ENERGY(COAL, OIL, GAS, & OTHER ENERGY SOURCES)

Stratigraphy
Sedimentology
Structural Geology
Geophysics
Economic Geology
Geomorphology
Paleontology
Fossil Energy

• Petroleum industry including oil and gas exploration,
  production, storage, and waste disposal facilities
• Independent drilling companies

Federal government agencies such as:

• Department of Energy
• Bureau of Land Management

• State government
• Private companies
• Consulting firms
• Equipment suppliers

Geologists working in the area of energy use various
methods to determine where energy sources are
accumulated.

Because geologists often work closely with engineers,
obtain some knowledge in engineering to aid
communication.
Gain knowledge of computer modeling and Global Positioning System (GPS). Both are used to
locate deposits.
Many geologists in this area of expertise work with oil
and gas and may work in the geographic areas
where deposits are found: Texas, Oklahoma,
Louisiana, California, offshore sites, or overseas in oil-producing countries.
This industry is subject to fluctuations, so be prepared
to work on a contract basis.
Develop excellent writing skills to publish reports and
to solicit grants from government, industry, and
private foundations.
In order to manage projects, obtain management and
leadership experience.

MINERALS

Mining Geology
Mineralogy
Geochemistry
Economic Geology
Paleontology
Stratigraphy
Sedimentology
Crystallography

• Mining Companies
• Consulting Firms

Federal government agencies such as:

• Bureau of Mines
• Office of Surface Mining
• Bureau of Land Management
  
• Coal companies
• Well services and drilling companies
• Construction firms
• Quarries
• Railroad companies

Geologists who are focused in the mineralogy or
mining geology area are interested in locating the accumulations of minerals or metals within the earth's crust.

Become familiar with environmental regulations and government permit issues.
Mining geologists rely heavily on the computerized
Geologic Block Model to learn about a mineral
deposit, so computer literacy is essential.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

Sedimentology
Hydrology
Geomagnetism
Earth Surface Dynamics
Coastal & Marine Geology

Federal government agencies such as:

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Forest Service
• Army Corps of Engineers
• US Geological Survey
• Bureau of Land Management
• Department of Defense

Geologists in this category may focus on studying,
protecting, and reclaiming the environment.

Obtain a great deal of lab experience.
Consider obtaining a double major in physics because
of the geophysical nature of this concentration area.
Develop excellent written and public speaking skills.
Gain a thorough understanding of federal and state government guidelines for the management of
solid, liquid, and gaseous waste.
Consider a law degree for work with land-use laws
and legal matters.

Federal government agencies such as:

• US Geological Survey
• Department of Defense

• Private companies

Geologists interested in geologic mapping collect,
process, analyze, translate, and disseminate earth-science information through geologic maps.

Obtain excellent computer and technical skills because much mapping is now digitized.
Gain experience in surveying through internships or academic opportunities.

Federal government agencies such as:

• NASA
• US Geological Survey

Geologists involved in astrogeology may participate in processing and analyzing data from various missions to planetary bodies in our solar system, assisting in finding potential landing sites for exploration vehicles, mapping our neighboring planets and their moons, and conducting research to better understand the origins,
evolutions, and geologic processes operating on
these bodies.

Work in this area often requires many years of
experience and developed research. A PhD is often required.
Develop extraordinary analytical writing skills for
grant writing and research

EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANOES, LANDSLIDES, FLOODS

Seismology
Tectonophysics
Geomagnetism
Global Seismic Networks

Federal government agencies including:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• US Geological Survey
• Department of Defense

• Private research groups and foundations

Geologists involved in this area focus on the
detection of hazards and the effects of hazards
on the landscape.

Gain experience in technical mapping such as digital
terrain modeling.
Consider an additional major in physics or take
additional geophysics courses.
Gain some knowledge in engineering.
Develop presentation and writing skills.

EDUCATION

Teaching
Research
Administration

• Elementary/secondary public or private schools
• Colleges and universities
  Museums

GENERAL INFORMATION
• Within the many facets of geology, there is often overlap of job functions. However, many geologists find advantage in becoming more specialized.
• Gaining experience is very important and there are many opportunities for students to obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, and/or co-op
experiences in different geological fields.
• A bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level industry positions.
• A master's degree is often preferred for statesurvey work and advancement in industry and government.
• Employment prospects are best for those with master's degrees, familiarity with advanced technologies such as computer modeling, and willingness to relocate.
• Plan on completing a state exam to become a registered geologist.
• Obtain experience in mapping and surveying. Develop skills with measuring equipment as well as laboratory equipment and processes.
• Obtain a business background to help in managing projects and assessing economic costs and benefits.
• Have a love of the outdoors, an interest in nature, and a desire to travel.
• Join groups directed toward improvement of natural resources, environment, and pollution control.
• Develop exceptional computer skills.
• Join the student branch of the professional organization(s) related to interest area(s).
• Learn a foreign language since work may often be done in other countries.
• Develop physical stamina to work and do research in remote areas under various conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. The ability to market your skills and write proposals is necessary to maintain steady work. The
ability to obtain grants may be necessary to continue a project.

• Sloan Career Cornerstone
• Earth Science World
• GeoTimes
• American Geological Institute
• The Geological Society of America
• Geology.com
• Geology Link Page
• Geology.com - Jobs
• US Geological Survey
• US DOL Stats - Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists
• US DOL Stats - Post-secondary Teachers