What exactly do geologists do? Most people picture a scientist gathering data in the field. While geologists often work in the field, a career in geology can look different for every job.
Environmental Preservation
Many environmentally aware students decide to major in Geology. It gives them a chance to protect the Earth and its resources in their future careers. Some potential career fields include:
- Government: State and federal projects often hire geologists. By working in this field, you could help create environmental policies, study and prevent natural disasters, or supervise environmental projects.
- Private Businesses: A career in a private company often involves creating safety policies, ensuring employee safety on projects, or inspecting job sites.
- Technicians and Analysts: A technician's or analyst's job usually includes testing land and working with computer programs used to study and monitor the Earth, such as GIS (Geographic Information System).
- Hydrology: the study of water and its movement across the Earth and through the water cycle. Hydrologists help solve water issues in communities and prevent water pollution.
Petroleum Geologist
Geologists are important in petroleum careers because they help identify potential resource deposits, manage ongoing projects, and maintain safety and environmental policies on-site. Petroleum Geologists:
- Analyze samples and process data.
- Work both in the office and on-site, and often travel between company locations.
- Collect samples, use mapping systems, and gather data about potential oil deposits.
Engineering Geologist
Engineering Geologists help protect both the environment and people. They strive to prevent accidents by studying the Earth in populated areas or in future building sites. Engineering Geologists:
- Help plan transportation and construction projects.
- Investigate potential fossil fuel, mineral, or gas deposits that could pose risks during construction.
- Road departments, environmental protection agencies, government projects, and many more employ them.
Hydrology
Hydrologists study the movement of water through the Earth and help solve water-based problems. Hydrologists:
- Can work as technicians to collect data and take samples to test for pollution.
- Share their findings with teams to resolve issues.
- Use professional equipment and technology to check water conditions.
- Do on-site work in lakes, streams, and more to collect samples.
Conclusion
A bachelor's degree in Geology opens up many career paths for students. Whether you are interested in environmental policies or gathering data, there are positions for you in the workforce.
Sources:
What is Hydrology? | U.S. Geological Survey
How to Become a Petroleum Geologist | Environmental Science
CareerCompass_GeologicalEngineer
Career Compass: Hydrologic Technician