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Agriculture

Hydrologic Technician

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

Annual openings

17

Median wage

$56,780

Typical education

Associate's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+5%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Associate's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Employer competency information

  • Refer above to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities information. Effective communication, such as writing reports and presenting ideas, is important to communicate research and findings.
A lot more information, including opportunities to explore jobs and gain experience, are at Green Pathways under "The Field of Water Management".
Water management applies physical, chemical and biological sciences along with math, technology, engineering, economics, and law to make decisions about both water quality and quantity.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
  2. Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
  3. Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
  4. Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
  5. Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
  6. Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
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