Geoscientist

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Engineering Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Geologist; Geoscientist; Mine Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Project Geophysicist; Research Geologist

Tasks

• Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• 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.
• Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
• Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
• Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
• 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.
• Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
• Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
• Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
• Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.

Knowledge

• Geography
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English Language
• Computers and Electronics
• Engineering and Technology
• Education and Training

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Science
• Writing
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Mathematics
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Inductive Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Category Flexibility
• Deductive Reasoning
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Near Vision
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Number Facility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Far Vision
• Originality
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Selective Attention