Careers in Groundwater

Does your future lie beneath the Earth’s surface?

Water is one of the vital elements necessary to sustain life as we know it. Groundwater accounts for a large amount of all available freshwater in the world. According to the Government of British Columbia, groundwater provides drinking water to one quarter of B.C. residents and accounts for 9% of the total water consumption in the province. Groundwater also discharges to streams in many areas of B.C. and it can comprise a component of stream flow that is critical for the survival of fish populations during low flow periods. 

The groundwater industry, which provides and protects this abundant resource, offers numerous and diverse opportunities for those entering the workforce or considering a career change. This industry provides opportunities to work in a multitude of environments and locations. The training, skill, and formal education requirements vary depending on the specific job, and many are needed. The British Columbia Ground Water Association, committed to the protection and responsible use of the resource, invites you to consider the following industry professions.

Water Well Driller

Water well drilling is recognized as a Skilled Trade in British Columbia, as managed by SkilledTradesBC (formerly the ITA). Water well drillers set up and operate mobile equipment used to drill residential, commercial, and industrial water wells and perform other industrial drilling. They select the drilling method and needed equipment to drill boreholes and/or install well casing, and must be aware of any provincial and local water well construction codes and permitting requirements. They need to be able to manage equipment and people and possess good troubleshooting skills. 

Water well drilling contractors use a variety of methods to locate and extract groundwater supplies, whether for domestic, irrigation, industrial, or environmental use. They must be familiar with a variety of well construction methods including cable tool, rotary, reverse circulation, auger, sonic, and horizontal and directional. They set up and run portable drilling rigs and related equipment to bore and service wells.

Advances in equipment and computer technology have increased drilling productivity substantially in the past few years. Advances in directional and horizontal drilling have had, and will continue to have, an impact on the drilling industry and the employment opportunities it provides. Drill crew members and operators should have good mechanical aptitude and be able to work confidently with small tools and power tools. Drill operators must like to work outdoors and be able to work year-round in all climate conditions. Educational training is wide-ranging from a high school diploma to a master’s degree; a high school or trade school diploma is often required for entry-level work on drilling rigs. Good driving skills and a clean driving record are invaluable assets to candidates.

Drilling firm employers can range from small, family-owned companies to large, global, diverse corporations. The workplace can be outdoors, in a shop, and/or an office setting. Earnings depend on geographic location, level and quality of work performed, and years of experience. Fringe benefits can include health and life insurance, paid time-off, and retirement plans.

Geotechnical/Environmental Driller

Geotechnical/Environmental drilling is recognized as a Skilled Trade in British Columbia, as managed by SkilledTradesBC (formerly the ITA). Geotechnical/Environmental Drillers (Geo/Enviro Driller) operate various types of mobile soil and rock drilling equipment for the purpose of gathering site characterization information and data. Geo/Enviro drillers typically work together on site with an engineer or technologist to achieve a greater understanding of the stratigraphy or hydrogeological conditions present by collecting soil or water samples, performing various types of probe or in-situ tests, or by setting various types of installations for either geotechnical or environmental monitoring.

Advances in equipment and computer technology have increased drilling productivity substantially in the past few years. Advances in directional and horizontal drilling have had, and will continue to have, an impact on the drilling industry and the employment opportunities it provides. Drill crew members and operators should have good mechanical aptitude and be able to work confidently with small tools and power tools. Drill operators must like to work outdoors and be able to work year-round in all climate conditions. Required educational training is wide-ranging from a high school diploma to a master’s degree; a high school or trade school diploma is often required for entry-level work on drilling rigs. Good driving skills and a clean driving record are invaluable assets to candidates.

Drilling firm employers can range from small, family-owned companies to large, global, diverse corporations. The workplace can be outdoors, in a shop, and/or an office setting. Earnings depend on geographic location, level and quality of work performed, and years of experience. Fringe benefits can include health and life insurance, paid time-off, and retirement plans.

Well Pump Installer

Well pump installation is recognized as a Skilled Trade in British Columbia, as managed by SkilledTradesBC (formerly the ITA). Well pump installers install, test, maintain and repair water well pumps, piping systems and equipment, and perform pumping tests to assess well performance. Installers must have detailed knowledge of the different types of pumping equipment used in residential, commercial, and municipal water systems. This can include the ability to disassemble, repair, and reassemble submersible, jet, line shaft turbine, or horizontal booster pumps. The technician must also be familiar with the electrical controls associated with pump systems, water storage tanks, piping, and possibly water treatment equipment. Troubleshooting problems are regular tasks with any of the water system components mentioned.

