Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
What is a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers, are professionals who study the Earth's processes, materials, and phenomena. They analyze the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the Earth, focusing on areas such as geology, paleontology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. Their work involves investigating the composition of rocks, soils, and sediments, as well as understanding the Earth's history and the forces that shape its surface. These scientists often utilize advanced technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and computer modeling, to conduct their research and interpret data. Geoscientists contribute to significant fields such as natural resource management, environmental protection, and hazard assessment, playing crucial roles in addressing geological challenges and informing sustainable practices. They often collaborate with engineers, environmental scientists, and policy makers to apply their findings in practical contexts, facilitating better decision-making regarding land use, resource extraction, and conservation efforts.
Tasks
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Map creation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Geographic information system
Tools Used
- Soil core sampling apparatus
- Sonars
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers
- Electromagnetic geophysical instruments
- Radarbased surveillance systems
Knowledge
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Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Interpret research or operational data.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
- Research geological features or processes.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$52500.0 - $172600.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.