• Home
• Apply
• Go To College
• Get Money
• Prepare
• Plan a Career
• About Us
• Support

Career Details :: Geologists

Description

Study composition, structure, and history of the earth's crust; examine rocks, minerals, and fossil remains to identify and determine the sequence of processes affecting the development of the earth; apply knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to explain these phenomena and to help locate mineral and petroleum deposits and underground water resources; prepare geologic reports and maps; and interpret research data to recommend further action for study.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks

• Studies, examines, measures, and classifies composition, structure, and history of earth's crust, including rocks, minerals, fossils, soil, and ocean floor.
• Locates and estimates probable gas and oil deposits, using aerial photographs, charts, and research and survey results.
• Interprets research data and recommends further study or action.
• Tests industrial diamonds and abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, and precision instruments.
• Analyzes engineering problems at construction projects, such as dams, tunnels, and large buildings, applying geological knowledge.
• Develops instruments for geological work, such as diamond tool and dies, jeweled bearings, and grinding laps and wheels.
• Recommends and prepares reports on foundation design, acquisition, retention, or release of property leases, or areas of further research.
• Measures characteristics of earth, using seismograph, gravimeter, torsion balance, magnetometer, pendulum devices, and electrical resistivity apparatus.
• Inspects proposed construction site and sets up test equipment and drilling machinery.
• Prepares geological reports, maps, charts, and diagrams.
• Identifies and determines sequence of processes affecting development of earth.

Related Careers

• Geological Data Technicians
  
• Hydrologists
  
• Marine Engineers
  
• Materials Scientists
  
• Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
  
• Petroleum Engineers
  
• Physicists
  

Important Abilities

• Written Expression
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning

General Work Activities

• Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Processing Information
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings

Important Skills

• Mathematics
  
• Science
  
• Information Gathering
  
• Critical Thinking
  
• Technology Design
  

Frequent Work Context

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Consequence of Error
• Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
• Coordinate or Lead Others
• Outdoors

Related Majors

Major	Add to XapPack
Anthropology	[ add ]
Anthropology/Archaeology	[ add ]
Anthropology/Human Biology	[ add ]
Anthropology/Human Relations	[ add ]
Anthropology/Linguistics	[ add ]
Anthropology/Religion	[ add ]
Anthropology/Sociology	[ add ]
Applied Geology	[ add ]
Applied Ocean Science/Engineering	[ add ]
Archaeology/Anthropology	[ add ]
Astrogeophysics	[ add ]
Atmospheric/Oceanic Science	[ add ]
Biology/Geology	[ add ]
Business Administration/Geography	[ add ]
Classics/Anthropology	[ add ]
Comprehensive Social Studies/Geography	[ add ]
Cultural Resources Management	[ add ]
Earth/Planetary Sciences/Oceanography	[ add ]
Environmental Geography	[ add ]
Environmental Geology	[ add ]
Environmental Science/Geology	[ add ]
Environmental Studies in Geology	[ add ]
Environmental Studies/Geography	[ add ]
Geochemistry	[ add ]
Geography	[ add ]
Geography/Anthropology	[ add ]
Geography/Environmental Planning	[ add ]
Geography/Environmental Science	[ add ]
Geography/Mapping Technology	[ add ]
Geography/Urban Studies	[ add ]
Geological Science	[ add ]
Geological Sciences	[ add ]
Geology	[ add ]
Geology/Chemistry	[ add ]
Geology/Environmental Science	[ add ]
Geology/Geophysics	[ add ]
Geology/Physics	[ add ]
Geology/Planetary Science	[ add ]
Geophysical Sciences	[ add ]
Geophysics	[ add ]
Geophysics/Seismology	[ add ]
Geoscience	[ add ]
Geosciences	[ add ]
Hydrogeology	[ add ]
Marine Studies	[ add ]
Mine Management	[ add ]
Mining Engineering Technology	[ add ]
Ocean Sciences	[ add ]
Oceanography	[ add ]
Physical Anthropology/Biology	[ add ]
Regional Science	[ add ]
Social Anthropology	[ add ]
Sociology/Anthropology	[ add ]
Urban Applied Anthropology	[ add ]
Visual Anthropology	[ add ]

Institutions Offering Related Majors

No institutions found.