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Who Are Geoscientists?
Those who are fascinated by the physical aspects of Earth, and who love to work with their hands will find a career in geoscience exciting and rewarding. Geoscientists represent an eclectic group of specialists who all have one thing in common: they love to study the composition of the Earth, whether it is water, rock, or ground, and they love to get their hands dirty while they do it! Many geoscientists work for the government, but others work for gas and oil companies, engineering facilities, and state agencies. Also, most geoscientists spend a significant portion of their time doing fieldwork. Geoscientists typically use their intense research skills to try and discover new knowledge that can make a significant contribution to society such as finding new mineral resources or alternative fuel sources.
What Do Geoscientists Do?
Geoscientists are a diverse group. Most are either geologists, who study plant and animal fossils, rock formations, and the history of Earth, or geophysicists, who use math and physics to study the oceans, atmosphere, and forces of Earth. Within these two aspects of geoscience are many subspecialties: - Oceanographers study the physical aspects of oceans, along with the motions and energies of the ocean to determine their impact on coastal life and the climate.
- Seismologists analyze results from seismographs and other instruments to detect fault lines and earthquakes.
- Volcanologists study volcanic activity in an effort to predict volcanic eruptions and the effects on human life and health.
- Paleontologists study the fossils of plants and animals to learn more about the history of the Earth and the evolution of life.
- Petroleum geologists explore the earth in search of gas and oil deposits.
- Engineering geologists use their geological knowledge and information to aid those working on construction projects or natural disaster reduction projects.
- Mineralogists look for new mineral resources and organize and classify minerals according to their physical properties.
- Glacial geologists study the movement of glaciers and ice sheets.
- Sedimentologists study sediments such as sand or mud, and may look for mineral deposits such as coal, gas, or oil that can be found in sediments.
Those are just a few examples of the interesting subspecialties of geoscience. Whatever their subspecialty, geoscientists spend a lot of time researching in the field and analyzing the data they find in offices or laboratories. This may require them to travel extensively or work in remote field sites for long periods of time.
Geoscientist Training and Qualifications
Most entry-level positions within the field of geoscience require a master’s degree. Few options are available to those with only a bachelor’s. A Ph.D. may be required for those who wish to teach at a college or university level or for high-level research. Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in geoscience. Along with formal education, candidates should possess excellent computer skills, particularly in computer modeling, digital mapping, data analysis, etc. Qualified candidates will also be able to communicate their research findings and proposals clearly, whether in oral or written form. As travel may be a requirement, candidates who know a second language will have an advantage over those who do not. In short, candidates who are able to think logically and enjoy the challenge of complex analytical thinking will have the most success in the job market.
Geoscientist Licensure
Geoscientists may or may not be required to be licensed. Typically, those who work directly for the public should obtain a license from a state licensing board. To obtain a license, a candidate must possess education and experience and pass an examination, although this varies.
Geoscientist Job Prospects
For those with master’s degrees, job prospects are excellent as employment of geoscientists is expected to grow rapidly. Job opportunities will be particularly strong in the engineering, scientific and technical consulting, and gas and oil fields. However, geoscientists may not have as many opportunities for work during economic recessions. Nevertheless, an increased need for environmental awareness will create many new job opportunities.
Geoscientist Salary
Typical salary earnings for geoscientists are between $51,860 and $100,650. Salaries due vary by industry or field; some industries pay higher salaries but less job security. Though there are few job opportunities for those with bachelor’s degrees, those who do find employment average $40, 786 per year.
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