Hydrologist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices and outdoors
- May work in all weather or hazardous conditions involving chemicals or gases
- Need to be methodical, accurate and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Study water distribution and management
- Measure water flow, rainfall and temperature
- Research water processes and features
- Record research data
- Plan environmental research
- Analyse environmental data
- Research impacts of conservation initiatives
- Supervise scientists and workers
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Apply research knowledge to environmental issues
Outlook
Hydrologists are increasingly important as New Zealand manages floods, droughts, water quality, water allocation and the effects of climate change. Demand is supported by freshwater policy, infrastructure planning and the need for better risk information for communities. Digital modelling, remote sensing and large environmental datasets are expanding the field. Employment can depend on project funding and regional needs, but water expertise is likely to stay valuable.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong analytical and scientific problem-solving skills
- Ability to interpret water, climate and environmental data
- Confidence with modelling, statistics and digital mapping
- Clear report writing and communication of complex findings
- Understanding of environmental legislation and Māori interests in water
- Ability to work carefully across disciplines and with communities
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.