Responsibilities of Hydrologists and Environmental Scientists
Hydrologists are experts on water. They study the physical properties of water, including quantity, circulation, and distribution, both on the surface and below ground. Hydrologists monitor rain and snowfall to determine the quantity of precipitation that enters the system during specific time intervals and seasons. They also study how water moves through the soil and how it returns to the atmosphere and ocean. By using advanced technology to measure and monitor the movement of water above and below ground, hydrologists are able to study the changes occurring in local, regional, and international water cycles.
With the increased growth of city and agricultural demands on the limited fresh water supply, hydrologists have increasingly helped inform public policy on the use and management of surface water sources. Hydrologists play an integral role in city, state, and national policy discussions and have opportunities to present their finding to large groups of people with diverse interests.
Environmental scientists are involved with researching hazards and pollutants that affect wildlife, people, and the environment. By collecting samples and analyzing air, soil, water, or food, the environmental scientist is able to help clean and reclaim polluted land and water, monitor dumps and waste disposal sites, and ensure that all processes comply with federal regulations. Environmental scientists use the information collected to write risk assessments, publish technical proposals, and present their findings to regulators and internal management.
Environmental scientists have similar training to physical or life scientists such as biologists, chemists, physicists, microbiologists, and biochemists. With the large number of potential problems and projects, many environmental scientists specialize in conservation, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental conservation, or in wildlife and fisheries.
Educational Requirements and Certifications
The minimum requirement for any position is a bachelor’s degree in a life or earth science. Degrees in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, physics, chemistry, hydrology, or environmental science are common for environmental job candidates. However, due to the greater complexity of research involved, most government and private positions require a master’s degree in hydrology, environmental science, or other related fields. Almost all private research positions and all academic research positions require a doctoral degree.
Environmental Science Tips
For environmental science positions, candidates should outline their experience in collecting, labeling, and analyzing field samples, as well as have an understanding of the current techniques utilized for isolating and analyzing specific contaminants. Candidates should carefully research the position before editing their resume or posting online for the position. Consulting firms who employ environmental science positions may have specific educational requirements and research specialties.
In general, because all positions require that the environmental scientist write and communicate results, excellent verbal and written communication skills are important to both government and private employers. For research positions, a record of publications will also be required, usually in the form of a curriculum vitae.
Hydrologist Tips
For hydrologists, areas and skills to highlight will be influenced by the nature of the position. About half of the positions are with private agencies, such as engineering, architectural, scientific, and technical consulting services. The other half are with the US Geological Survey (USGS) or with state agencies.
Hydrologists who work with engineering and architectural consulting firms should understand how design options can be modified to meet government regulations. In addition to understanding these regulations, hydrologists working for consulting firms should feel comfortable collaborating with and providing input on the design phase, resulting in both an aesthetically pleasing result as well as an environmentally friendly result.
Candidates should highlight their communication skills and teamwork abilities in working with engineers, architects, and government agencies to receive permits for projects. Because hydrologists may be required to present at business and government meetings, employers will also want to see strong presentation skills as well as excellent written skills.
General Tips for Both Environmental Science and Hydrology Positions
Strong computer skills, including understanding how to collect, record, and analyze results, will be important for almost all positions. In addition, understanding how to set up and manage data is also important. Because giving presentations and writing reports are frequent activities, being able to use a slide-making software package, as well as a word processing software package, will be expected. Most positions will also require the candidate to be able to use spreadsheet software.
Job Outlook
The employment outlook for 2006 to 2016 is very strong for both hydrologists and environmental scientists. Employment is expected to grow by 24 percent for hydrologists and 25 percent for environmental scientists. Both of these rates are significantly higher than those in other sectors of the economy.
Conclusion
Environmental science and hydrology positions offer an excellent opportunity for candidates to enter environmental jobs. Environmental job opportunities are easy to find if you put some effort into looking for them. All employers offer opportunities for advancement through environmental management jobs with supervisory responsibility. Growth is expected to be strong for both the public and private sector.
