Hydrologic technician
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices, and may travel locally and nationally to work sites
- May work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Need to be methodical, accurate and safety conscious
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Help hydrologists with research
- Collect and analyse environmental samples and data
- Analyse costs and benefits of projects
- Use research to solve water problems
- Give advice on protecting water and nature
- Give advice on water emergencies
- Share environmental information
- Clean and maintain equipment
Outlook
Hydrologic technicians support New Zealand’s growing need for reliable information about rivers, groundwater, rainfall and floods. Climate change, drought, flooding, freshwater management and infrastructure planning are increasing the value of long-term environmental monitoring. Sensors, remote data systems, satellite information and digital mapping are changing how water data is collected and shared. Opportunities depend on public investment and regional priorities, but water monitoring remains essential work.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Careful collection, checking and recording of environmental data
- Practical ability with monitoring equipment and sensors
- Understanding of health, safety and field procedures
- Problem-solving skills for equipment and data issues
- Confidence using spreadsheets, databases and mapping tools
- Ability to communicate findings clearly and accurately
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.