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Hydrologic Technicians

Medium53.13%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$37,690
Median$55,890
High (90th %)$91,610

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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.

The occupation "Hydrologic Technicians" has an estimated automation risk of 53.1%, reflecting a moderate vulnerability to advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. At this base risk level, the profession sits in a transitional zone where some tasks are highly susceptible to automation while others continue to require significant human involvement. Hydrologic technicians collect, analyze, and report data concerning water systems, a role that blends fieldwork with analytical and communicative responsibilities. While technology continues to improve sensors, data-gathering techniques, and remote monitoring, the contextual understanding needed for many tasks ensures ongoing demand for skilled human technicians. Nonetheless, routine and data-driven aspects of the job are being increasingly addressed by automated systems and software solutions. The three most automatable tasks in this field underscore its reliance on structured data analysis and technical communication. First, "analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water" can often be accomplished using data analytics and machine learning algorithms designed to detect patterns and anomalies in large datasets. Second, "answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans" can, in simple cases, be addressed using expert systems and AI-powered chatbots that draw from extensive databases. Third, "apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation" often involves algorithmic optimization and scenario modeling, both of which are areas where automation is progressing rapidly. These tasks rely on structured information processing, an area where automated tools excel and continue to replace human labor for routine cases. Conversely, hydrologic technician responsibilities that are least likely to be automated involve complex communication, documentation, and rapid-response duties. Writing materials for research publications, such as maps, tables, and reports, not only demands technical accuracy but also clarity and adaptability in presenting nuanced findings to diverse audiences. Writing groundwater contamination reports on known or suspected hazardous waste sites involves interpreting incomplete or complex data sets, as well as exercising professional judgment. Finally, providing real-time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events requires swift, situational awareness and decision-making skills that current automation cannot fully replicate. Bottleneck skills that insulate these tasks from automation include advanced written and verbal communication (high level), contextual judgment (medium-high level), and the ability to synthesize disparate data sources to guide urgent decisions (high level). These competencies demand human insights and adaptive reasoning, making them more resistant to current and near-future automation.

Filter by Automatable Status
Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
Partially Automatable
Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
Partially Automatable
Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
Non-Automatable
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Partially Automatable
Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
Partially Automatable
Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
Partially Automatable
Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
Automatable
Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow.
Partially Automatable
Perform quality control checks on data to be used by hydrologists.
Partially Automatable
Prepare, install, maintain, or repair equipment used for hydrologic study, such as water level recorders, stream flow gauges, and water analyzers.
Non-Automatable
Provide real time data to emergency management and weather service personnel during flood events.
Automatable
Write groundwater contamination reports on known, suspected, or potential hazardous waste sites.
Partially Automatable
Write materials for research publications, such as maps, tables, and reports, to disseminate findings.
Partially Automatable
Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
Partially Automatable
Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
Partially Automatable
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
Partially Automatable

Water Resource Specialists
Medium52.67%
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Medium48.09%
Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Medium52.09%
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Medium47.31%
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Environmental Engineers
Medium47.36%
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Medium54.28%
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Conservation Scientists
Medium46.68%
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Medium54.71%
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Medium51.39%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Medium47.42%
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Environmental Restoration Planners
Medium49.13%
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Industrial Ecologists
Medium49.08%
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Medium57.09%
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Medium50.23%
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Medium56.29%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Geographers
Medium47.14%
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

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