As a hydrogeologist, you'll make a significant contribution to the environment by working to better protect and manage groundwater resources
Your role as a hydrogeologist will be to study the distribution, flow and quality of water underground - as opposed to hydrologists who are primarily concerned with surface water.
You'll interpret technical data and information from maps and historical documents to build a conceptual model of groundwater flow and quality. You'll also design and complete investigations, which may include environmental measurement and sampling; using modelling techniques, you'll make predictions about future trends and impacts on groundwater flow and quality.
As a hydrogeologist, you'll need to:
- apply a knowledge of fundamental geology to develop an understanding of how rock types and structure in an area impact on groundwater occurrence and movement
- understand and interpret maps, geographical data, historical evidence and models to build up a picture of the groundwater regime and/or land contamination, often based on incomplete information
- use computers to model groundwater flow, chemistry and temperature according to geological formations, surface water flow and man-made influence
- undertake field work and site visits for investigative and monitoring purposes
- design and commission boreholes, and sample and measure groundwater and surface water
- undertake environment impact assessments of groundwater abstraction and management activities
- analyse collected information, to assess and predict the impact of activities such as landfills, construction developments and mining or agriculture, on groundwater quality and resource availability
- liaise with other hydrogeologists, hydrologists, ecologists, engineers and other professionals in related fields
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation and keep up to date with technological and legislative developments
- write reports for clients, which can be understood by people who don't necessarily have a technical background
- answer technical queries and provide advice to clients and the public in writing and over the telephone
- manage projects and contractors
- work within health and safety guidelines.
Hydrogeologists working for charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) overseas may be involved in:
- finding new water supplies for remote villages or refugee camps
- siting new wells
- testing water quality
- protecting water supplies from pollution
- de-contaminating wells.
- Starting salaries for hydrogeologists with a relevant Masters degree can be up to £25,000 per year.
- Salaries for hydrogeologists with around five years' experience, typically range from £30,000 to £40,000 per year.
- Experienced professionals and managers may earn in excess of this.
Salaries tend to be higher in private companies and consultancies than in the public sector.
Additional benefits may include a company car, medical insurance and a pension scheme.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Working hours tend to be 9am to 5pm in the public sector, but longer for those working in the private sector. Long working hours may be required during field work, at busy periods or when deadlines are approaching.
Weekend working is unusual. Flexitime and part-time work is available with some employers.
What to expect
- Work is typically office based, but site visits and field work can form an essential aspect of the work, especially in consultancy. These can take place throughout the year, in all weather conditions. Site visits may be in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Some roles have an element of laboratory work.
- Once you've built up a background of experience and a good reputation, you could become self-employed and work in a consultant capacity.
- Experienced hydrogeologists may become self-employed as a consultant once they've built up a background of experience and a good reputation.
- Hydrogeologists work throughout the UK in a range of sectors, and opportunities are available in all parts of the country.
- Travel is typical within the working day, and there may be occasional overnight absences from home.
- There are opportunities for overseas work.
A good first degree in geology, environmental science, geophysics, science or engineering, with a postgraduate qualification (Masters or PhD) in hydrogeology, geochemistry, engineering, geology or environmental science is usually required.
HND or foundation degree holders may find employment in technician-level roles with some employers.
Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is not possible due to the scientifically-challenging nature of the work.
Employers generally expect a Masters degree in hydrogeology or a related subject that includes groundwater, particularly those recruiting for international vacancies. Search postgraduate courses in hydrogeology.
If you have a relevant first degree, your employer may support you to study at postgraduate level.
Relevant courses offered at MSc level include:
- MSc Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Hydrogeology and Water Management MSc at Newcastle University - Civil Engineering and Geosciences
- MSc Hydrogeology at Strathclyde University - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
You'll need to show:
- an excellent level of numeracy
- scientific knowledge across the range of disciplines
- mathematical modelling skills
- the ability to visualise geology and conceptualise groundwater flow in three dimensions
- the skill of drawing conclusions from incomplete information
- the capacity to evaluate complex data
- project-management skills
- an organised and flexible approach to work
- commercial awareness
- the ability to work well within a team
- oral and written communication skills, including report writing
- IT skills
- a driving licence - this is often a requirement for site visits.
Relevant work experience is a major advantage. This can be summer work, industry projects or voluntary activities.
You should try to gain experience in a range of geological or environmental organisations, such as the Environment Agency (EA), as opportunities for work experience purely in hydrogeology can be hard to find.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Hydrogeologists are employed in a range of sectors. Typical employers include:
- environmental and engineering consultancies, ranging from those with just a few employees to those with several hundred, working for private clients and governments both in the UK and overseas
- research organisations, e.g. the British Geological Survey (BGS), the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH)
- government regulators, e.g. the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
- water supply companies, especially those that use groundwater as a major part of their water supply
- mining or quarrying organisations whose work may have an impact on, or require the management of, groundwater
- the nuclear industry
- waste disposal companies that operate landfill facilities
- other large industries that have significant contaminated land issues, e.g. pharmaceuticals, steel, and chemical
- universities with specialist courses, for specific academic research and lecturing posts
- renewable energy companies and organisations, where the evaluation of renewable-energy schemes and ground-source heat schemes is needed
- overseas aid organisations that are developing safe water supplies in developing countries.
Look for job vacancies at:
For a list of organisations that employ hydrogeologists in the UK see the UK Groundwater Forum.
Speculative applications can be effective. Business directories are also useful for sourcing potential employers.
You could apply for a place on one of the graduate training schemes run by the larger engineering and environmental consultancies. These help to develop the wider skills necessary for a career as a hydrogeologist, complementing the technical skills you'll have learnt during your degree.
Most organisations will provide induction training, which usually involves some time shadowing more experienced colleagues. Following that, you'll be given further training on the job and through external courses. This will enable you to keep up to date with new technologies and developments within the industry.
Membership of a professional body is useful in terms of training, networking and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. Professional bodies in this sector include the:
- Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Geological Society
- International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)
Further study at Masters or PhD level is possible and some employers may support this. Many employers will encourage you to become chartered with a relevant professional body. You'll need to show that you regularly undertake a range of CPD activities and have relevant experience at a specific level.
Becoming chartered with a relevant professional body will help to enhance your career. Most commonly this is with CIWEM. If you have a geology degree you may choose to follow the chartership route via the Geological Society.
There are opportunities for a varied career within hydrogeology, both in the UK and overseas. Career progression is dependent on skills and ability, but can be fast within groundwater specialisms. You’ll need to regularly undertake a range of CPD opportunities.
It's possible to progress into team leader positions that involve making decisions about planning and use of resources, as well as managing people. Opportunity for technical progression is significant and leads to a specialist role, sharing knowledge and experience of a specific aspect of geoscience with colleagues.
Moving into environmental policy development is an option, or you could work within the energy sector, dealing for example, with the use of groundwater for thermal regulation and nuclear waste disposal, or investigating and advising on the interaction of groundwater and surface water and its role in flooding.