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Hydrologist

Environment

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  2. 2Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  3. 3Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  4. 4Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
  5. 5Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  6. 6Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
  7. 7Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
  8. 8Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
  9. 9Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
  10. 10Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
  11. 11Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
  12. 12Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
  13. 13Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
  14. 14Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
  15. 15Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
  16. 16Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
  17. 17Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
  18. 18Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
  19. 19Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
  20. 20Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
  21. 21Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
  22. 22Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
  23. 23Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
  24. 24Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
  25. 25Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Scientist
  • Hydrologist
  • Hydrologists
  • Seismologist
  • Volcanologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Hydraulic Engineer
  • Physical Scientist
  • Hydrologic Engineer
  • Isotope Hydrologist

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. Typical entry

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationMaster's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Physics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
InventionDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Mathematics87%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Physics83%

    Physics

  • Engineering and Technology80%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language78%

    English

  • Geography77%

    Geography

  • Computers and Electronics70%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedOften
  • Noisy environmentRarely
  • Time spent sittingMost of the time
  • Time spent standingA little

Where this job is heading

Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.

  • Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

29%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Hydrologists

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue