What Does A Hydrologist Do?

WHAT DOES A HYDROLOGIST DO?

Published: Aug 7, 2025 - The Hydrologist analyzes and develops mathematical models of hydrologic systems to assess water availability, water quality, and climate impacts at local and regional scales. This role involves conducting and interpreting hydrogeologic studies, managing data collection and analysis, and preparing technical reports, maps, and visualizations. The individual also includes project management, client engagement, business development, and providing technical mentorship within multidisciplinary water resource teams.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Hydrologist

1. Hydrologist Duties

Project Planning: Project planning and coordination of budget and resources, internal task division and supervision, communication and cooperation with partner organizations (private sector, NGO, universities)
Client Communication: Working directly with clients to ensure project scope and expectations are well-aligned, deliverables fall within the applicable scope and budget, and projects are conducted and completed smoothly and successfully
Network Expansion: Active project acquisition by maintaining and expanding the company's network of potential partners and clients
Technical Implementation: Technical contribution to projects such as implementation of hydrological models, remote sensing and/or other tools, depending on skills and ambition of the successful candidate (25-50% of the time)
Site Surveying: Completing site walkover surveys, mapping key hydrological features and reporting key site characteristics back to senior staff
Equipment Maintenance: Installation and continuous maintenance of hydrological monitoring equipment such as water level transducers, water quality meters and flow monitoring stations
Topographic Surveying: Complete topographic surveys using differential GPS to inform design proposals
Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with landowners/farmers to discuss proposals, addressing concerns and reporting feedback to senior staff
Data Management: Ensure all the data collected from the field is downloaded/written up every week and passed on to senior staff members in the correct format
Report Preparation: Analysis of data and preparation of hydrological reports

2. Hydrologist Details

Mathematical Modeling: Plans, develops, and interprets mathematical and probabilistic models of hydrologic systems to evaluate water availability and water quality at local and regional scales
Report Preparation: Prepares all or portions of interpretive reports from hydrogeologic studies and prepares geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical information in the form of maps, charts, graphs, and sections for inclusion in reports, presentations, and websites
Data Collection: Plans, organizes, and executes hydrogeologic and water-quality data collection as part of multidisciplinary groundwater and groundwater/surface-water studies
Data Analysis: Documents, compiles, quality assures, and interprets geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical data obtained from field and laboratory studies by using spreadsheets, databases, graphical analysis, statistical analysis, and GIS analysis
Vehicle Operation: Operates a government-owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver
Climate Assessment: Delivering water resource management, hydrological modelling and climate impact assessment projects
Project Management: Managing projects and maintaining client relationships
Business Development: Assisting with winning work and the development of new business within the water resources team and across the wider water resources practice
Technical Support: Providing technical guidance, support and training to junior colleagues and assisting, where practicable, in the mentoring and development of others

3. Hydrologist Responsibilities

GIS Modeling: Work within GIS to develop exhibits and develop hydrologic models such as FLO-2D
Hydrologic Analysis: Prepare hydrologic analyses with HEC-1 and FLO-2D
Floodplain Studies: Conduct floodplain delineation studies using HEC-RAS or HEC-RAS 2D
Plan Production: Work within AutoCAD or MicroStation for plan production
Design Planning: Produce design plans for private and public agency projects such as roads, streets, storm drains, sewers, water and reclaimed water, trails, schools, utilities, site, and civil facilities
Project Support: Assist the project manager with design plans, specifications, construction support, cost estimating, and geotechnical coordination
Site Inspection: Conduct site visits and assist with documenting findings
Meeting Documentation: Attend, record, and distribute meeting minutes, and assist with general project correspondence
Graphic Preparation: Compose and prepare graphic materials for presentations and documents

