Hydrologist

Hydrologists collect and interpret data from natural and artificial waterways to address environmental challenges and support sustainable water management

As a hydrologist, you'll monitor, manage, and protect water resources in commercial, environmental and academic settings.

You'll work to ensure efficient water flow through natural channels and engineered systems, contributing to sustainable water use and flood risk management.

Responsibilities

As a hydrologist, you'll need to:

• supervise the collection, processing and evaluation of data for water resource planning and flood management
• use computer modelling packages to determine the most effective methods of water management, including for forecasting and strategic planning
• analyse the effect of environmental changes on water flow
• study the effects on flows brought about by changes in land use, such as afforestation or crop irrigation
• plan responses to extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and floods, and assess their impact on water catchments and supplies
• estimate water yields, taking into account natural drainage
• assess the relationship between rainfall, run off, and soil and rock features
• investigate factors affecting acidity, nitrate levels or other diffuse pollution of surface water
• calculate and audit water resource systems and analyse this data
• evaluate and issue licences for companies and bodies requesting to use river resources
• ensure compliance with relevant water management regulations
• deal with enquiries from external bodies and individuals, such as water regulators, consultants and researchers
• project manage the installation of river flow gauges
• liaise with specialists, consultants and clients
• provide feedback on drought and water resource plans produced by water companies
• oversee data collection on-site, carried out by hydrometrists and other staff
• develop and optimise computer systems to improve data collection and analysis.

With experience, you may take on the role of project manager with responsibility for the technical management of a variety of hydrology projects, including:

• water resource planning and conservation
• reservoir and river flood risk assessment
• water quality monitoring and improvement
• sustainable drainage systems and urban water management.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• ensuring project delivery within time, budget and quality targets
• contributing to the management of the business, including financial monitoring and strategy development
• identifying and developing new business opportunities.

Salary

• Starting salaries typically range from £18,000 to £25,000.
• With experience, more senior hydrologists can earn £45,000.
• Principal hydrologists can earn more than £50,000.

Some employers provide performance-related pay schemes and offer benefits such as a car allowance, and share-option scheme - more common in private consultancies.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are generally standard but you may be required to put in extra hours in an emergency, such as a flood.

Some employers offer flexible working arrangements, including occasional remote work. Part-time work and career breaks may be possible, depending on your employer.

What to expect

• The balance between office and fieldwork varies according to the role. You'll spend some of your time in the office and some on site and at meetings with clients, consultants, regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
• Work is typically project-based, providing a good level of variety. Projects are often team-based, while independent work may involve liaising with colleagues and external agencies.
• The profession is male dominated but there are ongoing efforts to increase diversity.
• Frequent travel is required, for site visits, stakeholder meetings, and field research.
• Opportunities for international work exists with global consultancies and environmental organisations.

Qualifications

Hydrology is not offered as a degree course at undergraduate level, however a number of relevant degree subjects that cover elements of hydrology, include:

• civil and environmental engineering
• ecology
• environmental management
• environmental sciences
• geography (with a physical science base)
• geology
• soil science.

Entry with a HND only is rare.

Detailed training in hydrology is usually covered at postgraduate level. Although not necessary for all jobs, a postgraduate degree is recommended - and increasingly required at senior level, due to competition for posts.

Postgraduate courses vary in focus, so it's important you choose a course that matches your career aims. Subject areas include:

• aquatic resource management
• environmental engineering
• environmental management
• flood risk management
• hydrology and water quality
• water management
• water resources.

The British Hydrological Society (BHS) has a list of MSc courses that provide training in hydrological processes, techniques and solutions to environmental issues.

Contact individual institutions for course information and further details on entry requirements.

Funding opportunities for postgraduate study include:

• The BHS and JBA Trust, with the support of the Environment Agency, provide a small number of studentships of £2,000 to £2,500 towards the cost of a Masters degree.
• PhD studentships are often available through the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in partnership with universities.

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) collaborates with universities across the UK and internationally to input scientific and supervisory expertise into PhD student projects. See CEH Studentships for more information.

When choosing an undergraduate or further degree it is important to consider whether it is recognised and accredited by the professional body to which you may wish to apply for membership in the future, for example, either the:

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Skills

You'll need to have:

• sound technical knowledge of hydrological systems
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• mathematical and analytical skills, particularly in modelling and data interpretation
• proficiency in GIS (geographic information systems)
• people skills, for engaging with a range of different groups
• project management skills
• a high level of commitment and self-motivation
• a logical, methodical approach and good organisational skills
• a flexible approach to work and the ability to adapt to change and deal effectively with varying situations
• a full UK driving licence - is often required.

Work experience

You should try to gain relevant work experience, either in hydrology or within a related field such as hydrometrics. Search online for available work placements and internships.

Competition is strong because of the level of specialisation, so you'll need to be as proactive as possible in your search for a work experience opportunity.

Working on volunteer conservation projects shows commitment to the area and will help you develop your skills and make useful contacts. Experience of working for charitable groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as The Rivers Trust is valuable.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Typical employers include:

• water supply companies - see Water UK for details of water and sewerage operators
• utility companies and public authorities that provide water and sewerage services
• government and environmental bodies, including the Environment Agency (EA), regional councils, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
• consultancies, including civil engineering and environmental management and assessment companies
• research and development agencies, including the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) - part of the Natural Environment
• the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Water Research Centre (WRC) Group
• educational institutions that undertake relevant teaching and research.

Occasional opportunities arise in industries whose activities affect surface and ground water.

You may also find opportunities with international organisations involved in water management and emergency relief.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Hydrological Society (BHS)
• CIWEM Jobs
• ENDS jobsearch
• Environment Jobs
• Green Jobs

Hydrology vacancies are also handled by specialist recruitment agencies such as Penguin Recruitment.

Professional development

You'll receive on-the-job training for the technical aspects and may be given additional training in specific IT software, as well as in soft skills such as time management.

Professional training is often provided by a mix of in-house staff, professional bodies and external consultants. Mentoring from an experienced colleague can be particularly beneficial and can help consolidate knowledge and build confidence.

It's important to keep up to date with new techniques, technologies and legislation throughout your career. Membership of professional bodies, such as the BHS and CIWEM, is useful in terms of training, networking and continuing professional development (CPD).

Further study at Masters (if you don't already have one) and PhD level is also possible. See CIWEM - Accreditation.

Career prospects

Promotion is based on merit and on gaining a range of experience in the practical aspects of hydrology. Progression through an organisation is the clearest way to develop in the field in the first two to five years.

You can broaden your skills base by undertaking a secondment to other parts of the organisation's business or by changing department or research team. There may also be opportunities to work abroad in an international office.

It's not possible to become a chartered hydrologist, but you can undertake a professional qualification and gain chartered status with a professional body relevant to your chosen specialisation. There are several options for this, including:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
• Chartered Scientist (CSci)
• Chartered Meteorologist (CMet)
• Chartered Geographer (CGeog)
• Member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (MCIWEM).

See the BHS for more details about professional development.

With experience, you can progress into consultancy, research, or independent advisory roles.