According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 88% |
| Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. | 81% |
| Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. | 81% |
| Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources. | 80% |
| Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians. | 78% |
| Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. | 77% |
| Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. | 77% |
| Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. | 75% |
| Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. | 74% |
| Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. | 73% |
| Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. | 73% |
| Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting. | 73% |
| Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors. | 72% |
| Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities. | 72% |
| 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. | 68% |
| Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies. | 67% |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 67% |
| Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities. | 64% |
| Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. | 64% |
| Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. | 61% |
| Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences. | 61% |
| Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. | 60% |
| Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders. | 60% |
| Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance. | 60% |
| Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions. | 56% |