4. Hydrologist Job Summary

Client Management: Client lead, liaison with regulators and other external organisations, supervision of Assistant Consultant grade and Consultants
Report Review: Technical reporting and review of colleagues' reporting, i.e., Level 1, 2, and 3
Independent Review: Review (independent)/Approval (independent/under supervision - on a project-by-project basis)
Team Supervision: Manage one or more Consultant and Senior Consultant grade staff
Proposal Preparation: Prepare and issue fee proposals and supervise Consultant and Senior Consultant grades
Deadline Management: Responsibility for meeting client deadlines and expectations
Project Setup: Setting up projects on Union Square, line items, client contact details and forward forecasting
Team Management: Manage Consultant and Senior Consultant grades
Progress Monitoring: Approval of timesheets and regular review of progress
Record Keeping: Completing timesheets and project tracking sheets for Consultant and Senior Consultant grades
Workflow Oversight: Manage day-to-day workflow and issues
Senior Reporting: Report to senior management
Staff Development: Oversee training and chartership progression
Client Relations: Maintain existing client base and grow new clients where the opportunity presents itself

5. Hydrologist Accountabilities

Flood Assessment: Flood risk and drainage impact assessment for major infrastructure, including urban masterplanning, power, transportation, and minerals developments
Flood Modelling: Flood frequency analysis and modelling to support flood mitigation and drainage design
Flow Modelling: Low flows analysis and modelling to support water resources planning, hydroecology and river restoration projects
Project Management: Managing small projects and task management of discrete tasks within larger projects, including coordinating inputs from others
Field Coordination: Coordinating and carrying out field surveys
Data Analysis: Leading on data analysis and modelling tasks, supported by guidance from a senior expert
Report Writing: Being the lead author of technical reports and presentations, supported by technical review from a senior expert
Service Delivery: Work with Technical Authorities on the leading, coordination and delivery of hydrological services within water resource, flood risk management and climate change work being undertaken
Performance Standards: Champion high standards of performance, influence project development and deliver sustainable outcomes
Quality Review: Undertake own work to an excellent standard, and review the work of others, leading on projects and frameworks
Client Engagement: Work closely with clients to develop trusted relationships, supporting them in a confident, professional manner
Business Development: Lead and support on bid preparation and develop new areas of business for the team

6. Hydrologist Functions

Groundwater Modelling: Develop groundwater models, preparation of risk assessments, hydrogeological input to studies (scoping to Feasibility) and ESIAs
Field Supervision: Perform field work on hydrogeological and geotechnical programs including monitoring, supervision of borehole drilling and monitoring well installation
Data Reporting: Factual and interpretive reporting of field data and site conditions
Client Meetings: Meeting with clients (both new and existing)
Budget Planning: Managing and participating in the development of budgets and plans for projects and proposals
Opportunity Support: Support business development opportunities
Report Support: Provide support in the production of technical reports
Proposal Preparation: Assist with writing and preparing proposals
Project Coordination: Managing projects and coordinating complex technical documents
Client Relations: Building on established client relationships and projects
Team Mentoring: Mentoring and reviewing the outputs of team members
Client Advisory: Providing advice to clients across a wide range of sectors

7. Hydrologist Job Description

Flood Planning: Lead, perform and manage the analysis and planning of drainage and flood control programs undertaken by regulatory agencies
Team Management: Manage a Houston team of approximately four individuals performing modeling, mapping, alternatives evaluation, design, cost estimating, and report preparation
Practice Leadership: Provide leadership and expand the H&H practice across the state of Texas in the Austin, San Antonio and Dallas offices
Project Standards: Establish project criteria and standards consistent with the industry standards to include the supervision and control of all project activities
Client Development: Support the development, management and maintenance of client relationships on projects and develop new business with existing and new clients
Dam Analysis: Assist with performing dam break and inundation analyses utilizing analytical skills and computer modeling programs
Water Balancing: Assist with water balances, including the development of input parameters and modeling
Mining Design: Perform other engineering analysis and design work for mining projects
Technical Writing: Prepare technical reports and specifications
Staff Training: Mentor and train junior staff in engineering analyses, report preparation and design activities
Service Expansion: Support existing client projects, develop, and grow NewFields services to existing and new clients
Internal Communication: Responsible for communications within the organization about proposals, project updates, changes in scope, identification of potential risks and unexpected challenges

