Profession hydrogeologist

Hydrogeologists in mining study the distribution, quality and flow of water in order to keep mine workings free of nuisance water and to ensure an adequate supply of process water. They supply and evaluate information which will protect ground and surface water from contamination.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Geology

    Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

  • Geographic information systems

    The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).

Skills

  • Assess impact of industrial activities

    Analyse data to estimate the impact of industrial activities on resource availability and groundwater quality.

  • Analyse various types of water

    Design boreholes; sample and analyse surface water and groundwater.

  • Study groundwater

    Prepare and conduct field studies in order to determine groundwater quality. Analyse and interpret maps, models and geographical data. Compose a picture of area groundwater and land contamination. File reports on issues with landfill groundwater, e.g. area pollution caused by coal combustion products.

  • Liaise with industrial professionals

    Establish relationships with engineers, geologists, hydrologists and hydrogeologists, and other industrial professionals.

  • Model groundwater

    Model groundwater flow; analyse groundwater temperature and characteristics; identify geological formations and man-made influence.

  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

    Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

  • Create GIS reports

    Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.

  • Prepare technical reports

    Prepare technical reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.

  • Assess groundwater environmental impact

    Estimate environmental impact of groundwater abstraction and management activities.

  • Address problems critically

    Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.

  • Create thematic maps

    Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.

  • Identify GIS issues

    Highlight GIS-issues that require special attention. Report on these issues and their development on a regular basis.

Optional knowledge and skills

perform water testing procedures chemistry negotiate land access manage water treatment

Source: Sisyphus ODB