There are several subfields under geoscience, and the word "geoscientist" is used to refer to someone whose line of work focuses on the earth's many systems.
In many cases, geoscientists are the ones who make the first discoveries that lead to the creation of economically viable and exploitable natural resource reserves. Examples of these deposits include oil, gas, minerals, and water.
Others are employed in fields such as oceanography, seismology, volcanology, environmental protection, or land reclamation.
You are going to be studying the physical structure of the earth, including how it was created, the processes that were involved, and how it is changing, regardless of the field that you are working in.
There is a wide range of job titles available within the discipline of geoscience, and they include the following:
geophysicist
geologist
geochemist
hydrogeologist
mining engineer
sedimentologist.
Responsibilities
However, regardless of the specific subfield of geoscience you're working in, you'll often be expected to do the following tasks:
information on the geophysical, geochemical, and geological properties of the earth should be gathered in the field using seismic data, well data, and data from other sources.
Keep an eye on the process of data collecting to guarantee constant quality.
Using advanced technological tools, evaluate the data in order to establish the geology of the subsurface as well as the economic significance of natural resources.
Create geological models of the earth's subsurface in order to get a better understanding of the geological structure, rock properties, and the expected distribution of oil, gas, and mineral-bearing layers.
evaluate the possible quantities and qualities of the mineral and hydrocarbon resources.
work together with drilling engineers to establish drilling sites based on an interpretation of the data and models that have been generated.
generate geological maps and reports, which you will then give to your coworkers and customers.
carry out a comprehensive geological risk assessment on the potential exploration targets.
After gathering and modeling all of the relevant data, design and carry out an exploratory drilling program.
Prepare a map of the development wells' positions and trajectories.
collaborate across different fields of expertise to draft good proposals.
develop fresh avenues for gaining access to the reserves that are still available
New technological approaches should be implemented in geological modeling and seismic processing.
provide advice to the engineers and high management on geological issues that impact exploration
If you are employed in the exploration industry, one of your responsibilities may include doing evaluations with the use of satellite imaging, gravity, and magnetic surveys.
perform evaluations by inspecting the well core and fluid samples taken from the well, depending on the job.
Salary
Beginning wages range anywhere between £28,000 and £35,000 for most companies.
The typical annual compensation for senior-level positions is from 40,000 to 75,000 pounds. It is possible for salaries at the top level to go far into six figures.
The oil and gas industry, for example, offers larger compensation than most other businesses. Salary ranges might vary significantly amongst industries. The kind of job that you do, as well as the company you work for, as well as your location, amount of experience, and credentials, all play a role in determining your compensation.
It is common for employers to provide benefits such as a pension, private healthcare, and life insurance to their employees. Performance is often included into incentive programs. Work that is performed abroad or overseas may qualify for further compensation.
The monetary amounts listed are just meant to serve as a reference point.
Time spent working
There is no standard workweek since it varies according to employer and industry. Some geoscientists make their homes in offices or labs and adhere to a set schedule for their workdays.
Other types of employment often involve antisocial, inconsistent, or lengthy hours. For instance, geoscientists who participate in exploration might anticipate spending time either overseas or at sea, to be followed by an equivalent amount of time spent on leave, and then an equivalent amount of time spent based in the office.
What may be anticipated
There are instances when the physical circumstances might be difficult and demanding.
It is feasible to pursue careers as independent contractors or freelancers. After gaining expertise in a specific industry, such as base metal exploration or sedimentology, you may be able to launch your own consulting business in that subject.
Your area of specialization will determine the number of work opportunities that are available to you. For instance, most positions in exploration and interpretation may be found in South East England and Aberdeen, which are both located in the United Kingdom. There are job openings all around the globe in the field of mineral and oil exploration, and there are specialized consultancies scattered all over the United Kingdom. Exploration of minerals nearly often takes place in other countries.
Depending on the subfield that you work in, becoming a geoscientist may require a significant amount of time spent sailing or traveling internationally.
Qualifications
Included in the list of applicable degree disciplines are the mathematical, physical, and applied sciences. Your chances of being accepted may be improved if you get a degree in one of the following fields:
sciences of the earth
geochemistry
geology
geophysics/geotechnology
geoscience
mathematics
physics.
Jobs available on graduation include:
Keeping an eye on the drilling activities
well logging
site investigation
positions available within the Environmental Protection Agency
mining and extraction of aggregates
Even while it is feasible to begin a career in the geosciences immediately after receiving a degree, many graduates choose to pursue further education in order to acquire specialized skills prior to submitting job applications.
