Geologists and Geophysicists

Career summary

#checked 2/18/15 lh

Geologists study the history of the earth. They look at how rocks were formed and how they have changed since they were created.

Geophysicists use physics to study the earth’s surface and interior. In addition, they study forces that affect the earth, such as magnetism and gravity.

Geologists and geophysicists are sometimes called earth scientists and geoscientists. Other geoscientists include:

• Engineering geologists provide advice on ways to reduce environmental impacts of major projects
• Geochemists study the chemical elements in the earth and water
• Volcanologists study volcanoes to predict eruptions
• Petroleum geologists find ways to drill for fossil fuels
• Seismologists study earthquakes

Geologists and geophysicists conduct research to find ways to:

• Predict atmospheric conditions or earthquakes
• Increase oil production or find minerals needed for national defense
• Locate nuclear power plants and storage sites for carbon or nuclear waste
• Locate sources of heat in the earth that can be used to make electricity
• Understand how dust from mining or minerals in ground water affects human health

Geologists and geophysicists share many tasks. They gather and analyze information. They use aerial photographs to see what an area looks like and what it contains.

They use machines to measure physical aspects of the earth, such as temperature and earthquake activity. They may use tools to take samples from rocks and ice sheets. They study the samples for data on climate conditions. They compare this data with current climate data to understand changes in climate.

In the lab, geologists analyze the makeup of rocks. Some geophysicists use computers to create models of what they are studying. For example, they may study how water flows through different layers of rock. On the computer, they can vary the type of rock, the amount of water, and other relevant factors. This information helps them understand how pollution affects ground water.

They often prepare maps, charts, and diagrams to show their data and explain the results. In addition, they write reports or give presentations about their findings. Some geologists and geophysicists teach at the college or university level.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Engineers
• Chemists
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Environmental Engineers
• Environmental Scientists
• Geographers
• Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• Meteorologists
• Mining Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers
• Physicists
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
• Zoologists

Military careers

• Physical Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to geologists and geophysicists.

• Study and analyze the structure of the earth.
• Measure characteristics of the earth using a variety of instruments. Set up and operate these machines.
• Analyze and interpret research data.
• Create computer models of research topics. Change factors and monitor the effect on results.
• Prepare reports, presentations, maps, charts, and diagrams to help explain their findings.
• Investigate questions for clients and make recommendations based on their findings. This includes questions about health, climate change, and pollution.
• Help locate the best sites for projects such as nuclear power plants, carbon storage, and nuclear waste.
• Give advice on the natural impact of large-scale projects. These include cities, dams, and roads.
• Explore for oil, geothermal, mineral, and gas resources. Find ways to reduce the impact of mining on health and the environment.
• Investigate volcanoes to try to predict future eruptions and locate sources of energy.
• Study data about earthquakes.
• Study the nature and distribution of chemical elements in the earth and water. Use the data to help others locate important resources, and reduce pollution.

Common work activities

Geologists and geophysicists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Think creatively
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Develop goals and strategies
• Schedule work and activities
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Evaluate information against standards
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Teach others
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, geologists and geophysicists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with other people. They work with other geoscientists, but spend time alone analyzing information.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of the public.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. They work indoors while writing reports and analyzing information. However, they often work outdoors while collecting information.
• Sometimes are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outdoors.
• May travel to work sites in a truck or car.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause clients to lose money if geoscientists make the wrong recommendations.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• May make decisions that strongly impact clients and their employer's reputation.
• Often act without consulting another first.
• Usually determine their daily tasks and goals without consulting another first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where weekly and monthly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week. May work longer hours while working in the field.
• May travel to visit clients or to sites to collect information. Some sites are remote.
• Schedules are usually established.

Physical demands

Geologists and geophysicists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for geologists and geophysicists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for geologists and geophysicists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Skills and abilities

Geologists and geophysicists need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Geochemistry
• Geological and Earth Sciences
• Geophysics and Seismology
• Hydrology and Water Resources Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Geological and Geophysical Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Mining and Mineral Engineering
• Mining Technology
• Natural Sciences
• Ocean Engineering
• Oceanography
• Petroleum Engineering
• Physics

Training

To work as a geologist or geophysicist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in geology or geophysics.

Education after high school

A bachelor's degree is usually enough for an entry-level job in this field. Although the trend in the field is for workers to have a master's degree. In geology programs, you study mineralogy, paleontology, and structural geology. You also learn about environmental laws, mapping, and hazardous waste management.

You need a doctoral degree (PhD) to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. When working on a doctoral degree you can focus on an area of study such as geophysical engineering.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in geology. Fewer offer geophysics degrees.

Work experience

After completing a doctoral degree, some geologists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get extensive field experience. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to geologists or geophysicists who have a master's degree or higher.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Geologists and Geophysicists use math frequently so you should take as many math classes as possible.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Geology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers, especially in research, prefer to hire applicants who have a PhD or at least a master's degree. A solid background in geologic methods and topics is important for all geoscientists. Employers also look for knowledge specific to their field. For example, employers in the environmental or regulatory fields prefer applicants who understand pollution control laws and the ways pollution spreads. Employers in mining or oil and gas drilling prefer applicants who have a good understanding of the regulations that govern these industries. Universities choose candidates based on their area of research and the quality of their published articles.

