Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; 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.

Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, water-borne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. Compile and evaluate hydrologic information in order to prepare navigational charts and maps, and to predict atmospheric conditions. Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources. Conduct short-term and long-term climate assessments, and study storm occurrences. Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting. Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. Study and analyze the physical aspects of the Earth in terms of the hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors and/or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations and/or to validate data from automatic monitors. Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians. Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities, and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance. Develop or modify methods of conducting hydrologic studies. Draft final reports describing research results, including illustrations, appendices, maps, and other attachments. 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. Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders. Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities. Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers, in order to enforce rules regarding their activities. Review applications for site plans and permits, and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.

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. Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 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. Chemistry -- Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems. Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Systems Analysis -- Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Flexibility of Closure -- The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. Category Flexibility -- The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. Fluency of Ideas -- The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Provide Consultation and Advice to Others -- Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.