_tasks:5%
study                      18  0.00400  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_tasks:22%  inference:11%
quality                    18  0.00400  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_dimensions:33%  inference:11%
principles                 17  0.00378  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:94%  wikipedia:6%
groundwater                17  0.00378  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
flow                       17  0.00378  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
control                    15  0.00334  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:13%  onet_tasks:7%
problems                   15  0.00334  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  wikipedia:20%  dwas:13%
physical                   14  0.00312  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:43%  wikipedia:36%  inference:14%
technical                  13  0.00289  dwas                 dwas:38%  onet_dimensions:23%  inference:23%
activities                 13  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:69%  onet_tasks:23%  dwas:8%
includes                   13  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:8%
techniques                 13  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:77%  wikipedia:23%
scientific                 12  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:42%  dwas:25%  inference:17%
public                     12  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:33%  onet_tasks:25%  dwas:17%
earth                      12  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:58%  inference:33%  onet_tasks:8%
materials                  12  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:83%  dwas:8%  wikipedia:8%
objects                    12  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
hydrologists               12  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
include                    12  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  inference:8%
soil                       11  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  onet_tasks:9%
monitoring                 11  0.00245  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  inference:27%
engineering                11  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:64%  onet_dimensions:18%  inference:18%
ideas                      11  0.00245  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       11  0.00245  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
precipitation              11  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  inference:9%
design                     10  0.00222  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  onet_tasks:20%  dwas:10%
flood                      10  0.00222  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_tasks:30%  inference:20%