No internet? No problem! Download any course on the Alison App and learn on the go. 📲 Download Courses &
Learn Without Internet Coming soon to iOS

How to become A Geologist

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

“Rocks remember.” Rocks are records of events that took place at the time when they formed. They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alphabet, that Geologists learn how to read and interpret to the rest of the world. Continue Reading

Skills a career as a Geologist requires: Critical Thinking Geology Earth Science Research Methods View more skills
Geologist salary
$70,446
USAUSA
£26,467
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Geologist
  • What does a Geologist do?
  • Geologist Work Environment
  • Skills for a Geologist
  • Work Experience for a Geologist
  • Recommended Qualifications for a Geologist
  • Geologist Career Path
  • Geologist Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Geologist

“Rocks remember.” Rocks are records of events that took place at the time when they formed. They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alphabet, that Geologists learn how to read and interpret to the rest of the world.

Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Photogeologist
  • Geophysical Prospector
  • Oceanographer

What does a Geologist do?

What are the typical responsibilities of a Geologist?

A Geologist would typically need to:

  • Study the composition, structure, and history of the earth's crust
  • Plan field investigations to drill and analyze the bedrock samples, i.e., rocks, minerals, and fossil remains
  • Analyze Geological, Geochemical and Geophysical data collected by the tests and surveys to identify and determine the sequence of processes affecting the development of the earth
  • Study the relationship between an organization’s projects, its environmental impact and sustainability
  • Help locate mineral & petroleum deposits and underground water resources by surveying sites; create logs and topographical & Geological maps using GIS
  • Interpret data; recommend further study or Geology projects like oil extraction, water pipe construction and field sampling events
  • Manage the budget for the project in a responsible manner
  • Conduct quality control on the suitability of material (metals for construction purposes) and inspect projects
  • Study sites for developments, formations, hazards, and composition by determining the integrity of various components of the earth, such as rocks, soil and groundwater
  • Provide Geological assessments and advice to governments and construction companies on the construction of large buildings, dams and tunnels
  • Manage and oversee contractors by ensuring they abide by proper environmental, health & safety regulations and government laws in construction and production projects
  • Attend workshops and courses to learn innovative geological analysis methods and data collection with the least harmful environmental impact
  • Manage sampling and reports from apprentice Geologists; provide purposeful feedback and recommendations
  • Utilize knowledge of life sciences and math to explain changes in Geologic formations by measuring seismic, volcanic, electromagnetic and gravitational activities
  • Consult on various geology-related issues like waste management, resource management, and gas extraction techniques
  • Conduct frequent training sessions with staff regarding investigations and data interpretation

Geologist Work Environment

Most Geologists work in an international and diverse environment, with input from experts around the world.

Geologists generally begin by doing fieldwork. Those who work for the mining industry may spend some of their time underground while those who work for the petroleum industry may spend considerable time offshore on oil rigs. Experienced Geologists generally advance to jobs in offices and laboratories. They use equipment like gravimeters and torsion balances to measure the characteristics of the earth’s crust.

Geologists tend to travel quite a bit, look at rock outcrops, attend conferences, and view remote fields. The dress code for Geologists depends on the location of their work and the sector, size, and type of company that employs them.

Work Schedule

Fresh recruits may have an irregular schedule with long work hours in the field. Geologists in advanced positions usually work regular hours.

Employers

Fresh graduates should apply directly to high schools, colleges, and private companies. Your professors in college and the career centers may help with placement services, and job leads in government and private sectors. Professional journals may advertise entry-level posts. Prospective Geologists, interested in government jobs, may need to pass a civil services examination.

Geologists are generally employed by:

  • Petroleum & Natural Gas Companies
  • Government Agencies
  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Museums
Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Geologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications

Workplace Challenges
  • Hard physical labor, long hours and limited companionship
  • Significant time spent underground by those working for the mining industry
  • Occupational hazards on offshore rigs
  • Fierce competition and continuous cycles of hiring and layoff in the oil and natural gas industry
  • Harsh and remote fieldwork environment

Work Experience for a Geologist

Many Geology courses have a mandatory field-trip element, which will allow students to go abroad for excavations and projects.

