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How exposed to AI is a Hydrologist?

Of the 25 tasks O*NET lists for hydrologists, 7 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 6 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Groundwater ConsultantHydrogeologistHydrologistPhysical ScientistResearch HydrologistScientistSource Water Protection Specialist
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
25
tasks rated for this occupation
100%
hold a degree, from a survey of 23
6k
people do this job in the US
27 of 60
least protected in science

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

7
  • Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information
  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions
  • Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources
  • Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure
  • Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting
  • Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies
  • Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost

Only with software built on top

12
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes
  • Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats
  • Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation
  • Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters
  • Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions
  • Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities
  • 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
  • Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action
  • Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology
  • Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences
  • Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells
  • Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance

Cannot be sped up

6
  • Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians
  • Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments
  • Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors
  • Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities
  • Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders
  • Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.