A typical day involves traveling to field sites to collect water and soil samples, testing for physical, chemical, and biological properties like pH and oxygen levels. They measure stream flow rates and groundwater levels using specialized equipment, maintaining and calibrating instruments throughout the day. Much of their work involves analyzing ecological data about pollution impacts, floods, and erosion effects on water bodies using GIS software and computer modeling tools. They also respond to technical questions from hydrologists and policymakers developing water conservation plans, and investigate complaints related to public water alterations.
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate strong attention to detail and dependability, as water quality measurements require precise data collection and consistent monitoring protocols. They possess analytical thinking skills to interpret complex environmental data and develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. Successful technicians enjoy outdoor fieldwork combined with laboratory analysis, and can work independently while following strict safety and sampling procedures. They communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including government officials, contractors, and the public about environmental water issues.
The role shows moderate automation resistance due to the physical nature of field sampling and equipment maintenance requirements. While data analysis and modeling tasks may become more automated through advanced software, the core activities of collecting water samples, measuring flow rates, and maintaining field equipment require human judgment and manual dexterity that cannot be easily replaced by technology.
Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
| TERM | COUNT | FREQ | BAR | SOURCE ATTRIBUTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tendency | 42 | 0.0396 | onet dimensi 100% | |
| water | 32 | 0.0302 | inference 44% wikipedia 31% | |
| environmental | 21 | 0.0198 | inference 48% dwas 38% | |
| others | 14 | 0.0132 | onet dimensi 71% dwas 21% | |
| management | 9 | 0.0085 | dwas 33% inference 33% | |
| hydrologic | 8 | 0.0075 | inference 50% onet tasks 25% | |
| quality | 7 | 0.0066 | inference 57% onet tasks 14% | |
| equipment | 7 | 0.0066 | inference 71% onet tasks 14% | |
| flow | 6 | 0.0057 | inference 50% onet tasks 33% | |
| orientation | 6 | 0.0057 | onet dimensi 100% | |
| difficult | 6 | 0.0057 | onet dimensi 100% | |
| self | 6 | 0.0057 | onet dimensi 100% | |
| hydrologists | 5 | 0.0047 | onet tasks 40% inference 40% | |
| research | 5 | 0.0047 | onet tasks 40% dwas 40% | |
| collect | 5 | 0.0047 | inference 60% onet tasks 20% | |
| samples | 5 | 0.0047 | inference 60% onet tasks 20% | |
| public | 5 | 0.0047 | onet tasks 40% inference 40% | |
| control | 5 | 0.0047 | onet dimensi 80% onet tasks 20% | |
| groundwater | 5 | 0.0047 | inference 60% onet tasks 20% | |
| detail | 5 | 0.0047 | onet dimensi 80% inference 20% | |
| effectively | 5 | 0.0047 | onet dimensi 80% inference 20% | |
| situations | 5 | 0.0047 | onet dimensi 80% dwas 20% | |
| monitoring | 5 | 0.0047 | inference 100% | |
| pollution | 4 | 0.0038 | onet tasks 75% inference 25% | |
| bodies | 4 | 0.0038 | onet tasks 50% wikipedia 25% | |
| technical | 4 | 0.0038 | inference 75% onet tasks 25% | |
| conservation | 4 | 0.0038 | dwas 50% onet tasks 25% | |
| soil | 4 | 0.0038 | inference 50% onet tasks 25% | |
| properties | 4 | 0.0038 | onet tasks 75% inference 25% | |
| computer | 4 | 0.0038 | inference 50% onet tasks 25% |
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 19-4044.00 · Hydrologic Technicians 7 source blocks · click to expand
[None] Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water. DWAs: Analyze environmental data. [None] Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans. DWAs: Advise others about environmental management or conservation. [None] Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation. DWAs: Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems. [None] Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. DWAs: Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel. [None] Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution. DWAs: Collect environmental data or samples. [None] Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. DWAs: Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions. [None] Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. DWAs: Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects. [None] Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents. DWAs: Compile environmental or climatological data. | Advise others about environmental management or conservation. [None] Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost. DWAs: Research hydrologic features or processes. [None] Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public. DWAs: Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information. | Communicate with the public on environmental issues. [None] Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow. DWAs: Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids. [None] Perform quality control checks on data to be used by hydrologists. DWAs: Evaluate data quality. [None] Prepare, install, maintain, or repair equipment used for hydrologic study, such as water level recorders, stream flow gauges, and water analyzers. DWAs: Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order. | Install gauges or controls. [None] Provide real time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events. DWAs: Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials. [None] Write groundwater contamination reports on known, suspected, or potential hazardous waste sites. DWAs: Write reports or evaluations. [None] Write materials for research publications, such as maps, tables, and reports, to disseminate findings. DWAs: Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information. | Write reports or evaluations.
--- WORK STYLES --- Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o Attention to Detail (imp:2.57) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work. Dependability (imp:2.47) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o Cautiousness (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work. Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.97) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep Integrity (imp:1.89) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work. Achievement Orientation (imp:1.58) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, Adaptability (imp:1.58) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas Perseverance (imp:1.52) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in Cooperation (imp:1.47) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work. Initiative (imp:1.35) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may Innovation (imp:1.23) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.16) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work. Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related Self-Confidence (imp:0.99) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control Stress Tolerance (imp:0.93) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work. Self-Control (imp:0.80) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res Sincerity (imp:0.76) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou Humility (imp:0.40) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work. Social Orientation (imp:0.25) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work. Empathy (imp:0.23) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel Optimism (imp:0.20) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un Leadership Orientation (imp:0.14) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work. Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 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. Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work. 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
--- NATIONAL WAGES --- total_employment : 2,840 annual_median : $64,790 annual_pct10 : $44,950 annual_pct25 : $52,040 annual_pct75 : $84,680 annual_pct90 : $100,480 annual_mean : $69,530 hourly_median : $31.15 --- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION --- highest_state : Texas ($88,400) lowest_state : Tennessee ($30,780) dispersion_ratio : 2.872x --- TOP STATES BY WAGE (29 total) --- Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp: 1,870 median: $ 69,530 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp: 330 median: $ 52,870 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp: 190 median: $ 102,150 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation emp: 110 median: $ 61,820 Utilities emp: 100 median: $ 79,170 Educational Services emp: 50 median: $ 49,500 --- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (6 total) --- Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp: 1,870 median: $ 69,530 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp: 330 median: $ 52,870 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp: 190 median: $ 102,150 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation emp: 110 median: $ 61,820 Utilities emp: 100 median: $ 79,170 Educational Services emp: 50 median: $ 49,500
exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title : N/A
match_score : 0.0000
wikidata_qid : N/A
word_count : 0
wikipedia_url : N/A
license : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at : 2026-06-02T20:55:16.140175Z
--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---
Title: Bridge scour (similarity: 0.1176)
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_scour
QID: Q4966469
Extract: Bridge scour is the removal of sediment such as sand and gravel from around bridge abutments or piers. Hydrodynamic scour, caused by fast flowing water, can carve out scour holes, compromising the integrity of a structure.
Title: SaltMod (similarity: 0.0690)
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaltMod
QID: Q7405792
Extract: SaltMod is computer program for the prediction of the salinity of soil moisture, groundwater and drainage water, the depth of the watertable, and the drain discharge (hydrology) in irrigated agricultural lands, using different (geo)hydrologic conditions, varying water management options, including t
Title: Ancient Art Archive (similarity: 0.2439)
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Art_Archive
QID: Q125498698
Extract: The Ancient Art Archive (AAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, visual documentation, and sharing of prehistoric works of art, particularly cave painting and petroglyphs, around the globe. The organization was founded in 2016 by photographer Stephen Alvarez following an assi
Title: Total dissolved solids (similarity: 0.2727)
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids
QID: Q2466917
Extract: Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the dissolved combined content of all inorganic and organic substances present in a liquid in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended form. TDS are often measured in parts per million (ppm). TDS in water can be measured using a digital meter.
