WATER has never felt so good as in the last few weeks following the recent drought that plagued Jamaica for several months. Among the people responsible for ensuring that things remain that way over the long term are hydrologists/hydrogeologists.

Career & Education talks this week with one of those people — Basil Fernandez, a hydrologist/hydrogeologist and a man who has dedicated more than four decades of his life to seeing to Jamaica’s water security. The 64-year-old, also a married father of two, is currently the managing director of the Water Resources Authority (WRA), an entity he has served since 1968.

Fernandez previously worked in Lucea with Hanover Agencies Ltd running various businesses, including hardware, wholesale, theatre, gas station, wharf, properties, building block factory as well as sales and accounts.

“I was the ‘king of all areas’ for the company. I started at 11 years of age with the company doing holiday jobs and on Saturdays after my father died when I was seven years old; I had to assist with the family keep. I learnt the business during my school years and then worked with the company for a number of years after leaving high school,” he told Career & Education.

Fernandez holds a special honours degree in geology and has postgraduate training in water resources management and engineering, as well as a diploma in management. He has also done several short courses in water resources management.

Who is a hydrologist/hydrogeologist?

A hydrologist is a scientist that assesses and manages water resources, especially in relation to its occurrence in streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers (underground water). A hydrogeologist is a scientist that studies the geological factors — rock type, structure, characteristics of the rock among others — relating to the earth’s water, especially groundwater.

What is the value of the work that you do?

The value of the work is very high as water is critical to all ecosystems, including man, for their existence. The effective and efficient management of the water resources of Jamaica to ensure national development, a healthy environment and people is the primary objective of a hydrologist/hydrogeologist. The work impacts on all industries — agriculture, tourism, recreation, municipal supply and the environment. Without the proper management of water resources, the economy would be in severe problems. One only has to look at the impact of the recent drought to see the value of a reliable and high quality water supply.

What prompted your entry into the field?

I did geology in sixth form (A-Levels) at Rusea’s High School and went on to work with the Geological Survey Department where I was attached as a geological assistant to a water resources project. I found the job most interesting, especially the field work — despite the demands at times. And the fact that I learnt something new everyday, and still do, was a crucial aspect to me. I was then sent on courses in the USA to work/study with the US Geological Survey, Water Resources Division; Canada, UWI and Israel to increase my capacity in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology and water resources management and engineering.

What do you most enjoy about your job at the WRA?

The satisfaction of seeing the successful implementation of a water project and to know that I am contributing to national development and improving the lives of so many Jamaicans.

What are the challenges you face on the job?

Retaining qualified staff and obtaining the funding to effectively carry out the mandate of the Water Resources Act 1995. Hydrologists/hydrogeologists are a scarce cadre of professionals that are in high demand around the world.

What are the academic requirements for entry into the field?

For a position of technician high school passes in mathematics, English and a science subject such as chemistry. A good knowledge of map reading would be very useful. For a professional entry you need a first degree in geology or civil engineering.

How much can you earn as a hydrologist/hydrogeologist on an annual basis?

It depends on your qualifications and experience, but anywhere from $1 million to $6 million per annum in the public service and much more if you are a good consultant.

Trained as a hydrologist/hydrogeologist, what employment options are open to you?

In Jamaica, the options are working with the WRA, the National Irrigation Commission or the National Water Commission. At the WRA, the turnover of staff is very low as they enjoy their work and get a great deal of satisfaction from the job. Meanwhile, there are also options regionally and internationally for good water resources experts and managers.

Why would you encourage anyone to get into this line of work?

The many varied and interesting areas of water resources management and supply, the outdoor aspects of the work and the contribution to national development. Climate change now provides further opportunities for persons to enter the field as modellers and forecasters.

Basil 3 cap:

Basil 1 cap:

FERNANDEZ… Hydrologists/hydrogeologists are a scarce cadre of professionals that are in high demand around the world (Photo: Bryan Cummings)