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.

On the job, you would:

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.
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.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Geoscientists must be able to present their research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including both scientists and those who do not have a background in geoscience.

Critical-thinking skills. Geoscientists conduct research through observation and testing, then evaluate data to explain their findings.

Outdoor skills. Geoscientists may spend significant time outdoors performing fieldwork. They must be comfortable being outside for long periods, which may include overnight camping.

Physical stamina. Geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork.

Problem-solving skills. Geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		90%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		89%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		86%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		82%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		81%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		80%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		80%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		78%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		75%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		75%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		68%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		66%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		66%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		61%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		60%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		67%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		72%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		72%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		72%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		78%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		75%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		69%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		69%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		60%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		56%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		56%	Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
		56%	Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
		53%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		70%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		66%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		66%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		63%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		61%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		61%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		59%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		59%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		57%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		54%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Analyze geological or geographical data.

Interpret research or operational data.

Prepare maps.

Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.

Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.

Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.

Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.

Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.

Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.

Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.

Research geological features or processes.

Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.

Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.

Research hydrologic features or processes.

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Analyze environmental data.

Interpret research or operational data.

Monitor construction operations.

Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.

Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.

Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.

Analyze geological or geographical data.

Interpret research or operational data.

Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

Design research studies to obtain scientific information.

Research geological features or processes.

Prepare maps.

Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.

Measure environmental characteristics.

Research geological features or processes.

Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Communicate results of environmental research.

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Measure environmental characteristics.

Analyze geological samples.

Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		96%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		88%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		81%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		78%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		78%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		75%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		74%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		69%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		69%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		64%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		61%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		60%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		59%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		56%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		85%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		92%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		92%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		86%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		85%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		85%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		84%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		83%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		81%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		80%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		76%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		76%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		76%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		75%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		72%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		72%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		67%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		66%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		65%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		61%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		60%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		58%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		58%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		57%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		56%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		55%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

What Geoscientists Do

Petroleum geologists (a type of geoscientist) search for oil and gas deposits that are suitable for commercial extraction.

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past and present and to predict future events.

Duties

Geoscientists typically do the following:

Plan and carry out field studies, in which they visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys
Analyze aerial photographs, rock samples, and other data sources to locate deposits of natural resources and estimate their size
Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
Make geologic maps and charts
Prepare written reports
Present their findings to varied audiences, including clients and colleagues

Geoscientists study the Earth’s composition, or layers; its structure, which focuses on the properties of rocks; and its processes, such as erosion and volcanic activity. By analyzing rocks, fossils, and other clues, geoscientists are able to create timelines of events in the Earth’s geologic history. They also research changes in its resources to provide guidance in meeting human demands, such as for water, and to predict geological risks and hazards.

Geoscientists use a variety of tools in their work. In the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples or ground-penetrating radar equipment to search for minerals. In laboratories, they may use x-rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They also may use remote sensing equipment to collect data, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze the data collected.

Geoscientists may supervise the work of technicians and coordinate work with other scientists, both in the field and in the lab.

As geological challenges increase, geoscientists may opt to work as generalists. However, some choose to specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth. The following are examples of types of geoscientists:

Environmental geologists study how consequences of human activity, such as pollution and waste management, affect the quality of the Earth’s air, soil, and water. They also may work to solve problems associated with natural threats, such as flooding and erosion.

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. There are subgroups of geologists as well, such as stratigraphers, who study stratified rock, and mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals.

Oceanographers study the motion and circulation of ocean waters; the physical and chemical properties of the oceans; and the ways these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather.

Paleontologists study fossils found in geological formations in order to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and the geologic history of the Earth.

Petroleum geologists collect rock and sediment samples from sites through drilling and other methods and test the samples for the presence of oil and gas. They also estimate the size of oil and gas deposits and work to develop extraction sites.

Seismologists study earthquakes and related phenomena, such as tsunamis. They use seismographs and other instruments to collect data on these events.

For a more extensive list of geoscientist specialties, visit the American Geosciences Institute (AGI).

Work Environment

Geoscientists held about 26,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of geoscientists were as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services	28%
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	19
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	15
Federal government, excluding postal service	9
State government, excluding education and hospitals	8

Geoscientists may work as part of a team with other scientists and engineers. For example, they may work closely in natural resource extraction fields with petroleum engineers to find new sources of oil and gas.

Geoscientists usually split their time between work in the field, in laboratories, and in office settings. Fieldwork may require geoscientists to be outdoors frequently or to travel all over the world, including to remote locations, for extended periods. For example, oceanographers may spend months at sea on a research ship, and paleontologists may spend long periods in remote areas during expeditions.

Extensive travel, especially for long periods away from home, may be stressful.

Work Schedules

Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.

Getting Started

Education:

44%

Master's Degree

38%

Bachelor's Degree

How to Become a Geoscientist

Laboratory experience is important for prospective geoscientists.

Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. For some positions, employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s or doctoral degree. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license.

Education

Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geoscience or a related field, such as physical science or natural resources.

Geoscience programs include courses in mineralogy, geology, and other sciences, along with subjects such as mathematics and engineering. Some programs focus on a particular area of geoscience, such as environmental geology, while others prepare students to become generalists.

Programs also usually involve geology fieldwork that provides students with practical experience. Students may gain additional experience by completing a geosciences internship while in college. Interns usually work under the supervision of a senior geoscientist on tasks such as preparing for field visits, collecting samples, and writing reports.

Master’s and doctoral degree programs in geoscience typically involve more specialization, research, and technical experience than bachelor’s programs do. Having a graduate degree may make candidates more competitive for certain entry-level positions or for advancement.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Most states require licensing for geologists who offer services to the public. Public service activities include those associated with civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but applicants typically must meet minimum education and experience requirements and earn a passing score on an exam. Examining authorities also vary by state. For example, some states use exams by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) or the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

Contact your state licensing board for more information.

Job Outlook

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,200 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is expected to spur demand for geoscientists.

Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for traditional and alternative energy sources. For example, geoscientists study wind speeds and patterns to determine sites that are suitable for wind turbines. The increased use of and demand for alternative energy should lead to more jobs for these workers.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about geoscientists, visit

American Geophysical Union (AGU)

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)

Geological Society of America (GSA)

U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences

For more information about licensure for geologists, visit

American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)

National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG)

To find job openings for geoscientists in the federal government, visit

USAJOBS

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of geoscientists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Anthropologists and Archeologists	Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.	Master's degree	$63,940
Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists	Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.	Bachelor's degree	$83,780
Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.	Bachelor's degree	$96,530
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.	Bachelor's degree	$76,480
Geological and Hydrologic Technicians	Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.	Associate's degree	$49,590
Hydrologists	Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.	Bachelor's degree	$85,990
Mining and Geological Engineers	Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.	Bachelor's degree	$97,490
Natural Sciences Managers	Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.	Bachelor's degree	$144,440
Physicists and Astronomers	Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.	Doctoral or professional degree	$139,220
Petroleum Engineers	Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.	Bachelor's degree	$131,800

Geoscientist

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Geoscientists Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Geoscientist

Education

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations