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Geologist Career Guide

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Real-Life Geologist Job Profiles

Below is a list of links to anonymous job profiles of REAL PEOPLE who have filled out our survey and offered to share their insights with our users about their job in the Geologist field.
ID Job Title Gender Age Earnings City & State Date
33795 GIS Specialist/Geological Tech Female 43 $70,000 Andrews, TX 01/01/2010
32673 Geologist Female 28 $64,373 Washington, DC 01/01/2010

Overview

Explore the Earth as a geologist! This scientific field examines the Earth?s materials and history by studying rocks and minerals. It?s a hands-on field that often requires the use of a hammer and chisel to collect samples, which are later examined in a laboratory with x-rays, electron microscopes, and other technological tools. Geologists are sometimes referred to as geoscientist.

Some tasks that geologists complete involve physically gathering samples, studying samples, analyzing photographs and logs, making geologic maps, writing reports, and making presentations. Although geologists sometimes work alone, they regularly work as part of a team. It is beneficial for geology candidates to be analytical, outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a variety of work environments.

Education is a fundamental requirement for most geology positions. Even at the entry level, geologists are expected to possess a bachelor?s degree or even a master?s degree in applicable geosciences. Sometimes, a degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics may be acceptable if geology coursework was involved.

The oil and gas extraction industry employs nearly a third of all U.S. geologists. Geologists may also work for engineering companies, consulting companies and governments.

Begin your own exploration in geology by browsing the profiles below, where real-world geologists explain what it?s really like to work in this exciting field. In one-on-one interviews, they reveal their salaries, career paths, the pros and cons of working in the field, and more.


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