Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

19-2042.00

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• 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.
• Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
• Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
• Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
• Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
• Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
• Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
• Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
• Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.
• Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
• Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
• Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
• Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
• Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
• Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
• Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
• Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
• Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
• Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
• Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
• Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
• Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
• Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
• Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
• Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
• Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
• Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
• Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Alara CRystalView; Aquifer test software; Bentley Systems gINT; Bilko; ChemStat; Clover Technology GALENA; Compass software; CrystalMaker; Data logger software; Data mining software; EarthWorks Downhole Explorer; Earthworks MaxiPit; EasySolve Software SizePerm; Enigma software; EPIC GIS; Field data recorder software; Gemcom GEMS; Gemcom Surpac; Geo-Logic Systems LithoTect Interpreter; GeoModel; Geostatistical modeling GSTAT software; Geostatistics software GS+; Gresens 92; Groundwater modeling system GMS; Groundwater Vistas; Hydrogeology Basin2; HydroSOLVE AQTESOLV; IHS Energy PowerTools; Interpex IXID; IRIS Seismic Processing Workshop; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix; Landmark VIP; Maptek Vulcan; MIT OASES; Multivariate statistical program MVSP software; National Geophysical Data Center GEODAS; OriginLab Origin; PaleoMag; Paleontological Statistics PAST; PaleoTax; Parameter Estimation PEST; PolyMap; Red Rock DeltaGraph; RockWare ChemFlux; Rockware CrossLog; RockWare DepthCon2000; RockWare Erupt; RockWare FIRSTPIX; RockWare Geochemist's Workbench GWB; RockWare GeoTrig; RockWare GRADIX; RockWare Grav2Dc; RockWare Jlog; RockWare MicroMODEL; RockWare Plan; RockWare Potent; RockWare QuickSyn; RockWare RockPack III; RockWare VEGO; RockWare Visual STUNT; RockWare WinSism; RSI ENVI; RSI interactive data language IDL software; SAS 🔥; Scientific Software Group FEFLOW; Scientific Software Group Infinite Extent; Scientific Software Group SVHeat; SeeByte SeeTrack; Seismic interpretation software; Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM; Seismic visualization software; Shape software; Socorro Scientific Software Refract2K; Solvcalv; Starpint Software Super Slug; StrainSim; Systat Software SigmaStat; TECHBASE; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Triton Elics International SeaClass; Waterloo Hydrogeologic AquaChem; Waterloo Hydrogeologic FlowPath II; Well logging software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Atoll GeoCAD; Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Evolution Computing EasyCAD; Evolution Computing FastCAD; Midland Valley 3DMove; MineSight; Paradigm SKUA-GOCAD; PowerCAD; Schlumberger Inside Reality; Trimble Terramodel; Upperspace DesignCAD; Upperspace ModelCAD
• Data base user interface and query software - EarthSoft EQuIS Geology; GeoPLUS Petra; Geosoft DAP server; Microsoft Access 🔥; MJ Systems Logsleuth; MySQL 🔥; RockWare Stratbugs
• Data conversion software - BOSS Didger
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥; MHC Document Express
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• File versioning software - Git 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcIMS; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems; RockWare RockWorks
• Graphics or photo imaging software - ACD Systems Canvas; Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Internet browser software - Internet browser software
• Map creation software - ERDAS ER Mapper; Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Geosoft Oasis montaj; Geospatial data abstraction library GDAL; Golden Software Surfer; Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK; Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE; MapInfo Professional; Mapping software; MICRODEM; MineGeo software; SACLANTCEN; Terrain surface mapping software
• Object or component oriented development software - Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software ; OpenOffice.org
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
• Analyze geological or geographical data.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Research geological features or processes.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Prepare maps.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Communicate results of environmental research.
• Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
• Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.
• Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
• Measure environmental characteristics.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
• Monitor construction operations.
• Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
• Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
• Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
• Analyze geological samples.
• Research hydrologic features or processes.
• Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
• Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.
• Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
• Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
• Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.