Geologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a geologist. Feel free to use our geologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a geologist.
Who is a Geologist?
Geologists are scientists who study the structure, formation, and effects of rocks on their environment. Geologists study the evolution of prehistoric organisms over time, as rocks are often made from organic material that has been compacted over many years.
Geologists can predict natural events such as floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis by studying the earth’s geological history. This helps people avoid dangers and allows construction crews to build structures that are ready to deal with common natural occurrences.
Geologists are responsible to review geophysical information and present it to their employers in project reports. Geologists often collect field data and recommend strategies to extract particular materials, avoid geological hazards, or test in a specific area.
They are often able to collect and analyze data on soil pH and groundwater levels, as well as natural geological occurrences in particular areas, such as potential petroleum deposits, sinkholes, or mudslides. They can assist companies looking for oil, natural gas, or minerals.
Many geologists work in fields that are focused on extracting valuable resources from the Earth. Geologists are frequently sent to different locations around the globe to evaluate their contents and determine if they can be mined for valuable substances, such as garnets or coal. They are also involved in the maintenance and assessment of oil wells.
Others geologists focus on the Earth’s history, using geologic records to find out how the Earth was created and continues to shape itself. They study everything from ocean sediments to volcanoes to understand the Earth’s processes.
This field also has specialists who can assess land and determine if it is safe to build on. Geologists may also examine the environmental effects of major construction on the land. They are often called upon to help predict future geologic events.
Geologists don’t have to be based on Earth. The study of the geology of other planets, and the materials that they contain, is a part of the planetary geology field. They hope to discover more about the origins of the universe and possibly find evidence of life. Planetary geology can also include astronomy and physics, which can make it a fascinating field.
These are the different specializations available in geology.
- Environmental geologist
The job of environmental geologists is to solve problems such as flooding, erosion, earthquakes, and pollution. They study how people interact with the environment, and the impact that interaction has on each party. They are also able to predict potential problems that could arise from the expansion of urban and industrial industries into a particular area.
- Engineering geologist
Engineer geologists are employed by real estate developers to determine if the ground beneath a potential construction site can withstand construction. These assessments are made by looking at the chemical and physical properties of the soil and rock in the area and then determining the structure. Then, they make recommendations regarding the building’s potential and work with civil engineers to plan how to start construction.
- Marine geologist
Marine geologists study the formation and movement of rocks and minerals under the ocean. These include plate tectonics and volcanic activity. All of these factors have an impact on marine biology and oceanography. Marine geologists collaborate with oil and natural gas companies to identify potential drilling opportunities as companies find more oil under the ocean.
- Planetary geologist
A planetary geologist studies the mineral composition of other planets and their moons, asteroids, or comets. They are interested in current geological events and how they formed. They use Earth-based geology information to discover more about the climate and topography of other planets.
- Economic geologist
Economic geologists are concerned with the formation and extraction of valuable materials from the Earth. These minerals can include oil and other natural gas, but they also include precious metals or minerals that are useful in the construction of computers and plastic. These minerals are often found in profitable deposits and are then cataloged by economic geologists for possible extraction.
- Petroleum geologist
Petroleum geologists study sediment deposits in oceans and rock folds for possible oil deposits. The petroleum geologist determines where to drill for oil. They do this by finding potential prospects and making reports detailing how to best approach these deposits. If properly analyzed, there are many signs outside that could point to a deposit that is rich in oil.
- Geomorphologist
Geomorphologists are scientists who study the effects of wind, streams, landslides, and glaciers on the earth’s surface.
These professionals examine how landforms are created and continue to be affected by this process. These processes can reveal valuable information about past climate changes.
- Paleontologist
Paleontologists study fossils to uncover information about animals and plants that have existed before. They can determine what their lives were like and how their environment might have been at that time. They examine rock deposits and soil to identify the age of materials. Although paleontologists study many minerals and plants, most people associate them with studying dinosaurs.
Geologist Job Description
Below are the geologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a geologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a geologist include the following:
- Examining the relationships between projects and environmental impacts and sustainability.
- Creating new methods to collect data and performing geological analysis with minimal environmental impact.
- Analyzing geochemical, geophysical, and geological data from tests and surveys.
- Assisting apprentice geologists in collecting samples and preparing reports. Provide constructive feedback and suggestions.
- Measuring seismic, magnetic, electromagnetic, and gravitational activity.
- Offering geological advice and assessments to governments and construction firms.
- Participating in workshops and courses to learn new and innovative methods of geological work.
- Supervising and managing contractors.
- Making sure that your workers comply with safety and health regulations.
- Helping with the design of buildings using specialized software or calculations
- Collecting data and creating reports
- Monitoring the progress of certain contracts
- Planning detailed field investigations, drilling and analyzing samples from deposits/bedrock
- Supervising ground and site investigations
- Testing a variety of construction materials such as bricks, clay, sand, and gravel.
- Making suggestions for on-site use and providing information
- Advising on issues such as subsidence
The following are other important tasks:
- Mapping and fieldwork
Geologists often travel to other locations to study rock types and geological structures. Geologists use analysis to determine the mineral content in geological maps. They assess rock areas to determine whether they are suitable for construction. A geologist may be hired by a local government to assess the soil’s ability to withstand digging.
