Hydrologist

If you like discovering how soil and water create our environment, you may be interested in becoming a hydrologist or watershed specialist. Working with a variety of people, problem-solving, and application of some basic chemical concepts make this an interesting occupation. BLM hydrologists/watershed specialists work at improving or maintaining water quality by recommending actions to minimize the effects of grazing, mining, logging, and other types of land uses. This involves developing an understanding of these land uses, developing long-term plans, and doing studies to ensure that the plans are successful. These specialists work with range conservationists, outdoor recreation planners, soil scientists, and others to help prepare plans for managing all the resources in a basin or watershed. These specialists must understand plants and soil, rocks and land features, water and weather. Sometimes they are called upon to recommend what kinds of grasses, shrubs, or trees to plant. They may design ponds or structures in streams to slow water and reduce erosion, or develop methods to study human uses of public land to determine if these uses are causing erosion and reducing plant cover for fish. High school courses that will help you prepare for a career as a hydrologist or watershed specialist include math, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, speech, and English/writing courses. A bachelor's degree in a physical or natural science or engineering is required. Studies should include courses in hydrology, physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, math, aquatic biology, geology, meteorology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources.