Hydrologist
OFO Code: 211406
Last checked 3 October 2026
1. Occupation identity
- OFO code
- 211406
- Occupation
- Hydrologist
- Classification
- OFO 2021
- Major group
- PROFESSIONALS
- Unit group
- 2114 · Geologists and Geophysicists
Official description
Geologists and geophysicists conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods, or apply scientific knowledge relating to geology and geophysics in such fields as oil, gas and mineral exploration and extraction, water conservation, civil engineering, telecommunications and navigation, and assessment and mitigation of the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment.
More official OFO detail
- Charting the earth's magnetic field and applying this and other collected data for broadcasting, navigation and other purposes
- Using various remote sensing programs to investigate and measure seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal, and magnetic forces affecting the earth
- Advising in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites
- Interpreting research data and preparing geological reports, maps, charts and diagrams, reports and papers
- Identifying deposits of construction materials and determining their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications
- Locating and determining the nature and extent of oil, gas and mineral deposits using seismological, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical or radiometric methods
- Estimating weight, size and mass of the earth and composition and structure of its interior, and studying the nature, activity and predictability of volcanoes, glaciers and earthquakes
- Studying and measuring physical properties of seas and the atmosphere and their inter-relationship, such as the exchange of thermal energy
- Conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to geology and geophysics
- Researching the movement, distribution and physical properties of ground and surface waters
- Applying geological knowledge to problems encountered in civil engineering projects such as the construction of dams, bridges, tunnels, and large buildings; and land reclamation projects
2. Demand status
Demand evidence not yet linked
This is an official OFO 2021 occupation. Demand status is separate evidence and is not inferred from inclusion in the OFO.
A national demand signal is not a promise of a vacancy in your town.
3. Salary evidence
No sourced salary record has been ingested for this OFO code yet.
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5. Qualification
Qualification evidence pending.
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7. Industry, sector and provincial context
National occupation classification. Industry and provincial context are shown only where a separate official source supports the link.
No source-backed modern OFO↔SIC 7 industry link has been ingested for this occupation yet. PathLens does not infer one from the job title.
Browse the official South African industry classification →8. Next steps — official links
9. Decision tools
10. Sources for this page
- DHET Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO 2021) · Planned
- DHET Occupations in High Demand · Planned
- Critical Skills List · Planned
- QCTO qualifications and occupational certificates · Planned
- Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey · Planned
- SETA Sector Skills Plans / hard-to-fill vacancy tables · Planned