Will AI Replace Hydrologists?

Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.