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Hydrometric Technician and Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you interested in glaciers, rain, rivers, and other water sources? Do you like the idea of working alone outdoors? Are you good at accurately recording data? Then you may want to record your level of interest in a career as a hydrometric technician and technologist.
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Occupations in Alberta

Hydrometric Technician and Technologist

Hydrometric technicians and technologists may work independently or provide technical support for hydrologists and related scientists and engineers.

Contents View Full Profile
Also Known As

Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist, Groundwater Technician, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

  • 2006 NOC: Geological and Mineral Technologists (2212.1) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians (C112) 
  • 2011 NOC: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (2212) 
  • 2016 NOC: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (2212) 
  • 2021 NOC: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (22101) 
Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Geological and Mineral Technologists

2006 NOC: 2212.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment, and to perform physical and chemical tests

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing geophysical and survey data to assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs; may assist engineers and metallurgists in specifying material selection, metal treatments and corrosion protection systems; may assist hydrogeologists in evaluating ground water and well circulation

directive

Interest in supervising prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, geological survey programs and studies, and the preparation and of rock, mineral and metal samples; may supervise oil and gas well drilling, well completions and work-overs and welding projects

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Duties
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hydrology is the study of the distribution and circulation of water in the atmosphere, on the surface of the Earth and in the sub-surface of the Earth.

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, hydrometric technicians and technologists:

  • Carry out studies on snowpacks to determine the density and water content prior to melt
  • Measure rainfall rates and amounts and other meteorological conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction)
  • Place, operate, monitor and calibrate instruments to measure and record the rate of water flow in rivers and streams
  • Record changing water levels in streams, reservoirs, ponds and wells
  • Place, operate, monitor and calibrate instruments for continuous measures of water chemistry and isotopes
  • Take samples of suspended and bottom sediment in lakes and rivers
  • Sample chemistry and isotopes of surface water and wells
  • Collect data on groundwater quality and quantity
  • Survey lake bottom profiles and compute water volumes in lakes and reservoirs
  • Process and analyze computer generated data to monitor long-term changes and identify trends
  • Carry out land surveys to obtain cross-sectional areas and topography elevations
  • Coordinate and construct gauging stations and install water monitoring wells
  • Interpret maps and aerial photographs
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Hydrometric technicians and technologists often work alone, dividing their time between office work and field work. Field work requires considerable travel, often in remote areas using various forms of transportation (for example, quads, snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes, boats, helicopters). They routinely may be required to lift more than 20 kilograms. Sometimes, heavier lifting (up to 40 kilograms) is required. Some hydrometric technicians and technologists must climb towers to install instruments and radio antennas.

Hours of work can be irregular depending on the season. For example, long hours may be required during spring break-up or flooding. Work during this time can be extremely hazardous. Working conditions can be harsh when working outdoors in extreme weather.

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hydrometric technicians need:

  • Good health
  • A desire to work outdoors
  • A willingness to travel
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to manage intensive workloads
  • The ability to record observations accurately
  • The ability to communicate well in person and in writing
  • The ability to work alone and in a team

They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform precision tasks, and gathering and analyzing information.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2212

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 25, 2022 and Apr 17, 2023.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Office
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills
Construction Specialization: Judgement
Construction Specialization: Reliability
Construction Specialization: Team player
Attention to detail
Work under pressure
Data interpretation and evaluation
Health benefits: Health care plan
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Office 8
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 8
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 8
Construction Specialization: Judgement 8
Construction Specialization: Reliability 8
Construction Specialization: Team player 8
Attention to detail 8
Work under pressure 8
Data interpretation and evaluation 8
Health benefits: Health care plan 8
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Most hydrometric technicians and technologists have related post-secondary education such as a certificate or diploma in biological or environmental sciences, or university courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or environmental science. Experience operating boats, 4-wheel drive vehicles and recreational vehicles is an asset.

Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science and related disciplines.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Bay River College
Keyano College
Mount Royal University
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Olds College
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Certified Technician

Certified Technicians are applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professionals. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Hydrometric technicians and technologists are employed by the following types of organizations:

  • Geology and engineering consulting firms
  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Petroleum and mining companies
  • Manufacturing, construction and utility companies
  • Government departments
  • Schools

At times, overseas work may be available.

Advancement opportunities depend on the size and nature of the employing organization, and the individual’s education and experience.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians occupational group, 79.4% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.
  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 03, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2212
Average Wage
$46.23
Per Hour
Average Salary
$90,343.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.7
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2212 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $21.00 $57.69 $36.40 $34.00
Overall $21.00 $74.39 $46.23 $42.30
Top $28.00 $121.95 $59.98 $45.67

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

Oil & Gas Extraction
ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Oil & Gas Extraction $122,793
ALL INDUSTRIES $90,343
Public Administration $81,019
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $68,752

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
26%
26%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
12%
12%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
    • Primary Resources
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: aset.ab.ca

ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Water Survey of Canada (WSC) website: canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/water-overview/quantity/monitoring/survey.html

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 03, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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