Geosciences: Now What?
Quick Facts: Geoscientists Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth | |
| 2023 Median Pay | $92,580 per year $44.51 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2022 | 26,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 5% (Faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2022-32 | 1,300 |
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm
What Are the Geosciences?
Geoscience is the scientific study of the planet Earth and its many different natural geologic systems. It includes the study and investigation of Earth’s minerals, soil, water and energy resources: how Earth’s natural systems work today, how they operated in the recent and ancient past, and how we expect they may behave in the future. The geosciences are a group of related disciplines focused on the Earth and its systems, history, and resources. In addition to rocks and fossils, geoscience can involve aspects of the climate: plants, asteroids, craters, glaciers, lakes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, volcanos, soil, sand, crystals, minerals, groundwater, pollen, etc. An overarching goal of the geosciences is to investigate ways that geology and climate can help or harm people.
Now, perhaps, more than ever, many students decide to pursue careers in geoscience because of a commitment to help others and to assist in global efforts to preserve and safeguard the natural environment. Studies indicate that increasing numbers of people worldwide are choosing to live in geologically at-risk areas including low-lying coasts, landslide-prone regions, areas where fresh water supplies are limited or face imminent threat of pollution, and locations subject to serious volcanic- or earthquake-related hazards. As a result, the future likely holds many opportunities for newly minted geoscientists to use their expertise to help avert disasters and perhaps save lives.
What Do Geoscientists Do?
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. Most geoscientists split their time between working in an office or laboratory, and working in the field. Geoscientists use a wide variety of tools, both simple and complex. In a day in the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples and then use sophisticated radar equipment to search for oil underground. In laboratories, they may use x rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They also use remote sensing equipment to collect data, and advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze data.
Geoscientists often supervise the work of technicians, both in the field and in the lab. They also usually work as part of a team with other scientists and engineers. For example, some work closely with petroleum engineers to find and develop new sources of oil and natural gas. Geoscientists find jobs in environmental services, scientific and technical consulting, government and academia — and even in high finance, where insurance companies rely on them to help assess long-term risk due to climate change, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Some geoscientists are involved in the search for and development of natural resources and minerals such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation, and projects to clean up and re-claim polluted land. Some specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth, such as its oceans.
Types of geoscientists vary, but most geoscientists typically do the following tasks in their jobs:
- Plan and conduct field studies; visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys
- Analyze aerial photographs, well logs (detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling), and other data to locate natural resource deposits and estimate their size
- Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
- Produce geologic maps and charts
- Prepare written scientific reports
- Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties
- Review reports and research done by other scientists
What Are Some Of The Specialties In The Geosciences?
Engineering geologists apply geologic principles to civil and environmental engineering. They offer advice on major construction projects and help in other projects, such as environmental cleanup and reducing natural hazards.
Geologists study the materials, processes, and history of the Earth. They investigate how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation.
Geochemists use physical and organic chemistry to study the composition of elements found in groundwater, such as water from wells or aquifers, and earth materials, such as rocks and sediment.
Geophysicists use the principles of physics to learn about the Earth’s surface and interior. They also study the properties of Earth’s magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields.
Glacial geologists study the physical properties and movement of glaciers and ice sheets, sometimes using such information to contribute to contemporary discussions of future climate change.
Hydrogeologists study the quantity, composition, distribution, circulation, and physical properties of both surface water and groundwater, and often play an important role in decisions involving both resource-management and land-use.
Mineralogists analyze and classify minerals and minerals systems according to their composition, genesis, and structure, usually with the goal of understanding the nature of formation and/or to locate new mineral resources.
Oceanographers study the motion and circulation of ocean waters; the physical and chemical properties of the oceans; and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather.
Paleontologists study fossils found in geological formations to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and the geologic history of the Earth.
Petroleum geologists (petrologists) explore the Earth for oil and gas deposits. They analyze geological information to identify sites that should be explored. They collect rock and sediment samples from sites through drilling and other methods and test them for the presence of oil and gas. They also estimate the size of oil and gas deposits and work to develop sites to extract oil and gas.
