Geologists study the structure, composition, and history of the earth's crust and apply this knowledge in fields such as archaeology, mining, construction, oil and gas exploration, and environmental impact.

Job Duties 

Geologists may:  

Examine rocks, minerals, and fossil remains to explain the sequence of processes affecting the earth's development

Identify rocks and minerals

Study the properties of rocks, minerals, and other samples

Prepare geologic reports and maps

Study the fossilized remains of plants and animals

Advise construction firms and government agencies that build dams and roads

Locate mineral, coal, and petroleum deposits and underground water

Teach and work on research projects at universities

Interpret research data

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Geologists may specialize in these areas:

024.061-018 GEOLOGISTS study the structure, composition, and history of the earth's crust and apply this knowledge in fields such as archaeology, mining, construction, oil and gas exploration, and environmental impact.

024.061-022 PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS study the earth's surface to find gas and oil deposits.

024.061-018 GEOMORPHOLOGISTS study the form of the earth's surface and the processes that cause changes in land formations such as erosion and glaciers.

024.061-038 MINERALOGISTS examine, analyze, and classify minerals, gems, and precious stones according to their composition and structure. They make microscopic and x-ray examinations of specimens; perform physical and chemical tests on them; and develop data and theories on the origin, occurrence, and possible uses of minerals.

024.061-042 PALEONTOLOGISTS study the fossilized remains of plants and animals in order to determine the development of past life and the history of the earth.

024.061-046 PETROLOGISTS specialize in the study of the composition, structure, and history of the rock masses that form the earth's crust.

024.061-054 STRATIGRAPHERS study sedimentary rock layers in order to interpret the geologic history of the earth.

024.061-018 GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHERS study the structure (topographic features) and history of the ocean bottom. They examine oceans' mountain ranges, rocks, sediments, minerals, and fossil remains to determine the processes affecting the development of the earth. They also help locate mineral and petroleum deposits and underground water resources.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Geologists may work with others, alone in the field or in a laboratory. Working conditions vary greatly, some Geologists work outdoors in all types of terrain and weather. Others work in comfortable, well lighted, well ventilated offices and laboratories. Most Geologists spend time in both the field and the laboratory. In the field, they may live under primitive and adverse conditions and encounter such hazards as snakes, insects, and disease.

Geologists work all-year round, and only severe weather conditions in the field may seriously interrupt their work. Working hours and schedules vary according to the job. Their hours are usually long and irregular in the field. Geologists working in labs or offices may work 5-day, 40-hour weeks. There may be overtime when necessary. Those teaching in colleges and universities may work long, irregular hours, but they may have flexibility in arranging their schedules.

Depending on the particular job, Geologists may have to travel extensively. Some may have to travel to different parts of the country or to foreign countries for assignments of varying lengths. They may have to travel long distances by airplane, car, truck, helicopter, ship, canoe, animal, or on foot depending on the particular destination.

Geologists may join professional associations such as the Geological Society of America and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Geologists who belong to professional societies pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Problem solving

• Scientific and technical work

• Work involving things and objects

• Outdoor work

• Activities involving special machines, processes, or methods

You Should Be Able To:  

• Apply scientific and mathematical theory to real problems

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing

• Work accurately within set limits and standards

• Rate information using your judgment or standards that can be measured

• See/record differences in size/shape/form/texture/position of objects

• Visualize three-dimensional objects from drawings or pictures

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Work well with others

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Determine how many one-celled protozoa, how many sub insects, how many ounces of fungi, molds, and algae are in one cubic foot of organic woodland soil for a specified area.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Humus contains colloidal substances, which facilitate the transfer of nutrients to plants. In addition, organic materials are extremely useful in soils, since they improve tilt, promote water retention, provide a home for living organisms, and replenish minerals.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Write a report regarding the research you did, for a government agency, on a specific area for a potential highway.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate: 

Decision making skills are required. You may be asked to make decisions for government projects. You need to be able to think ahead while considering things that happened many years ago.

Geologists should have at least a bachelor's degree. Advanced basic research, teaching, and administrative positions may require a Ph.D. degree.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

071 GEOLOGY

Programs in Geology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment which involves dealing with the physical nature and history of the earth. Many individuals in this field work in research, exploration, industry, or teaching. Individuals who teach Geology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the military website at  http://www.myfuture.com .

OCEANOGRAPHERS

The military needs navigational charts and maps to safely travel the oceans. Accurate oceanographic and weather forecasts are also needed to plan military operations. Oceanographers study ocean tides, currents, weather, and the physical features of the ocean floor.

What They Do

Oceanographers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct personnel who collect oceanographic data

• Conduct research on the effects of water and atmosphere on military warning and weapon systems

• Direct the preparation of ocean, sea, and waterway charts, maps, and publications

• Oversee the preparation of oceanographic and weather forecasts

• Collect information on ice conditions in ocean shipping lanes

• Collect information about ocean currents for support of military operational planning

• Advise commanders about ocean and sea conditions to assist in search and rescue missions

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation.

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful fields of study include oceanography, geology, marine engineering, and hydrology. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for doing scientific work

• Interest in sailing and being at sea

• Interest in conducting research or analytical studies

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian oceanographers usually work for colleges and universities, where they are primarily involved in research. Some work for federal government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and for state and local governments that border on the ocean. Civilian oceanographers perform duties similar to those performed in the military.

Work Environment

Oceanographers work outdoors in all climates while collecting oceanographic information. They work in offices while preparing oceanographic publications and charts.

Opportunities

The services have about 100 oceanographers. On average, they need 10 new oceanographers each year. Newly commissioned oceanographers work in their specialty areas, usually with a senior officer. With experience, they work more independently. In time, they may advance to senior management or command positions.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer work on geological research projects or field trips in geology courses at universities may be available. Postsecondary programs in geology and related military training may provide experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Geologist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Geologist employer

community service work with an agency

Geologists may find jobs by applying directly to employers or by taking Civil Service examinations. Assistance in locating employment may be available from college placement offices and professional associations. Openings may be listed in trade and professional publications and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Geologists depend on their particular position, occupational specialty, amount of experience, level of education, level of job responsibility, and the type of employer. Nationally (in mid 2005), recent graduates with degrees in geology and related geological sciences were offered the following average starting salaries:

Geologists working in private industry in mid 2006 had average annual salaries ranging from $53,120 to $70,633, depending on their education, experience, and level of responsibility.  Depending on the level of education and experience, Petroleum Geologists had average annual salaries ranging from $68,500 to $215,000 in late 2004.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Depending on their college records, annual starting salaries for Geologists in the federal government were (2006):

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas. Inexperienced Geologists working for the State of Michigan (mid 2006) earned a beginning salary of $32,865 per year. The maximum salary for experienced Geologists in specialist positions was $71,117 per year.

Depending on the employer, most Geologists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. Some employers also offer savings and stock investment plans or tuition reimbursement.

With proper experience and education, Geologists may be promoted to project leaders, program managers, or other positions in management and research. Some become self-employed and work as consultants.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2004, there were an estimated 27,600 Geologists employed. In addition, several thousand persons held geology, geophysics, and oceanography faculty positions in colleges and universities.  Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. About 4.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Geologists looked like this:

In mid 2006, The Geological Society had 19,000 members nation-wide, with 740 of them residing in Michigan .  The need to replace environmental scientists and geoscientists who retire will result in many job openings over the next decade. Driving the growth of environmental scientists and geoscientists will be the continuing need for companies and organizations to comply with environmental laws and regulations, particularly those regarding groundwater contamination and flood control.

However, oil company mergers and stagnant or declining government funding for research may affect the hiring of petroleum geologists and geoscientists involved in research. Instead, increased construction and exploration for oil and natural gas abroad may require geoscientists to work overseas unless additional sites in the United States are opened for exploration.

In the past, employment of geologists and some other geoscientists has been cyclical and largely affected by the price of oil and gas. When prices were low, oil and gas producers curtailed exploration activities and laid off geologists. When prices were up, companies had the funds and incentive to renew exploration efforts and hire geoscientists in large numbers.

In recent years, a growing worldwide demand for oil and gas and new exploration and recovery techniques-particularly in deep water and previously inaccessible sites-have returned some stability to the petroleum industry, with a few companies increasing their hiring of geoscientists. Growth in this area, though, will be limited due to increasing efficiencies in finding oil and gas.Geoscientists who speak a foreign language and who are willing to work abroad should enjoy the best opportunities.

Geologists will continue to be needed to work in areas of environmental protection and reclamation. Some will help clean up contaminated sites in the United States , and others will help private companies and government comply with numerous and complex environmental regulations.

About 500 Geologists worked in Michigan . Most worked in Detroit , Lansing , and the Upper Peninsula. Some worked for companies in metal mining or petroleum and natural gas extraction. Others worked for public utilities, state and federal government agencies, colleges and universities, and consulting firms. 

Employment of Geologists in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. However, because of the small number employed, only 20 openings are expected annually with 10 due to growth and 10 due to the replacement of workers who retire, leave the labor force, or transfer to other jobs or occupations.  

Geologists will be needed due to increased demand for minerals and the need to develop more efficient methods of locating and mining natural resources. Other factors contributing to ongoing demand are the need to develop water supplies and waste disposal methods and the need to evaluate sites for construction purposes.

Large natural gas deposits have been located along the east and west shorelines of Michigan . Because of the environmental concerns over burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil, natural gas has become an increasingly utilized alternative fuel and will remain so until other clean energy sources are discovered. Although the gas will be expensive to extract because of its deep location, these deposits may provide some limited employment opportunities for Geologists in Michigan . A sluggish economy and stiff competition will have an impact on the number of job opportunities available.  However, advanced degrees and a proven work record will increase your chance in obtaining gainful employment in an uncertain economy.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

     Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth