Hydrometric Technician and Technologist

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) 

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

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.

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.

Hydrometric technicians and technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation

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: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

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

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