Career Details
Career Details
Use this dropdown to update your zip code
Back to top
Career Details
19-2042.00 - Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
19-2042.00 - Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
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.
Key Facts
Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
36,400
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
40,200
Estimate
Change in Employment
+3,800
Estimate
Change in Employment %
+10.5%
Estimate
Tasks
Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
- 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.
- 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.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.
Supplemental
- 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.
- Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
- Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
- Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
- Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
- Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
- Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
- Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
- Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
- Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
- Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
- Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
- Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
- Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
- Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
- Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
- Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
- Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
- Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
Knowledge
The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
Licensing
Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
Online Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.
Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.