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Hydrologist

Clean water is essential to a thriving forest, the wildlife that resides within it and the surrounding communities. Forestry organizations work hard to protect the natural resources that contribute to the forest. In order to do so, the company may employ a Forestry Hydrologist.

The primary responsibility of the Forestry Hydrologist is to monitor and improve water quality and quantity within the working forest and its surrounding environment. Forestry Hydrologists conduct research to analyze surface and underground waters influenced by forestry operations. From their research, hydrologists communicate findings and information to help the forestry organization preserve and protect water resources.

This position may also be known as a Groundwater Consultant or Hydrogeologist.

Matthew Cohen

Professor of Forest Water Resources, University of Florida

I do a lot of writing, but also visiting field sites to take measurements and then working with those data to help land owners make better water sustainability decisions. I love thinking about how the world–all of us and all of nature–is stitched together by water.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a hydrology concentration. This can include geoscience, engineering, environmental science, or an Earth science program.

Helpful courses to take in high school: Focus on biology, statistics, earth science, mathematics and physics.

Tools of the Trade

  • Computer modeling software - Hydrologists develop computer models for water predictions.
  • Laboratory tools such as test tubes to collect water samples during field investigations.
  • Instruments such as a water level recorder, ultrasonic and magnetic flow meters and stream gauges.

Important Skills

An interest and love for the water. This position requires working with various bodies of water. Collecting, researching, and testing water are all primary responsibilities of the hydrologist.

Research, observation and analytical skills. Hydrologists analyze and collect data regularly.

Hydrologists prepare reports, presentations, graphs and maps that document their findings. These are often shared with key stakeholders and the public, making communication skills an important skill to have.

Job Responsibilities

While in the forest, hydrologists gather information to take back to the lab to analyze and report findings. Their research investigates water and water cycles to help the forestry organization better understand:

  • How stream flows shape forests and how forests influence stream flows
  • The various ways climate change affects watersheds
  • Environmental consequences of erosion and other water-related issues
  • Water quality and its effects on trees and local wildlife on the land and in the water
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