Seismologists study earthquakes and related phenomena like tsunamis. They use seismographs and other instruments to collect data on these events.
Stratigraphers examine the formation and layering of stratified rocks in order to understand the environment in which they formed and the clues such rocks hold regarding Earth-surface processes of the past.
Sedimentologists study the nature, origin, and distribution of sediments, such as gravel, sand, silt, and mud, and usually apply such knowledge to further understanding of the processes involved in sediment accumulation and/or genesis of economically important deposits contained therein.
Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to better predict the potential for future eruptions and the nature of volcanic-related hazards to human health and welfare.
What Can I Do With A Degree In Geosciences?
Analyst Trade Controls
Atmospheric Scientists
Biological Technician
Buyer
Cartographer
Chemical Engineering Technician
College/University Faculty
Commodity Manager
Community Affairs Manager
Compliance Officer
Conservation Scientist
Coordinator, Safety and Health Education
Earth Science Education (K-12)
Ecology & Environmental Sciences Careers
Engineering Technician
Environmental Coordinator
Environmental Technician
Exploration Geologist
Explosives Specialist
Geobiologist
Geochemist
Geological Technician
Geologist
Geologist/Paleontologist
Geophysicist
GIS Specialist
Hydrologist
Laboratory Supervisor
Meteorologist
Mine Geologist
Minerals Processing Technician
Mining Engineering Technician
Oceanographer
Paleobiologist
Paleoclimatologist
Paleontologist
Petroleum Engineer Tech
Physicist
Photogrammetrist
Production Geologist
Prospector
Regulatory Law Associate
Sales, Mining Products
Sampler Analyst
Site Cost Controller
Survey Technician
Surveyor
Technical coordinator
Technical Sales Representative
Training Coordinator
Virtual Reality Modeler
Volcanist/Volcanologist
Water Quality Specialist
Water Reclamation Specialist
Weather Report
What Can I Do With A Degree In Geosciences? (cont.)
While a few jobs in geoscience — particularly those in the private sector — require only a bachelor's degree, for most positions, education to master's-degree level or higher will be needed. According to the American Geological Institute (AGI), more than two-thirds of geoscience PhDs find their first jobs in academia, with the remainder landing positions in government and industry.
Who Could I Work For?
Academic Institutions
Consulting Firms
Environmental Protection Agency
Financial Companies
Industrial/Commercial Companies
Libraries
Local Government Agencies
Mines and Natural Areas
Mineral and Hydrocarbon Companies
Museums
Petroleum & Natural Gas Companies
Research Companies
Research Labs
Resource Exploration Companies
Water Treatment Plants
Where Might I Do An Internship?
UMass Amherst Geosciences Majors Have Done Internships At The Following Sites:
Amherst (Town of)
Daily Hampshire Gazette
Denali Commission (Alaska)
Greenfield (Town of)
Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems (NRES)
New York (City of)
Northampton (City of)
MASSPIRG
UMass Amherst
US Army Corps of Engineers WSHM-TV CBS 3 - Springfield
Career Planning Resources & Websites
Career Exploration Tools: https://www.umass.edu/careers/career-journey/self-discovery
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh
Massachusetts Career Information System: http://masscis.intocareers.org
(Click Mass Resident to login with “Amherst/01003” Then click “Occupations” or “Assessments”)
Career Planning Resources for Science: www.careercornerstone.org/biology
Geosciences Job and Internship Search Resources
Marine Technology Society: https://mtsociety.careerwebsite.com/
Career Path Examples in the Geosciences: https://sites.agu.org/careers/paths/
Geological Society of America: Geo Careers: http://www.geosociety.org/careers
Oceanography Links: http://peterbrueggeman.com/ocean/career
UMass Handshake Database of Internships & Jobs: https://umass.joinhandshake.com/
UMass Amherst Dept of Environmental Conservation: https://eco.umass.edu/for-current-students/
UMass Amherst Local Sustainability Jobs/Internships: www.umass.edu/sustainability/resources
AGU Job Board (Post your resume here too): https://careers.agu.org/paths/
American Association of Petroleum Sciences: http://careercenter.aapg.org/jobs
American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG): https://aipg.org/page/CareerCenter
