Nature of work
A groundwater professional is someone who monitors how water from the ground flows into rivers, lakes and ponds. He/she also studies the effect the groundwater has on those bodies of water by measuring salinity, mineral content and other factors. He/she will research different types of groundwater and help make decisions on how that water is treated so that it will benefit the specific kind of aquifer that a community or city needs. He/she will use computers to build 3-D models of the paths that groundwater takes on its routes to the body of water it contributes to. Upon completion of a model, a groundwater professional will review it for information then give this information to the people who make decisions about the water sources for communities and businesses. Environment of work
A groundwater professional will work mainly in the field, but sometimes may spend hours in offices. He/she will see a variety of conditions and need to be able to adapt quickly. To employers, it is very important for groundwater professional to be loyal to what he/she does. The ideal groundwater professional will be passionate about his/her work and show care for cleaner water in facilities as well as improving the environment with his/her work.The groundwater professional will have opportunities to travel just about anywhere that has a groundwater source or a public water system. He/she will also be able to work underground in rich environment and get to see things that not a lot of people will experience. It may also give him/her the chance to see many different countries and cultures.
The environment of a groundwater professional will mostly be in the field, underground. He/she observes pipe ways and underground water tables that affect drinking water. This environment will be cold and rocky with slippery surfaces and dangerous trekking over long distances. The groundwater professional will be able to handle himself/herself well in rough terrain.
Professional life
There are many opportunities for groundwater professionals in today’s working world. Many cities utilize the services of more than one groundwater professional. There will also be opportunities in the military and overseas.The groundwater professional’s outlook should be one of wanting to see constant improvements in the water that is pumped into houses or place of business daily. He/she should have an outgoing attitude and be able to work closely with laborers and elected officials to insure that everyone has knowledge of how groundwater affects every one of us. Self-motivation is important.
To develop the career of a groundwater professional, constant training and studying are needed. As our impact on the environment increases, so does the need for updated models and information on groundwater. Experience also plays a large factor in moving up in the industry. The salary is contingent with experience, so the longer a professional stays in the field, the more money there is to be made. There will be many opportunities for advancement if the applicant has good networking skills, as they will be the primary source of employment.
Starting salaries: 40000 SYP.
Getting the job
In order to get a job as a groundwater professional, one needs to have a desire to see cleaner water start making its way into homes and businesses. A groundwater professional needs to have the required certificate as well as background in the field. This can be gained by experience or schooling, but is very important to the job. An applicant will need to possess knowledge of computers as well as the programs that are used for model building and creating advancements in the industry.The applicant will also need to possess skills with various tools used, but not limited to, piping equipment, pipe tools, and mining equipment. These tools require some strength. The applicant will also need to be comfortable in cramped environments and be able to stand for long periods of time. He/ she should also be able to bear extremes of hot or cold. The non hands on part of the job will consist mainly of working with computers in an office for the city in which he/ she is working for.
Skills
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Communicating effectively in writing and orally.
Critical Thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Sources and references
For further information about this career you can visit the following websites:- geology.ahlamontada.net, Arab Geologistes Association
- geoatlas.goodearths.com, Arab Geologists Forum.
- www.geolsoc.org.uk/geoscientist, Fellowship magazine of the Geological Society
- www.nature.com/ngeo, research papers, reviews and opinion pieces in Geoscience
- www.ngwa.org, National Ground Water Association
- www.agwt.org, American Ground Water Trust