Title: Stream gauge (similarity: 0.1765)
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_gauge
QID: Q505774
Extract: A stream gauge, streamgage or stream gauging station is a location used by hydrologists or environmental scientists to monitor and test terrestrial bodies of water. Hydrometric measurements of water level surface elevation ("stage") and/or volumetric discharge (flow) are generally taken and observat
model_pass1 : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2 : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes : Strong occupational definition with detailed task descriptions and comprehensive related occupation mappings. Wage data and employment statistics from BLS provide reliable market intelligence foundation.
inferred_at : 2026-06-03T16:12:15.769735+00:00
tokens_input : 3,515
tokens_output : 4,018
cost_usd : $0.040242
wikipedia_used : False
wikipedia_title : None
wikipedia_note : No exact Wikipedia match found for this specific technician role. Related technical concepts like water quality measurement and environmental monitoring exist but not this specific occupation.
--- PROSE FIELDS ---
ROLE SUMMARY:
Hydrologic Technicians collect and analyze data about water distribution, circulation, and quality in ground and surface water systems. They conduct field measurements of flow rates and groundwater levels, collect water and soil samples for laboratory analysis, and maintain specialized monitoring equipment. These technical professionals support hydrologists and environmental scientists in water resource management and environmental protection efforts.
DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day involves traveling to field sites to collect water and soil samples, testing for physical, chemical, and biological properties like pH and oxygen levels. They measure stream flow rates and groundwater levels using specialized equipment, maintaining and calibrating instruments throughout the day. Much of their work involves analyzing ecological data about pollution impacts, floods, and erosion effects on water bodies using GIS software and computer modeling tools. They also respond to technical questions from hydrologists and policymakers developing water conservation plans, and investigate complaints related to public water alterations.
WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate strong attention to detail and dependability, as water quality measurements require precise data collection and consistent monitoring protocols. They possess analytical thinking skills to interpret complex environmental data and develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. Successful technicians enjoy outdoor fieldwork combined with laboratory analysis, and can work independently while following strict safety and sampling procedures. They communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including government officials, contractors, and the public about environmental water issues.
CAREER ENTRY:
Entry typically requires an associate degree in environmental science, geology, or related field, with coursework in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Some positions accept relevant certificates or on-the-job training combined with high school education. Field experience through internships or entry-level environmental monitoring positions provides valuable hands-on training with sampling techniques and equipment operation.
CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Experienced hydrologic technicians often advance to senior technician roles with supervisory responsibilities or transition to full hydrologist positions with additional education. Career progression may lead to specialized roles in groundwater monitoring, environmental consulting, or water resource management. Some advance into research positions with government agencies or private environmental firms, while others pursue management roles overseeing water quality programs.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, hydrologic technicians earn a median annual salary of $64,790, with entry-level positions starting around $44,950 and experienced professionals earning up to $100,480. Employment totals 2,840 nationally, with significant geographic variation - Texas offers the highest wages at $88,400 while Tennessee shows the lowest at $30,780, representing a 2.87x ratio. The majority (66%) work in government agencies, with additional opportunities in professional services and extractive industries. Job growth is tied to increasing environmental regulations and climate change adaptation needs.
AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The role shows moderate automation resistance due to the physical nature of field sampling and equipment maintenance requirements. While data analysis and modeling tasks may become more automated through advanced software, the core activities of collecting water samples, measuring flow rates, and maintaining field equipment require human judgment and manual dexterity that cannot be easily replaced by technology.
--- REASONED EDGES ---
[career_pathway] Hydrologists (19-2043.00) — confidence:high
reasoning: Natural advancement path from technician to professional hydrologist level with additional education and experience.
data: Related occupation primary-short designation
data: Similar water resource focus
data: Progressive technical responsibility
[skill_overlap] Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians (19-4043.00) — confidence:high
reasoning: Both roles involve field data collection, sample analysis, and technical support in earth sciences with similar Job Zone 3 preparation.
data: Related occupation primary-short
data: Shared technical skills
data: Similar educational requirements
[task_similarity] Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (19-4042.00) — confidence:high
reasoning: Both collect environmental samples and analyze data about pollution impacts and environmental problems.
data: Related occupation primary-long
data: Shared sample collection activities
data: Environmental data analysis overlap
[riasec_cluster] Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3025.00) — confidence:medium
reasoning: Both show strong Realistic and Conventional RIASEC profiles with technical problem-solving in environmental contexts.