8. Hydrologist Overview

Project Multitasking: Work independently and with others while working on multiple projects concurrently
Time Management: Solid time-management skills
Staff Supervision: Manage people and possess strong supervisory skills
Field Operations: Work in office and field work environments on complex water-resource projects
Feasibility Support: Assist in conducting feasibility studies, research, verifying regulations, coordinating with the Project Manager to assess costs, project options, and project advantages
Agency Meetings: Conducting meetings with government agencies
Model Review: Review modeling to ensure accuracy of documents, note any discrepancies and necessary changes
Quantity Review: Review plan quantities to ensure all numbers are accurate, prepare bid documents, and review all documents with the construction department
Staff Training: Training EITs on H&H modeling and reporting processes, such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and SWMM models
Time Tracking: Provide accurate accounting of time spent on projects, with descriptions for each time entry
Regulation Research: Research and be conversant with all the latest Agency guidelines and be able to update the design staff on any revisions
Authority Coordination: Coordinate and communicate with local reviewing authorities

9. Hydrologist Details and Accountabilities

Work primarily in an office with occasional requirements to work in the field on water resources and environmental projects
Analyze and interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, and geochemical data
Develop conceptual hydrogeologic models and water balances
Develop, calibrate, and apply numerical models of groundwater flow and solute transport using MODFLOW and MT3D and standard graphical user interfaces (Groundwater Vistas preferred)
Manage and visualize data using Microsoft Access and ESRI ArcGIS software or similar applications
Plan, design, and implement aquifer tests and other hydraulic tests
Analyze and interpret aquifer test data using AQTESOLV and other methods
Mentor, supervise, and train junior staff in field methods, technical analyses, numerical modeling, and reporting
Manage projects and supervise staff setting up and executing projects, including permitting
Coordinating with staff, laboratories, and subcontractors, and obtaining necessary equipment
Ensure projects are performed safely
Prepare proposals and technical reports, including technical writing and review of report text, tables, and figures prepared by others

10. Hydrologist Tasks

Technical Representation: Serves as resident expert on technical issues and represents the Colorado River District and its interests in working with various groups and state agencies on subject areas
Hydrology Expertise: Serves as staff expert in surface water and ground water hydrology, water rights administration and water rights matters within the Colorado River Basin
Legal Support: Provides technical support to Counsel on water rights matters, including support on the District’s water rights portfolio
Regional Expertise: Provides a high level of water rights expertise throughout the entire geographic reach of the River District, particularly in Water Divisions 4, 5 and 6
Expert Testimony: Serve as the District’s expert witness on water rights matters
Litigation Support: Provide technical support to the Legal Department concerning litigation, settlement matters, and Water Court cases, including diligence filings on the District’s conditional water rights
TMD Knowledge: Provide the highest level of technical knowledge and input on West Slope and Transmountain Diversion (TMD) water rights and water supply matters
Operations Understanding: Maintain a deep understanding of all major (and most minor) water rights and water users from Grand Valley to the continental divide including all major TMD operations, ranging from Twin Lakes on the south to C-BT / Windy Gap on the north
Negotiation Strategy: Actively work on negotiations employing a high-level understanding of all major TMDs, their history and the various governing agreements
Engineering Oversight: Performs and supervises engineering studies and support functions to acquire and protect the District’s water rights
Scientific Supervision: Oversee scientific work on a project-specific basis (e.g., endangered fish, water quality and river mechanics issues, etc.)
Stakeholder Representation: Participate and effectively represent the District, protecting its interests in various collaborative water resource studies and efforts
Constituent Support: Creatively support and facilitate the efforts of constituent water users to place water to beneficial use under state law and applicable Interstate Compacts
Policy Development: Assist in the development and implementation of the District’s policy related to the Compacts governing water allocation in the Colorado River basin
Statewide Advocacy: Represent the District’s interests and/or its constituent water users in matters of statewide interest
Consultant Management: Plan and oversee consultants’ work toward the District’s objectives in water-rights litigation and water-resource development/protection
Policy Leadership: Take a leading role in developing water-allocation policy and/or water administration philosophy in Water Divisions 4, 5 and 6