What You'll Do

  • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
  • 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.
  • Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
  • Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.12/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Science 4.0/5
Critical Thinking 4.0/5
Active Listening 3.88/5
Writing 3.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.88/5
Mathematics 3.38/5
Active Learning 3.25/5
Systems Analysis 3.25/5
Systems Evaluation 3.25/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.

Common styles

Intellectual Curiosity, Attention to Detail, Innovation, Dependability, Achievement Orientation

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Written Comprehension 4.12/5
Inductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Written Expression 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.0/5
Category Flexibility 4.0/5

Technologies & Tools

ACD Systems Canvas Adobe Acrobat Adobe Photoshop Alara CRystalView Aquifer test software Atoll GeoCAD Autodesk AutoCAD Bentley Systems gINT Bilko BOSS Didger ChemStat Clover Technology GALENA Compass software CrystalMaker Data logger software Data mining software EarthSoft EQuIS Geology EarthWorks Downhole Explorer Earthworks MaxiPit EasySolve Software SizePerm

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Intellectual Curiosity (High importance: 4.81/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Innovation (High importance: 4.51/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.44/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 4.36/5)

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How to Become One

This career requires extensive preparation, typically including a graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) and several years of experience. Most professionals in this field have invested significant time in education and training.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Consultant Geologist Core Analysis Operator Core Analyst Crystallographer Development Geologist Engineering Geologist Environmental Geologist Environmental Protection Geologist Exploration Geologist Field Geologist Geochemist Geodesist Geological Scout Geological Specialist Geologist Geomagnetist Geomorphologist Geophysical Prospector Geophysicist Geoscientist Invertebrate Paleontologist Marine Geologist Micro Paleontologist Mine Geologist Mineralogist Mining Production Geologist Mud Logging Data Analyst Mud Logging Data Engineer Oceanographer Oceanologist Operations Geologist Paleontologist Petrographer Petroleum Geologist Petrologist Petrophysicist Project Geologist Project Geophysicist Prospector Research Geologist Sedimentationist Seismologist Soils Engineer Spectral Geologist Stratigrapher Volcanologist Wellsite Geologist