Hydrologist
Hydrologists study rainfall, rivers and groundwater systems to help develop sustainable ways of managing water.
Also known as: Water engineer, flood engineer, hydrology engineer
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 45 a week
- Green jobYes
What you'll do
As a hydrologist, you could:
- investigate the causes and impact of flooding and drought
- study snowfall, glaciers and ice formation
- use data about rivers, rain and floods to predict and manage risks
- analyse water samples for chemicals and pollutants
- work on engineering projects like dams, drains and flood defences
- advise policy makers on sustainable water use
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a laboratory or in the countryside.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of chemistry for analysing water samples
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- excellent written communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a hydrologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll need a first degree, and often postgraduate training, to get into hydrology. Degrees include:
- environmental science
- geography
- civil engineering
- environmental engineering
- Earth sciences
- ecology
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply for an Environmental Practitioner or Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship before specialising in hydrology.
These can take up to 5 years to complete and are a mix of learning on the job and studying at an approved university.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You could start as an assistant hydrologist or technical officer, if you have a degree in a science or environmental subject.
Your employer may encourage you to take a postgraduate qualification while you're working, like a master's degree in hydrology.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
Career path and progression
You could become a senior hydrologist, managing a team of researchers, hydrologists and engineers.
You might also work as a consultant, advising government departments, charities and commercial companies on:
- sustainable water use
- water engineering projects
- flood risk management
- international development projects and emergency relief
You could also go into academic research or university teaching in your specialist field.
Career tips
The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has information about hydrology , including work on water pollution, flooding and drought.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Hydrological Society or Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management .
This could help you find:
- industry news
- advice on professional development
- networking opportunities
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleEnvironmental consultant
- Job roleEcologist
- Job roleClimate scientist
- Job roleCivil engineer
- Job roleGeoscientist
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0