Occupation Details
Projected Growth
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
National Salary
$43.16 hourly, $95,780 annually
Local Salary Information
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Job Tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice regarding issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- 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.
- Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
- Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
- Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
- Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
- Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
- Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or in other applications.
- Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
- Determine methods to incorporate geo-methane 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 that are currently burned off as waste during oil production processes.
- Identify new sources for Platinum Group Elements necessary for industrial uses, 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 environmental cleanup work plans to determine the effectiveness of the remedial activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
- Study historical climate change indicators found in locations such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop models related to current climate changes.
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