A pump installer installs, services, and repairs water well pumping systems and related equipment. The work encountered also varies depending on the size of the pump and the depth it is set in the well; various methods may be used for installation or removal. Work could be as simple as installing/removing the pump by hand or as complex as using pump pulling rigs and pump hoists ranging in size from pickup truck-mounted equipment to very large trucks with specialized hoists capable of lifting 50 tons or more.

A high school diploma is generally required for an entry-level position. Individuals should have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to perform lifting and physical labor, and enjoy working both outdoors and indoors. Entry level positions are generally helpers on a two- or three-person crew. The employer usually provides on-the-job training wherein the helper may progress to an installer.

Pump installers may be called upon to be available in off hours to respond to customer water system emergencies. The ability to interact well with customers, maintain detailed job reports, and manage equipment resources and helpers will be required of a lead pump installer. Employer firms range from small two-person operations to large organizations with 50 employees or more. Some companies concentrate on just one segment of the market, i.e., residential, commercial, municipal, while others may be broadly diversified.

Manufacturer

Groundwater industry manufacturers produce products such as drilling rigs, pumps, water systems and drilling accessories, tools, grout, drilling fluids, casing, instruments, and sampling equipment. Those employed by these manufacturing firms may contribute to a multitude of varying activities depending on the size and demographics of the company. These firms employ designers, engineers, distribution specialists, sales professionals, assembly technicians, packaging specialists, and clerical workers.

Minimum educational requirements are a high school diploma. Some positions may require a higher level of education specific to the responsibilities of the position. Good troubleshooting skills are also helpful. The working environment can vary greatly depending on the type of equipment manufactured; the job site could be an office, factory, or in the field.

Sales Representative (manufacturer and supplier)

Those who represent groundwater industry manufacturers and suppliers may sell heavy equipment, water systems and related components and accessories, water treatment equipment, or services to other sectors of the industry. Sales representatives demonstrate their products and advise customers on the best uses and applications for their products. Sales representatives may be employed directly by a manufacturer or wholesaler, or they may be self-employed as a manufacturer’s agent or representative.

Sales representatives must be aware of new products or refinements to existing products in their field and be as knowledgeable of their competitors’ products as they are of the ones they sell. Other duties include analyzing sales statistics, preparing reports, and handling administrative tasks. The background needed for sales representatives varies by product line and market.

A high school education or GED is required and, due to recent complexities in technical aspects of products, college and trade school-educated employees are in demand.

Sales representatives may work in an office, a lab, or in the field offering technical support during actual projects. They should be goal-oriented, persuasive, and able to work well both independently and as part of a team. A pleasant personality and good communication skills are always assets.

Professional Scientist or Engineer

A hydrogeologist is a geologist who specializes in the study of the occurrence, movement, distribution, quantity, quality, and the characteristics of formations that store and distribute groundwater. A groundwater hydrologist is a hydrologist who specializes in atmospheric and surface/subsurface interactions. Hydrogeologists typically train in departments of geology whereas groundwater hydrologists usually study within engineering departments, although interdisciplinary programs are becoming more common. 

Hydrogeologists, groundwater hydrologists, and engineers evaluate the quantity, quality, reliability, and sustainability of all aspects of groundwater assessment, management, and development. Academic training in geology, chemistry, and biology are required, as is a good background in mathematics and computer skills. Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. Subdisciplines may require knowledge of atmospheric science, geophysics, geochemistry, statistics, and data analysis. The physical demands of fieldwork are more strenuous than pursuits in the laboratory or computer modeling center. Water supply and groundwater remediation are common areas of concentration for the professional.

Hydrogeologists and groundwater hydrologists are employed at all levels of government, by consulting firms, within industry, and in academic or institutional settings. A master’s degree is beneficial for all career paths and a doctorate is typically required for academic and institutional settings.

Regulator

The purpose of a regulator is to ensure that safe drinking water can be provided to all who consume it. Regulators are employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to assure that policies, guidelines, and rules are followed by the public, businesses, and governmental institutions. Public health and safety are of the utmost importance in regulations enforcement. Duties may involve reviewing permit applications, work plans, and reports; overseeing the implementation of plans; and assisting with the development and interpretation of regulatory and enforcement issues.

Positions with a regulatory agency usually require a college degree, and continuing education is normally required to remain abreast of changing technologies. Regulators should have good communication skills and enjoy working with a wide variety of people. Evaluation and interpretation of data, negotiation tactics, budget preparation, and cost-tracking abilities are all useful skill sets. The work environment may be inside an office, outdoors performing fieldwork, or conducting inspections.