He graduated from Highland Park High School, Highland Park, Illinois, in 1967. He earned a bachelor of arts in Geology at Earlham College in 1971, an Mississippi in Geology at the University of Washington in 1974, and a Doctor of Philosophy from The Johns Hopkins University from the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering in 1976.
As Associate Director, he was responsible for the water science programs of the United States Geological Survey. These include water-related research, the collection of data on rivers and ground water, assessments of water quantity and quality. He served as the leader of United States Geological Survey water science from 1994 until May 12, 2008 when Doctor Hirsch transitioned to the United States Geological Survey National Research Program to rededicate himself to advancing the science on critical issues of climate change and long-term trends in water resources. He began his United States Geological Survey career in 1976 as a hydrologist and has conducted research on water quality statistical methods (trends and fluxes), water supply reliability, and flood frequency analysis.
He has served as: Acting Director of the United States Geological Survey during an interim period between Directors (August 1993 to March 1994).
Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Research and External Coordination (1989–1993). And Staff Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, United States. (1987–1988).
He is co-author of the textbook “Statistical Methods in Water Resources.” (available on-line at ) Doctor Hirsch is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 1994 - Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Executive Hirsch, Hirsch, Hirsch, Hirsch,, Slack, J.R., Smith, Resident Advisor Hirsch.
1994 - Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Executive 1994 - Distinguished Service Award, United States. Department of the Interior 1995 - Outstanding Alumni Award, Earlham College 1995 - Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science 1996 - Water Management Achievement Award, Interstate Council on Water Policy 2003 - Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Executive 2006 - William C. Ackermann Medal for Excellence in Water Management from the American Water Resources Association (AWRA).
