Geoscientists
Geologist, Geophysicist, Geoscientist, Project Geologist
What they do:
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
On the job, you would:
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Knowledge
Math and Science
- geography
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
- product and service development
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- talking to others
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Abilities
Verbal
- read and understand what is written
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- group things in different ways
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
- see hidden patterns
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Analytical Thinking
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Persistence
- Initiative
- Cooperation
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- Gemcom Surpac
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Map creation software
- Mapping software
- SACLANTCEN
Education
Education: (rated 5 of 5)
master's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed
bachelor's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Scientists & Specialists, Including Health
- Hydrologists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Soil & Plant Scientists
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about geoscientists.