Most Geology qualifications will already entail hands-on experience, but putting yourself forward for additional internships can bolster your CV and give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Paid employment/internship in a geological survey or a small mineral exploration company is a great way to start practicing and furthering the various skills learned in university.

Relevant experience with various Geological techniques like mining, boring, and numerical modeling will make your resume more attractive to prospective employers. Individuals who prove they can adjust well to working in a dirty environment while collecting samples and specimens from sites of interest will have a better shot at a satisfactory job offer.

Recommended Qualifications for a Geologist

Most government and industry positions in the field of geology stipulate a bachelor's degree in Geology, Geoscience, environmental science, or earth science as the minimum requirement necessary. Course requirements include chemistry, calculus, thermal physics, mineralogy, sedimentary petrology, and crystallography. Some universities require that you enter into a general science degree and specialize in Geology, while others allow you access to a geology degree upfront.

It is difficult to begin a lucrative career straight after an undergraduate program in geology. Some employers seek candidates who have advanced degrees in Geology - especially for jobs in research. Teachers in four-year colleges and universities require a Doctoral degree

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Geologists who wish to teach in schools need a teaching certificate. The requirements for teaching certificates vary by location. Check with the certifying agency in your place. Accredited certification in geologically oriented software like ArcGIS and Rockware as well as data and modeling tools like Adobe Illustrator and GoCAD will be invaluable.

Some locations require that Geologists have a state license. Candidates must have sufficient experience and education and pass an exam.

Geologist Career Path

Experienced Geologists, especially those with an advanced degree in Geology or business administration, can advance to top positions in industry, the government, and education. These positions may be in research or administration.

Job Prospects

Candidates who have relevant education, experience, and a zeal for everything to do with the earth will have the best job prospects.

Geologist Professional Development

Postgraduate courses in petroleum geoscience, earth sciences, hydrogeology, nuclear decommissioning, petroleum engineering, petroleum geophysics, and waste management develop technical know-how, research & communication skills. They offer alternative employment options in law, academics, library & information services, or journalism.

A relevant MSc program may help if you're interested in mining engineering, engineering geology or the minerals industry. Employers in academia or research prefer candidates with a PhD.

Continuing professional development (CPD) through attending conferences, keeping oneself up to date on the latest work in the field, and reading current literature is essential. Membership in relevant professional organizations will help with CPD and networking.

Learn More

Geologists study the physical structure and substance of the Earth and how it has changed over time, offering insight into the history of our planet from the time the solar system came into being.

Diverse Duties

The day-to-day duties of a Geologist may differ depending on the workplace. For example, Geologists may teach at a university, or they might work for an environmental agency. They could work for a metal production company where they focus on quality control, or an oil production company where they evaluate well performance.

Choosing Your Specialty for a Master’s Course

Picking a master’s course is the best time to specialize. It will determine the course of your career. There is a bevy of specialties and potential roles to choose from, each with its unique set of opportunities.

Mineralogists

They study the properties of rocks, minerals, and precious stones/gems. Most mineralogists study minerals of economic value such as gypsum and clay, and metals like copper, aluminum, and iron ore. The metals and rare earth minerals they help process are used in scientific equipment to monitor the environment, e.g., computers, sensors on satellites, GPS devices, and radio collars used to track wildlife.

Seismologists

Seismologists study and monitor earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides using seismographs and computer equipment to collect and analyze data. Their work helps protect people and property, assists petroleum companies and intelligence agencies, and contributes to the study of the earth.

If you are interested in entering the petroleum industry, you might consider a petroleum-focused master’s, such as seismic stratigraphy. Large oil companies almost always require a master’s or PhD, but some smaller ones may be flexible.

Volcanologists

Braving molten lava, they travel to the areas of dormant or active volcanoes to study the geophysical functions behind them. Volcanologists collect and test samples to predict future eruptions and save local populations.

