Geoscientist Career Overview

Geoscientist Career OverviewGeoscientist Career OverviewA geoscientist studies the earths composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. He or she may search for natural resources like groundwater, metals, and petroleum, or help environmental scientists clean up and preserve the environment. Someone working in this field may also be called a geologist or geophysicist. Quick Facts According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017,geoscientists earned amedian annual salaryof$89,850 per year.This occupation employed almost 32,000 people.Oil and gas extraction companies hire the largest number of geoscientists, followed by engineering firms and (last but not least) management, scientific, and technical consultants.Geoscientists spend time both in offices and in the field, and sometimes travel is a parte of the job.The job outlook for geoscientists is good. The BLS expects employment to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2024. Roles and Responsibilities These are some typical job duties you should expect to take on if you choose this career path Interact with all parts of a projects lifecycle from concept through acquisition to pilot appraisal.Provide responsive, expert geologic advice to all related departments.Provide accurate and pertinent scientific data according to agreed upon methods, procedures,and techniques.Use geostatistical methods to assess environmental datasets.Provide supervision and guidance to assigned junior staff regarding the performance of specific project tasks.Assist with commercial analysis for continued development and new opportunity generation. Make technical presentations to internal audiences regarding projects, and represent the company externally as needed.Perform and coordinate 3Dgeo-cellularreservoir modeling projects in multiple play types, to develop field development strategies to maximize recovery, and to coordinate modeling efforts with outside contractors. How to Bec ome a Geoscientist To get an entry-level job, you will need a bachelors degree in geology. Most employers will also accept a degree in engineering, physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or computer science. However, coursework in geology is a must. A masters degree will open more doors, and a Ph.D. is necessary if youd like to become a researcher. Youll also need one in case youd like to teach at a college or university. Several states license geoscientists. Each state sets its minimum educational requirements and may administer an exam. To learn about the requirements in the state you want to work, explore the Licensed Occupations Tool from CareerOneStop. The Soft Skills Required In plus-rechnen to education and licensing requirements, you must also have certain soft skills, or personal qualities, to succeed in this occupation. Critical Thinking You must use logic to solve problems and make decisions.Reading Comprehension Geoscientistsneed to be able to understand esoteric ally-written documents.Communication Excellent speaking and writing skills will allow you to convey information to your colleagues. Also, strong listening skills will facilitate your understanding of the information colleagues share with you.Interpersonal Skills This skill set, which includes the ability to understand non-verbal cues to persuade others is essential to functioning as a member. What Employers WillExpect From You In addition to knowledge of the field,employers will look for the following when hiring geoscientists Ability to plan and organize initiatives to meet predetermined target dates and deadlines.Successful completion of 40 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration training, annual 8-hour refresher courses, first aid training (every three years), CPR training (every two years), and annual medical monitoring.Demonstrated ability to make timely and effective decisions.Willingness to travel as needed.Detail-oriented and ability to keep accurate note s. Whether This Occupation Is a Good Fit for You If this career path sound right for you, you should probably take theHolland Code IRC (investigative, realistic, conventional) and theMBTI PersonalityTypes ISTJ, ISTP, ESFP, ISFPtests to see if your personality is the right fit. Occupations With Related Activities and TasksIf youre interested in a career similar to geoscientist, according to the BLS, the following median annual salaries and requirements apply. DescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingHydrologistStudies the distribution and circulation of water, and its physical properties$89,850 Masters Degree in geoscience, environmental science or engineering with a concentration in hydrology or water sciencesGeological and Petroleum TechnicianAssists scientists with exploring and extracting natural resources$54,190Associate Degree in Applied ScienceConservationistHelps landowners protect natural resources$61,480Bachelors Degree in Environmental Sci ence, Forestry, Biology or Agricultural Science