data: Related occupation designation
data: Similar technical orientation
data: Environmental focus overlap
[knowledge_overlap] Water Resource Specialists (11-9121.02) — confidence:high
reasoning: Shared expertise in water systems management and conservation planning activities.
data: Related occupation primary-short
data: Water resource management focus
data: Conservation planning involvement
--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
match_keywords : ['hydrologic', 'water quality', 'groundwater monitoring', 'stream flow', 'water sampling', 'hydrology', 'environmental monitoring', 'water testing']
exclude_keywords : ['engineer', 'scientist', 'manager', 'supervisor', 'specialist']
title_patterns : ['Hydrologic Technician', 'Water Quality Technician', 'Groundwater Technician', 'Hydrology Tech', 'Water Monitoring Tech']
common_variations: ['Field Technician', 'GIS Technician', 'Groundwater Monitoring Technician', 'Hydrographer', 'Hydrography Technician', 'Hydrologic Aid', 'Water Quality Analyst', 'Environmental Field Tech']
total_terms : 40 top_words : ['tendency', 'water', 'environmental', 'others', 'management', 'hydrologic', 'quality', 'equipment', 'flow', 'orientation', 'difficult', 'self', 'hydrologists', 'research', 'collect', 'samples', 'public', 'control', 'groundwater', 'detail'] source_layers : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference TERM COUNT FREQ DOMINANT SOURCE SOURCE BREAKDOWN ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── tendency 42 0.03959 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% water 32 0.03016 inference inference:44% wikipedia:31% onet_tasks:22% environmental 21 0.01979 inference inference:48% dwas:38% onet_tasks:10% others 14 0.01320 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:71% dwas:21% inference:7% management 9 0.00848 dwas dwas:33% inference:33% wikipedia:22% hydrologic 8 0.00754 inference inference:50% onet_tasks:25% dwas:12% quality 7 0.00660 inference inference:57% onet_tasks:14% dwas:14% equipment 7 0.00660 inference inference:71% onet_tasks:14% dwas:14% flow 6 0.00566 inference inference:50% onet_tasks:33% wikipedia:17% orientation 6 0.00566 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% difficult 6 0.00566 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% self 6 0.00566 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% hydrologists 5 0.00471 onet_tasks onet_tasks:40% inference:40% wikipedia:20% research 5 0.00471 onet_tasks onet_tasks:40% dwas:40% inference:20% collect 5 0.00471 inference inference:60% onet_tasks:20% dwas:20% samples 5 0.00471 inference inference:60% onet_tasks:20% dwas:20% public 5 0.00471 onet_tasks onet_tasks:40% inference:40% dwas:20% control 5 0.00471 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:80% onet_tasks:20% groundwater 5 0.00471 inference inference:60% onet_tasks:20% wikipedia:20% detail 5 0.00471 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:80% inference:20% effectively 5 0.00471 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:80% inference:20% situations 5 0.00471 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:80% dwas:20% monitoring 5 0.00471 inference inference:100% pollution 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:75% inference:25% bodies 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:50% wikipedia:25% inference:25% technical 4 0.00377 inference inference:75% onet_tasks:25% conservation 4 0.00377 dwas dwas:50% onet_tasks:25% inference:25% soil 4 0.00377 inference inference:50% onet_tasks:25% wikipedia:25% properties 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:75% inference:25% computer 4 0.00377 inference inference:50% onet_tasks:25% wikipedia:25% irrigation 4 0.00377 wikipedia wikipedia:75% onet_tasks:25% government 4 0.00377 inference inference:75% onet_tasks:25% measure 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:25% dwas:25% wikipedia:25% stream 4 0.00377 wikipedia wikipedia:50% onet_tasks:25% inference:25% write 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:50% dwas:50% reports 4 0.00377 onet_tasks onet_tasks:50% dwas:50% meeting 4 0.00377 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% attention 4 0.00377 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:50% wikipedia:25% inference:25% seek 4 0.00377 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100% goals 4 0.00377 onet_dimensions onet_dimensions:100%