Hydrogeologist
Also known as: formation evaluation engineer, hydrogeological consultant, consultant hydrologist, hydrologist, pore pressure engineer, consultant hydrogeologist
About this occupation
Hydrogeologists in mining study the distribution, quality and flow of water in order to keep mine workings free of nuisance water and to ensure an adequate supply of process water. They supply and evaluate information which will protect ground and surface water from contamination.
A specialisation of geologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- liaise with industrial professionals
- geographic information systems
- address problems critically
- geology
- model groundwater
- analyse various types of water
- study groundwater
- assess impact of industrial activities
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation
- assess groundwater environmental impact
- identify GIS issues
- create thematic maps
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Water Resource Specialists (O*NET 11-9121.02). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$167,220 a year (2025), 108,690 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.4)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Industrial Ecologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Engineers
- Hydrologists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Range Managers
- Natural Sciences Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.