Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Science and research / 19-2043.00

Hydrologists

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

US jobs
5,850
Median wage
$96,600 a year
Job family
Science and research

Can agents do the work of hydrologists?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)

Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.

Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 17%Research issues related to earth sciencesNot measured
  • 7%Develop research plans or methodologiesNot measured
  • 7%Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activitiesNot measured
  • 6%Analyze environmental or geospatial dataNot measured
  • 5%Develop systems or practices to mitigate or resolve environmental problemsNot measured
  • 5%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
  • 5%Collect environmental or biological samplesNot measured
  • 5%Supervise personnel activitiesNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

  • CORE-Benchby Princeton UniversityTask level · CORE-Bench-Hard accuracy (public test set)
    95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025
    Solved

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  • Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
  • Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  • Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  • Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
  • Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
  • Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  • Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
  • Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
  • Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
  • Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
Other job titles for this occupation (9)

Groundwater Consultant · Hydrogeologist · Research Hydrologic Engineer · Research Hydrologist · Source Water Protection Specialist · Isotope Hydrologist · Project Hydrogeologist · Surface Hydrologist · Water Resources Scientist