Occupation Details

Projected Growth
Much faster than average (14% or higher)

National Salary
$43.16 hourly, $95,780 annually

Local Salary Information
View Here

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.

More Information

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