Geology career can be an interesting and fulfilling career choice. A Geologist studies the solid, semi-solid, and liquid matter which make up the Earth and all other terrestrial planets and bodies, and the processes which shape them. Geologists typically study geology, but other educational backgrounds in chemistry, biology, physics, and others are also helpful. The Earth has had a long history of contact with other terrestrial bodies through collision. Geology involves studying the Earth’s strata, or layers, in order to learn more about the Earth’s geological history.
Because it is important to study the Earth’s structure, composition, and forces, there are a number of different career paths within the field of geology. One of the most popular geology careers is the geology technician. There is an average median salary for this job, which is approximately $19 per hour. This position requires working outdoors and many times involves working in hazardous conditions, so good health and training are imperative.
Another popular geology career is that of the exploration geologist. An exploration geologist, generally, will serve as a scientist or research scientist with a number of specialties in mind. They will conduct a variety of scientific studies on the earth, such as looking at the rocks and formations for signs of geologic activity, determining the age and the type of rocks from which fossils are formed, investigating the soil for evidence of past cultures, analyzing ice cores, studying the air quality of the area for pollutants, learning about the demographics of the area, detecting signs of civil unrest, searching for missing people, detecting oil spill, detecting buried treasure, mapping the terrain to find buried treasure, examining the surface of the ground to study the topography of the area, analyzing the sediment to find out the distribution of water and sediment, analyzing the weather in the area, determining the topography, looking into the human habitability of the area, identifying and documenting any extinct fossil species, investigating prehistoric rock layers and so on. The typical education requirements for this career position would be a master’s degree, followed by a doctoral study at a suitable institution.
Geology jobs can also involve working for the government in the field of environmental protection. Scientists and geologists are often hired to monitor the health of natural resources in the US, in order to protect them from pollution and so on. These government agencies will often hire geologists for specific positions in pollution monitoring, natural resources management and so on. Typical geology careers for these government agencies will usually require you to have worked previously in the same field, so it may be necessary to obtain a master’s degree in the subject area before applying for a government job.
Students interested in entering a geology career should consider joining a regional or national club. Through these clubs, students will be able to build up a network and will be better able to access work experience when needed. These opportunities are particularly important for working towards a PhD in the field, as there will be no one to guide you towards your desired job. If you are unable to join a club, you may want to consider searching on the Internet for local organizations that might be able to help you gain work experience.
Many online job listings service will allow you to search their database to see the kind of jobs available in your area and will usually list these in alphabetical order. This can be helpful when you are trying to narrow down your career choices, especially since most geology jobs will normally be very general in nature. You will need to apply for every opening that catches your eye, however, in order to stand the best chance of getting an interview for the job.
