What Do Geoscientists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Stan T.Career, Job DescriptionLeave a Comment

Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Geoscientists

Geoscientists 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.

Salary
$112110
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

Geoscientists 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, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. They also analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.

Other tasks include:

  • 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.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • 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.
  • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.

We asked Geoscientists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

72%

How meaningful is this job

55%


72% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 55% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Geoscientists analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos. They analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.

A typical day for a Geoscientist will also include:

  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.

We asked some Geoscientists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 50% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 33% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 63% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 13% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 0% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 8% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Geoscientists also 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. They may also prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Geoscientists Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software. They might also Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.

In addition, they Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.

To some Geoscientists, it is also their responsibility to 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.


Working life

Working hours

More than 40 hours per week

Working schedule

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Geoscientist, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Do Geoscientists work in an office-style work environment?

Once a week
42%


Every day
33%


Do Geoscientists work outdoors?

Once a week
42%


Once a month
25%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Thinkers and The Builders

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Geoscientists

Summary
Job Description (You are here)
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related to Geoscientists Job Description

Geoscientists job description, what do Geoscientists do, typical day for Geoscientists, what is it like to work as a Geoscientist, how many hours do Geoscientists work, day to day work of a Geoscientist

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm
http://www.aapg.org/
http://www.agiweb.org/
http://www.mtsociety.org/


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.