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists: www.aegweb.org/?page=Careers
Earthworks Jobs By Category: http://earthworks-jobs.com/
Energy Central Jobs: www.energycentraljobs.com
Geological Society of America Job Board: https://www.geosociety.org/
GIS (Geographic Information System) Jobs Board: www.gisjobs.com
GIS Jobs Clearinghouse: www.gjc.org
Environmental Career Opportunities (ECO): http://www.ecojobs.com/
LinkedIn Geosciences Networking Groups: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/groups/?keywords=geosciences&origin=SWITCH_SEARCH_VERTICAL&sid=%3BeQ
List of Oceanography Job Board Sites: www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/hotlists/jobs.html
NOAA Oceanic & Atmospheric Student Opportunities: www.education.noaa.gov/opportunities
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Jobs: www.epa.gov/careers
USA Jobs (for ALL Federal Govt Jobs): www.usajobs.gov
General Science Jobs
General Science Jobs (widely defined): jobs.sciencecareers.org & jobs.newscientist.com
NatureJobs (widely defined): www.nature.com/naturejobs/science
Internships and Lab/Field Research in Geosciences
UMass Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies: https://www.umass.edu/ours/
American Geosciences Institute (Geosci & Public Policy): www.americangeosciences.org
American Geosciences Internships (varied): www.americangeosciences.org/workforce
Green Jobs (store resumes &and apply through site): http://www.greenjobs.net/
Massachusetts (State) Environmental Agencies: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies
Student Conservation Association (SCA): www.thesca.org
Water Industry Jobs: www.waterjobsnow.com
Professional Organizations
Many professional organization’s websites have career information on them. You can often use them to search for networking events, meet a mentor in your field of study, find current research, search for internships or jobs, and gain insight into what direction within the field you may wish to pursue.
American Association of Petroleum Sciences: www.aapg.org
American Geosciences Institute (Geosci & Public Policy): www.americangeosciences.org
American Geophysical Union: https://sciencepolicy.agu.org/
American Institute of Professional Geologists: www.aipg.org
American Water Works Association: www.awwa.org
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists: www.aegweb.org
Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG): www.awg.org
Ecological Society of America: Fieldwork Internships: www.esa.org
Geological Society of America (GSA): www.geosociety.org
Geological Society of Maine: www.gsmmaine.org
Geoscience Information Society (GSIS): www.geoinfo.org
Professional Organizations (cont.)
List of Oceanography Organizations: www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/hotlists/jobs.html
Marine Technology Society: www.mtsociety.org
National Association of Black Geoscientists: www.nabg-us.org
National Council for Science and the Environment: www.ncseonline.org
Natl Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): www.noaa.gov
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration: www.smenet.org
Soil Science Society of America: www.soils.org
Important Transferable Qualities To Include On Your Geosciences Resume
Critical-thinking skills. Geoscientists base findings on sound observation & careful evaluation of data.
Interpersonal skills. Most geoscientists work on a team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
Problem-solving skills. Geoscientists work on complex projects filled with challenges.
Speaking skills. Geoscientists must be able to explain their findings to clients or professionals who do not have a background in geosciences.
Stamina. Geoscientists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment when they conduct fieldwork.
Writing skills. Geoscientists write reports and research papers that explain their findings.
What Do Employers Look For? (NACE 2024 Job Outlook for Students)
Top 10 Skills Employers Seek on Candidate Resumes
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Strong work ethic
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Communication (verbal)
- Technical Skills
- Analytical/Quantitative Skills
- Initiative
- Detail-oriented
Top 7 Attributes that can positively influence employers the most
- Internship with the organization
- Internship within the industry
- Major
- General work experience
- Leadership experience
- Extracurricular activities
- High GPA (3.0 or above)