Employers prefer applicants who have good communication skills. This is because geoscientists frequently share their findings with others. In addition, the ability to work with a team is very important. Almost all employers prefer candidates who have solid computer skills. They look for skills in advanced mathematical modeling and statistical analysis applications. The ability to speak and understand foreign languages is also important. Many geoscientist jobs require travel to other countries.

Tips

Summer field work and internships will provide valuable experience. Training in computer programming may be helpful.

Costs to workers

After entering this field, most workers join professional associations and pay annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Geologists who practice, offer to practice, or advertise geological services for others in this state must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. (There are some geological work activities that do not require a license, however. Contact the licensing agency at the address listed below for more information about these activities.)

General licensing requirements include:

• proof of good moral and ethical character;
• being a graduate of an accredited college or university with a degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, or one of the related geological sciences or educational equivalents;
• completion of a minimum of 24-semester or 36-quarter hours (or their equivalent) of upper division course work in geological science;
• documentation of a minimum of five years experience obtained after academic credentials, of which three years must be under the supervision of a licensed geologist or other person considered by the licensing board as qualified to supervise geological work; or, in lieu of experience, approved graduate study and geological research or teaching at a university or college; and
• passing a written exam.

For licensure in a specialty of geology, additional requirements must be met.

State licensing fees for geologists are $100 for the initial license. Testing fees are required for the Fundamentals of Geology exam, and for the Practice of Geology exam. There are additional fees for specialty examinations.

#modifed fee statement 3/27/13 lh

For further and more detailed information on licensing requirements and costs, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Geologist Licensing Program 
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
360.664.1497

#fine. 3/27/13 lh. Checked licensing info 3/17/14 & 4/19/16 cj. Added info about grad study & teaching/research in lieu of experience; rest ok 4/2/18 cj. 2/25/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 
• Hydrologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages for geologists and geophysicists vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of education and responsibility also affect wages.

Geologists and geophysicists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings. 

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Oil and gas drilling companies
• Scientific consulting firms
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand for geoscientists will be strong. An increase in hydraulic fracturing will create more jobs as the US looks for new ways to extract gas and oil and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Employment in management, scientific, and technical consulting will also provide more jobs for geoscientists. Government jobs will be limited due to budget cuts.

Opportunities will be best for those with a master's degree.

This employment and outlook data does not include geologists and geophysicists who teach at colleges and universities.

Other resources

About Petroleum Geology 

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Association of Petroleum Geologists 
PO Box 979
Tulsa, OK 74119-0979
800.364.2274
918.584.2555

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Geosciences Institute 
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480

American Institute of Hydrology 
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1230 Lincoln Drive
Engineering D - Mail Code 6603
Carbondale, IL 62901
618.453.7809

American Institute of Physics 
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
301.209.3100

American Institute of Professional Geologists 
1333 W. 120th Avenue
Suite 211
Westminster, Colorado 80234-2710
303.412.6205

Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists 

Become a Geophysicist…A What? 

Careers in the Geosciences 

Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society 
1391 Speer Blvd., Ste 450
Denver, CO 80204
303.531.7517

Environmental Career Center 
P.O. Box 3387
Hampton, Virginia 23663

Geochemical Society 
5241 Broad Branch Road, NW
Washington, DC 20015-1305

Geology Careers 
(From the Society of Petroleum Engineers)

International Association of Hydrogeologists 

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Ground Water Association 
601 Dempsey Road
Westerville, OH 43081
800.551.7379

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Profiles in Ocean Careers 

Science Careers 

Scripps Institution of Oceanography 

Society of Exploration Geophysicists 
8801 South Yale Avenue, Suite 500
Tulsa, OK 74137
918.497.5500

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The Geological Society of America 
PO Box 9140
Boulder, CO 80301-9140
303.357.1000

The Oceanography Society 
1 Research Court, Suite 450
Rockville, MD, 20850

US Geological Survey 

Washington State Division of Geology and Earth Resources 

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

What Do Earth and Space Scientists Do? 
(from the American Geophysical Union)

What Does a Geologist Do? 

Women Exploring the Oceans 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupations

• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (19-2042.00) 
• Hydrologists (19-2043.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Crystallographer (024.061-010) 
• Engineer, Soils (024.161-010) 
• Geologist (024.061-018) 
• Geologist, Petroleum (024.061-022) 
• Geophysical Prospector (024.061-026) 
• Geophysical-laboratory Chief (024.167-010) 
• Geophysicist (024.061-030) 
• Hydrologist (024.061-034) 
• Mineralogist (024.061-038) 
• Paleontologist (024.061-042) 
• Petrologist (024.061-046) 
• Prospector (024.284-010) 
• Seismologist (024.061-050) 
• Stratigrapher (024.061-054) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Geologist

Holland occupational clusters

• Investigative/Realistic/Artistic
• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Professional