Hydrology is a field of study that focuses on the management of water. A hydrologist makes an accurate assessment of the available water and future needs and makes recommendations on long-term management practices.
Is a hydrologist an engineer?
Hydrology engineers, or hydrologists, are usually civil or environmental engineers who specialize in projects that involve using and/or controlling water, as well as water quality. They may focus on water in watersheds, floodplains and reservoirs.
What do hydrologist wear?
I typically wear standard 10-inch fire boots or wading boots. Brian Anderson wears wading boots when he’s doing stream surveys or other data collection that calls for him to be in and out of the water. “I’m lucky to have landed a job where I get to work in incredible places.
Who do hydrologists work with?
The major employers of hydrologists include government departments, statutory authorities, the mining industry and consulting firms in hydrology, environmental science or environmental engineering. Competition for entry-level positions is very strong.
How to Become A Hydrologist In South Africa
Personal requirements for a Hydrologist
Able to work accurately and systematically
Able to communicate effectively
Aptitude for physics, mathematics and statistics
Mechanical ability and the ability to work with technology
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Able to work in confined spaces and at heights
Able to swim
Education & Training for a Hydrologist
To become a hydrologist you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in environmental science, hydrology, water science or natural resources.
To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, earth and environmental science, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required.
Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
How to Enter
Schooling & School Subjects
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Geography
Additional:
Pass matric with a Bachelor’s pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university.
What to Study
Degree: BSc majoring in one of the following: Hydrology, Geology, Geography, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics. Hydrology courses can be followed at UKZN, UV, UZ. Groundwater Studies – UFS.
Post-graduate studies: for appointment as a hydrologist, the minimum requirement is an honours degree, with one or more of the following as the principal field of study:
Applied Hydrology: Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, Civil Engineering
Geohydrology: Geology, Geohydrology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Applied Geophysics and Mathematics
Hydrological Research: Chemistry, Soil Physics, Botany, Zoology, Geography
Basic fields of study: Hydrology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Chemistry
Water Quality: Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Chemistry and Limnology
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry offers an in-service training programme in the following form:
Internal lectures
Seminars
Field training
Computer programming
Analytical methods
Below is How to Become A Hydrologist In South Africa
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
To become a hydrologist, you need a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:
Hydrology
Environmental science
Geoscience
Engineering (with a focus on hydrology or water science)
Be sure to research the degree options provided by different colleges and universities to determine the best options for you.
2. Get certified
Certifications are an optional step but they can be instrumental in helping you achieve a competitive advantage over your peers. This might be because certifications are a voluntary credentials. By earning one or more hydrology-related certifications, you are demonstrating to employers that you are motivated to go beyond the required educational components.
There are two hydrology certifications offered by the American Institute of Hydrology that you can pursue to enhance your skills and increase your employability within your field. They are:
Hydrologic Technician Certification
This certification is split into three levels. Level one is for entry-level professionals, and level three is for more advanced industry professionals. You can work your way toward a level three certification by completing continuing education courses and passing an exam.
Professional Hydrology Certification
You can obtain this certification after each education level in addition to multiple years of work experience. You can earn this certification after five years of work experience following your bachelor’s degree, four years of work experience after getting your master’s degree or three years of work experience after getting your doctorate.
3. Receive your license
Licensing requirements for working hydrologists can vary by state. It is important that you take the time to review your state’s requirements. This might include minimum education level and another exam. Once you receive your license, you start work as a licensed hydrologist.
4. Gain work experience
Entry-level work in hydrology often means working as a laboratory research technician or assistant. You can gain experience while enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program through internships in labs or offices.
Some entry-level and internship work offer field exploration positions. After gaining experience, promotions to a senior research position, project manager or program manager is considered a worthy endeavor.
What education is needed to become a hydrologist In South Africa?
Hydrologists need at least a bachelor’s degree, and some begin their careers with a master’s degree. Applicants for advanced research and university faculty positions typically need a Ph.
How long does it take to become a hydrologist In South Africa?
Hydrologists must have a master’s degree in environmental science with an emphasis on hydrological courses. Those looking for a teaching or research position typically need a Ph. D. A master’s degree program typically takes two to three years to complete after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Which university can I study hydrology In South Africa?
University of the Western Cape.
Is a hydrologist an engineer?
Hydrology engineers, or hydrologists, are usually civil or environmental engineers who specialize in projects that involve using and/or controlling water, as well as water quality. They may focus on water in watersheds, floodplains and reservoirs.
What is the difference between hydrology and hydrologist In South Africa?
(Oceanographers study the physical and chemical properties of salt water in the oceans.) Hydro geologists work to explain the geological effects of surface water in rivers, streams and lakes, and hydrologists lend their technical expertise to the mechanics and chemistry of moving groundwater.
What do hydrologist wear In South Africa?
I typically wear standard 10-inch fire boots or wading boots. Brian Anderson wears wading boots when he’s doing stream surveys or other data collection that calls for him to be in and out of the water. “I’m lucky to have landed a job where I get to work in incredible places.
Who do hydrologists work with?
The major employers of hydrologists include government departments, statutory authorities, the mining industry and consulting firms in hydrology, environmental science or environmental engineering. Competition for entry-level positions is very strong.
How does a hydrologist use math In South Africa?
Math is used by hydrologists as measurement is fundamental for assessing water resources and understanding the processes involved in the hydrologic cycle. Observations of hydrologic processes are used to make predictions of the future behavior of hydrologic systems.
Is a hydrologist a geologist?
Hydrogeologists are a type of environmental geologist that study how water interacts with the natural environment of rocks and soils.
What is the starting salary for a hydrologist In South Africa?
Avg Salary
Hydrologists earn an average yearly salary of R 1228241.48 Wages typically start from R 774092.89 and go up to R 1925408.70