Geoscientists study processes on Earth and on other planets to better understand our resources and responsibilities within our natural world. They investigate the internal structure of the Earth, reconstruct plate movements through time, decipher rock layers and fossils that indicate different environments, and create models of future climate change. They interpret ocean temperatures to predict weather patterns, study soil types to maximize agricultural production, model petroleum reservoirs to guide drilling decisions, and map optimal ore locations for mining operations. Geoscientists are found hiking on active volcanoes, extracting cores on ice sheets and glaciers, measuring streamflow in the middle of a river, and mapping outcrops in rough terrain.
The 21st century will see increased environmental conflicts, water shortages, energy resource depletions, land use debates, and globalization that bring these issues close to home wherever they are occurring. The role of the geoscientist will be more important than ever before in guiding public policy and informed decisions in our ever-shrinking world.
Geoscientists are employed in a variety of sectors:
Industry geoscientists are employed in oil & gas or mining companies, where they interpret geologic data to guide exploration and extraction of economic materials.
Consulting firms employ geoscientists to support environmental, engineering, and hydrological decision making in a community.
The government employs geoscientists in federal and state labs and geological surveys to aid in their mission of science supporting society.
Geoscientists employed in education teach in K-12 settings or higher education institutions. Colleges and universities are an important setting for cutting-edge research leading to many important discoveries about our planet.
As a geoscientist, you could be a(n):
Archeological Geologist, Atmospheric Scientist, Cartographer, Economic Geologist, Engineering Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Geochemist, Geochronologist, Geodesist, Geographer, Geomorphologist, Geophysicist, Glacial Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Marine Geologist, Meteorologist, Oceanographer, Paleoecologist, Paleontologist, Petroleum Geologist, Petrologist, Planetary Geologist, Sedimentologist, Seismologist, Soil Scientist, Stratigrapher, Structural Geologist, or Volcanologist.
With a strong educational foundation in the geosciences, career possibilities are endless!
The job market for geoscientists has a bright future. A large percentage of the current geoscience job force is approaching retirement, which means that job vacancies and needs will be increasing in coming years. Renewed interest in domestic exploration for oil and gas, metals and uranium is creating new jobs throughout the U.S. Technological advances in remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and geologic modeling are forming a new computer-based niche for geoscientists.
Many geologists can successfully find fulfilling careers upon completion of an undergraduate program. Many will also choose to continue to graduate school to pursue higher degrees.
The Four Corners Region has a wealth of opportunities for geoscientists. The San Juan Basin south of Durango is one of the nation's most active oil and gas basins where companies large and small explore and compete for limited resources. Western Colorado contains a significant portion of domestic uranium supplies, and mining efforts are ramping up to meet rising prices and demand. Wherever development occurs, consulting firms are busy surveying terrain to guide proper planning. And Durango is close to two national laboratories in New Mexico where geoscientists play an active role in basic research, engineering advancements, and national security.
For more information about careers in the geosciences, see the following links:
American Geological Institute's Careers Brochure
American Geological Institute's Career Guide