Your employment opportunities and opportunities for long-term career development may improve if you earn a postgraduate qualification such as a master's degree in geophysics or geoscience or a doctorate in a pertinent area of geosciences (such as geophysics, petroleum geology, hydrogeology, or sedimentology). Because of this, there is a possibility that one's compensation may increase. Continuing your education might also give opportunity to develop relationships within your sector via the completion of projects or participation at conferences.
Try looking into postgraduate programs in the field of geoscience.
It is feasible to begin one's career in some businesses as a technical assistant and eventually work one's way up to the position of full geoscientist.
Skills
You'll need to make sure you have:
talents in information technology, mathematics, and computing, with the ability to manage big data sets
superior abilities in both speaking and interacting with others
agility as well as the capacity to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary groups are desirable qualities.
the capacity to generate reports and give presentations, as well as the ability to articulate ideas and conclusions in a concise manner, both verbally and in writing
observational skills
the capacity to pick up new things rapidly while meeting deadlines and working under duress
capabilities in analytic reasoning and problem solving
solid project-management skills
the capacity to record information properly as well as meticulous attention to detail
a dedication to the pursuit of ongoing education.
Practice in the workplace
It is incredibly beneficial to get hands-on work experience via opportunities such as internships, summer jobs, or job shadowing. A significant number of the world's largest multinational corporations provide paid internships and opportunities to work over summer vacations on important projects.
Opportunities are more likely to be found in the private sector, such as within the engineering, petroleum, environmental, or water treatment industries, for example.
Employers are interested in candidates that have experience working on projects, doing research in the field, or traveling for study. These not only provide you vital hands-on experience, but they also give you an idea of what it's like to work in the field.
Make it a goal to get experience in a field related to your studies by working, for instance, as a seismic contractor or as a technical assistant for an oil business. Internships in the field of geoscience are available over the summer at major oil firms like BP and Shell. There is a possibility that the application period may close before the holidays. Vacant positions are often publicized via career counseling services as well as on the websites of the respective firms.
Find out more information on the many types of work experience and internships that are currently offered.
Employers
The petroleum and natural gas industries are common employers of geoscientists. Principal employers include:
international oil firms
businesses that specialize in geophysical research
petroleum exploration companies
corporations that mine minerals
contractors
consultants
the water business sector
firms that develop software
The process of exploration and extraction is a global industry, and a significant number of employment are located in other countries. The following organizations are the most significant employers of geoscientists in the UK:
Geological Survey of the United Kingdom (BGS)
Environment Agency (EA)
The significance of environmental concerns is continuously expanding, and some of the most rapidly developing fields in this field include hydrogeology, waste disposal, pollution control, and land quality and rehabilitation. Opportunities may be found in these fields with enterprises in the private sector, consultancies, and government agencies.
Try looking for employment opportunities at:
Work in the Ground
The Geological Society's webpage for employment opportunities, Geoscience Jobs
Job Hunting in the Oil and Gas Industry
The Oil and Gas Workers
Rigzone
It is in your best interest to submit focused speculative applications; The Geologist's Directory Online has information on businesses to which you may submit your resume.
Careers & Industry Days are held on a regular basis by the Geological Society. These days cover the complete spectrum of geoscience career paths and are often attended by prominent industry companies.
It is also beneficial to participate in local geoconservation activities and organizations, as well as to attend geological meetings and lectures (such as those hosted by the Geologists' Association).
Improvement of one's profession
Structured training programs are offered by a number of the industry's most prominent oil and gas firms, as well as engineering and environmental consultants. The training consists of a series of projects or tasks, in addition to modules that are designed to provide an overview of the company and build knowledge in both broad and specialized areas.
If you work for a smaller company, there is a better chance that you will get on-the-job training, which typically consists of induction as well as safety and survival training.
Research degrees such as a doctorate or a doctorate of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) are often required if you want to work in a research capacity in academia, industry, or a museum.
Individuals who have earned degrees in geology may find that membership in The Geological Society is beneficial for developing their professional network and staying current on developments in the sector. Membership organizations exist for the vast majority of geoscience specializations, and many companies will urge you to get chartered with an organization that is pertinent to the field in which you specialize.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is something that should be done throughout one's career in order to improve one's level of knowledge as well as to stay up with the latest technological breakthroughs and emerging fields of work.