- Logging
Geologists can study the different materials found in different areas by collecting and logging the materials. This allows them to determine the origin of the material and then record it. To determine if there are any minerals underground, they log rock chips and oil and gas exploration mud. They also record the strength and weakness of rocks to predict shifting ground for natural catastrophes.
- Laboratory work
Geologists use laboratory equipment to test and examine fieldwork samples. They use scientific equipment in these labs to find out more about the mineral content of the area where they took their samples. Geologists are hired by commercial laboratories to analyze the samples collected to identify valuable minerals that can be excavated and mined.
- Computer-based work
Geologists can make use of technology to create databases that contain their findings. This allows them to organize and present their research comprehensively. Technology can also be used to build accurate models of their findings. The software can be used to create models of oil fields and mineral deposits. This is useful for energy companies and mining companies.
Report writing
Geologists create reports to share the information they have discovered about the location’s mineral composition. They can also provide their professional opinion on the possible economic and environmental impacts of exploring an area. These reports can be used to guide energy or mining companies as they begin new projects.
Qualifications
Geologists must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for entry-level positions in their field. The field of geology that these professionals wish to specialize in will determine their qualifications. A bachelor’s degree is required to become a field geologist, who analyzes samples and collects them. An advanced degree will help you get more job opportunities, qualify for supervisor positions, or teach geology.
Although many employers don’t require them, professionals can still earn certifications that relate to their particular study or career path in geology. Some professional organizations offer certifications in natural resource management, such as petroleum or coal. These certifications can give professionals an edge in job searches and provide advanced knowledge in particular geology topics. Professionals may need to have some experience before they can obtain certifications. This is why many professionals opt for certifications later in their careers.
Advanced degrees
You may be able to get a job as a supervisor in a geologist’s position, such as as a professor, or a researcher if you earn a master’s degree or doctorate. These programs enable professionals to focus on a particular field and increase their knowledge.
Professionals may choose to work as entry-level employees while they pursue their advanced degrees or take a break from school. Some people choose to continue their education after completing their bachelor’s degree to pursue a doctorate. This allows them to have a more direct career path. A master’s degree program usually takes two years, while a doctorate takes four. The time that professionals spend on these programs depends on how they learn and what their schedule is.
Licenses for geologists
You may require a license depending on where you live to pursue certain geology career goals. Your education level as a geologist will also affect the requirements for this license.
A bachelor’s degree requires five years of experience in the field to be eligible for licensure. The licensing agencies often require less experience if you have a master’s degree or doctoral degree. This is because these individuals are more knowledgeable in the field of geology.
Essential Skills
- Collaboration
Geologists are often part of multi-disciplinary teams that collect, summarize, and share geological data. To prevent earthquakes and other geological activity, a geologist might share information about fault lines with the mining leadership team.
- Communication
Geologists have excellent communication skills and can communicate geological concepts through reports, conversations, and accurate maps. A geology researcher may be able to digest complex data using academic papers or field experiments to simplify it and then explain it to employers.
- Technical skills
Geologists have specialized technical skills, such as topological or volcanic map making, to inform employers, students, and clients about possible hazards, available minerals, or other natural occurrences. Geologists may also use geological databases for test results and later use these data to inform reports.
- Flexibility
Geologists are often required to travel to the field for them to perform their day-to-day tasks. Geologists can safely collect all the samples required for their experiments by using appropriate protective equipment.
How to Become a Geologist
You can start your journey to becoming a geologist as soon as you finish high school. In high school, you should be able to do well in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. These topics will be covered in greater detail during higher education.
Pay attention to the science and geology departments when looking at schools for higher education. Some schools offer better courses than others. While it will look great on your resume, attending a well-respected school is not essential. Many other schools will be cheaper. Spend your summer on the field, actively practicing science. Many schools offer field camps that allow students to get hands-on experience in the off months.
Geologists often choose to specialize in more than one area, though they are often closely related. A bachelor’s degree is usually enough to get a job, but many geologists continue their education to gain more opportunities. An advanced degree in a specific area of geology is required to be able to teach in universities. While this is true for most sciences, it is possible to find a lower-paying position in the middle- or high school teaching science.
Finally, you need to be comfortable working in the field. You can’t do the job well without getting dirty. It is important to be passionate about Earth science and the history of the planet to become a geologist. Geologists help to tell the story of the Earth’s billion-year-old history. Geologists do more than just name rocks. They can help people grow food and fish better, prevent people from extracting the resources that Earth requires, and more.
Where to Work
Many geologists focus on the industrial fields of mining and oil extraction. However, they work in many other environments as well.
- Engineering firms
- Green energy providers
- Non-profit organizations
- Environment compliance agencies
- Government bodies
- Universities
They may work alone as a consultant, or collaborate with other geologists depending on their position. Geologists often spend time in the field, collecting data, running experiments, or providing consulting services. Others work in traditional offices, classrooms, or research centers.
Geologist Salary Scale
Geologists in the United States make an average salary of $70,901 annually.