Hydrologists
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.
How AI Impacts Each Task
26 tasks analyzed
Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 57.5Observed | 50.0% | 5% | |
| Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. | 55Observed | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 5% | |
| Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies. | 45Estimated | 45.0% | 3% | |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 44.75Observed | 67.1% | 3% | |
| Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% | |
| Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. | 60Estimated | 39.0% | 3% | |
| Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences. | 53.85Observed | 48.5% | 3% | |
| Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 3% | |
| Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 3% | |
| Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 3% | |
| Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions. | 64.05Observed | 74.8% | 3% | |
| Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis