What they do
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
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Also called: |
Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Physical Scientist, Research Hydrologist, Scientist, Source Water Protection Specialist
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Wages
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Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 27.15 |
$56,480 |
25% |
$ 38.57 |
$80,230 |
Median |
$ 39.71 |
$82,600 |
75% |
$ 47.78 |
$99,380 |
90% |
$ 74.21 |
$154,360 |
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Average |
$ 43.59 |
$90,670 |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2022 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 38% |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 27% |
- State government, excluding education and hospitals
| 21% |
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals
| 9% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 2% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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More at O*NET |
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
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- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
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- Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
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- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
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- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Vermont |
2022 employment |
156 |
2032 employment |
175 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
1.2% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
14 |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | ![](color_scale.jpg) | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 4% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 57% |
Bachelor's degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 39% |
Associate's degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
More at O*NET |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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- Research hydrologic features or processes.
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- Plan environmental research.
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- Record research or operational data.
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- Measure environmental characteristics.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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