Paleontologists

They study fossils, layers of rock, ancient pollen, and other clues to determine what the world was like in prehistoric times, past climates, and extinctions. Paleontologists tell us about the earth’s history and the evolution of life.

Planetary Geologists

They study the geology of the celestial bodies such as the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites, comparing it with that of the earth. Although the geo- prefix indicates topics of or relating to the Earth, Planetary Geology is named as such for convenience.

Engineering Geologists

Their recommendations on feasible locations to construct buildings, dams, coastal defenses, pipelines, and railways focus on public health and safety. Engineering Geologists examine the ground rock, water sources, soil stability, and natural processes that could affect new development.

Environmental Geologists

Environmental Geologists help prevent soil/groundwater contamination by determining geologically safe locations for landfills, coal ash disposal sites, and nuclear plants. They help plan underground waste disposal and new mines for optimal environmental safety.

A master’s in Environmental Geology will enable you to work as an advisor to the government or private organizations on compliance with environmental regulations.

Entering Academia

While getting into a PhD program is challenging in itself, be warned that it will be considerably more competitive to get into a postdoctoral position.

Prospective lecturers must consider the competitiveness of academia. In high schools, Geologists teach earth science and general science. In colleges, most teach introductory and advanced courses in Geology. A few teach ecology and environmental studies.

Examining Samples

Offshore oil resources may be one of the primary energy supplies of the future. Geologists' ability to examine samples taken from the ocean floors is essential. Samples of rock and soil may also be useful to geologists searching for sources of freshwater or deposits of valuable minerals and ores.

Keep Exploring

A career in geology is gratifying and allows you to follow your passion for learning and always ask, "Why?" Keep exploring and you will never grow old and never work a day in your life.

Conclusion

If being between a rock and a hard place is your idea of bliss, becoming a Geologist might rock your world.

Advice from the Wise

It strikes me that all our knowledge about Earth’s structure is very much like what an old hen would know of the hundred-acre field in a corner of which she is scratching.

Did you know?

Not all diamonds are transparent. They come in a variety of colors (called "fancies"), including yellow, green, blue, orange, purple, grey, black, milky white, pink, and red. Red is by far the rarest.

Introduction - Geologist
What does a Geologist do?

What do Geologists do?

A Geologist would typically need to:

  • Study the composition, structure, and history of the earth's crust
  • Plan field investigations to drill and analyze the bedrock samples, i.e., rocks, minerals, and fossil remains
  • Analyze Geological, Geochemical and Geophysical data collected by the tests and surveys to identify and determine the sequence of processes affecting the development of the earth
  • Study the relationship between an organization’s projects, its environmental impact and sustainability
  • Help locate mineral & petroleum deposits and underground water resources by surveying sites; create logs and topographical & Geological maps using GIS
  • Interpret data; recommend further study or Geology projects like oil extraction, water pipe construction and field sampling events
  • Manage the budget for the project in a responsible manner
  • Conduct quality control on the suitability of material (metals for construction purposes) and inspect projects
  • Study sites for developments, formations, hazards, and composition by determining the integrity of various components of the earth, such as rocks, soil and groundwater
  • Provide Geological assessments and advice to governments and construction companies on the construction of large buildings, dams and tunnels
  • Manage and oversee contractors by ensuring they abide by proper environmental, health & safety regulations and government laws in construction and production projects
  • Attend workshops and courses to learn innovative geological analysis methods and data collection with the least harmful environmental impact
  • Manage sampling and reports from apprentice Geologists; provide purposeful feedback and recommendations
  • Utilize knowledge of life sciences and math to explain changes in Geologic formations by measuring seismic, volcanic, electromagnetic and gravitational activities
  • Consult on various geology-related issues like waste management, resource management, and gas extraction techniques
  • Conduct frequent training sessions with staff regarding investigations and data interpretation
Geologist Work Environment
Work Experience for a Geologist
Recommended Qualifications for a Geologist
Geologist Career Path
Geologist Professional Development
Learn More
Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
Good Health and Well-being Quality Education Climate Action