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.
Table of Contents
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.
72%
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
More than 40 hours per week
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.
Is this right for me
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.
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