Forest hydrologists work with water and water related topics in the forest.
They study biology, forest management, and water science in college for at least four years. They learn about water quality, ground water storage, steams and rivers, water movements, and snow measurement. A forest hydrologist might be involved in these types of activities in the course of their career:
- Measuring the amount and quality of water in the ground and flowing in streams;
- Measuring how cutting trees or removing forests for roads and buildings can change the amount and quality of water in streams
- Designing improvements to a water reservoir water collection area;
- Determining how to manage forests to provide safe and adequate drinking water;
- Studying how rain and snow fall patterns may cause drinking water shortages.
Forest hydrologists often work for organizations that own water reservoirs or water supply systems; they may work with private consulting firms, research groups, universities or governmental agencies.
