Hydrogeologist
Monitors, measures, analyses and describes the earth’s surface and groundwater resources and many aspects of the water cycle, including human use of water resources.
ANZSCO 2013, the edition the department applies to the points tested visas (189, 190 and 491).
Duties
Published for unit group 2344 Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists
- conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
- preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
- conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
- studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
- studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
- carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
- conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
- investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
- studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
- performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys
This is what the occupation is, not what a skills assessment requires. The assessing body applies its own criteria on top of this, and those criteria are not published here. Check them with the body itself.
Who assesses this occupation
Last confirmed against the department's list on 30 July 2026.
This occupation reads differently for the 186 and 482
Two editions of ANZSCO are current at once, and the department applies ANZSCO 2022 to the employer sponsored visas while everything above follows ANZSCO 2013.
Under the 2022 edition this occupation is defined as:
Monitors, measures, analyses and describes the earth’s surface and groundwater resources and many aspects of the water cycle, including human use of water resources.
If you are going for a 186 or a 482, this is the wording that governs you. Everything above governs the points tested routes.
Where Hydrogeologist stands right now
Vizard tracks the live queue for this occupation: how many people are waiting at every points score for the 189, 190, 491, the recent invitation round cutoffs, and how far down the queue your own score puts you. 4 state nomination lists include this occupation.
Updated to 1 July 2026, from the department's own SkillSelect data.
See where you standWhere this comes from
Definition and duties: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO
Assessing authorities and skilled lists: Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list
Vizard is not a registered migration agent and nothing here is migration advice. It is published government information, organised. For advice on your own situation, speak to a registered migration agent.