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Hydrology is the science of water properties, distribution, and circulation.

Hydrologic studies support federal policies related to sustainable development and ecosystem health. These studies contribute to a better understanding of regional hydrology and the extent to which hydrologic variability and change is tied to climate. Insight into the relationships between climate, water, and biological ecosystem components is also gained. This knowledge serves ecosystem science, environmental assessments, state-of-the-environment valuations, flow apportionment, flow forecasting, flood plain management, and environmental emergency response.

The role of the hydrologist varies from that of being a generalist to a specialist. It involves assessing and interpreting the data collected from monitoring programs, planning networks, providing data products, and detecting trends in the amount and distribution of Canada's freshwater resources. Hydrologists develop public information products to foster understanding of our water resources and help Canadians make responsible decisions about their use of the environment. Custom-tailored technical products serving water management, human health, and aquatic life issues are also made available.

Some hydrologists specialize in mathematical modelling to derive information for measurement sites not equipped with flow gauges, or work on tools and systems for data interpretation and prediction to support decision-making. Hydrologists play a role in the hydrometric surveys carried out by the Water Survey of Canada (WSC). Studies they conduct serve to validate the database of water resources and act as a form of quality assurance.

Hydrologists often work on multidisciplinary teams to better understand and predict environmental impacts and to study options and their effectiveness for reducing these impacts. They have frequent contact with hydrologists in other levels of government, in the private sector and from other countries. For example, they may be involved in studies with United States hydrologists in support of International Joint Commission (IJC) Control Boards regarding the apportionment of water between the two countries. Or they may be on a committee of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to address an issue of international interest.

Becoming an operational hydrologist

If you are going to become an operational hydrologist, there are some things you should know. Math and science - physics, chemistry and geography - in high school are the important foundational courses for your later studies in hydrology.

You need an inquisitive and analytical approach to understanding the hydrologic cycle, the interrelationship of its components and how they are affected by man's activities. Initiative, attention to detail and thoroughness are important qualities to have when working with data. Keeping up to date on mathematical modelling practices and the application of statistical techniques is important, as you will be continually evaluating and interpreting data.

Some of the issues you might deal with are climate change, water supply and apportionment, flood and drought forecasting, soil and water conservation programs, flood control and irrigation. You will have to be a good scientific report writer and be able to make oral and written presentations to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. In your daily work, if not most of your career as a hydrologist, computers will be a major tool for processing and analyzing water and related data.

Hydrologist positions in the department include junior entry level jobs which provide new staff with an orientation to our hydrologic and atmospheric data collection systems, including time in the field to get a sound understanding of equipment and measurement techniques used. Other positions involve extensive or broad field experience in hydrology studies at departmental research institutes and regional offices. As experience and further education are gained, these positions lead to progressively more responsible senior hydrologist and management positions dealing with Canada's regional, national, and international water management activities.

Educational Qualifications

You will need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in engineering, geography or environmental studies. Some specialization in hydrology, hydrometeorology, or water resources is required. You should have a good understanding of statistics, geometry, algebra, hydraulics, geomorphology, climatology, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, terrain measurement, hydrometric measurement, computer programming and mapping. Many of our hydrologists have more advanced degrees in these areas.

These studies allow the hydrologist to refine his or her knowledge of hydrology and hydrometeorology in order to carry out further activities such as investigating and defining the impacts of climate change or designing adaptation strategies.

Other Career Options

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