19-2042.00

Geoscientists

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Career Cluster:Energy & Natural Resources
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

Adobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareGitMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMySQLMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatPythonSASThe MathWorks MATLAB

Key Tasks

  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
  • Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
  • Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
  • Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
  • Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.
  • Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
  • Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
  • Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
  • Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
  • Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
  • Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
  • Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
  • Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
  • Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
  • Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
  • Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
  • Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
  • Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
  • Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
  • Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
  • Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
78%
Speaking
75%
Science
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Writing
72%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Active Listening
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
72%
Mathematics
60%
Systems Analysis
56%
Active Learning
56%
Systems Evaluation
56%
Monitoring
53%
Coordination
53%
Learning Strategies
53%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Instructing
50%
Time Management
47%
Persuasion
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Negotiation
41%
Service Orientation
41%
Operations Analysis
41%
Programming
25%
Operation and Control
25%
Operations Monitoring
25%
Quality Control Analysis
25%
Equipment Selection
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Technology Design
16%
Management of Material Resources
16%
Troubleshooting
13%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Geography
75%
Mathematics
71%
English Language
71%
Chemistry
70%
Physics
66%
Computers and Electronics
64%
Education and Training
56%
Engineering and Technology
56%
Biology
49%
Law and Government
47%
Administration and Management
44%
Public Safety and Security
39%
Communications and Media
37%
Customer and Personal Service
36%
Administrative
36%
History and Archeology
33%
Personnel and Human Resources
32%
Economics and Accounting
32%
Mechanical
30%
Design
29%
Foreign Language
28%
Transportation
25%
Telecommunications
23%
Sales and Marketing
20%
Psychology
18%
Building and Construction
18%
Sociology and Anthropology
15%
Production and Processing
15%
Philosophy and Theology
12%
Therapy and Counseling
7%
Fine Arts
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
6%
Food Production
4%

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Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Written Comprehension
78%
Written Expression
75%
Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Category Flexibility
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
72%
Speech Clarity
69%
Mathematical Reasoning
69%
Near Vision
66%
Speech Recognition
66%
Fluency of Ideas
60%
Far Vision
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Number Facility
56%
Originality
53%
Visualization
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Speed of Closure
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
41%
Memorization
35%
Time Sharing
31%
Trunk Strength
31%
Auditory Attention
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Multilimb Coordination
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Control Precision
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Reaction Time
22%
Depth Perception
22%
Rate Control
22%
Response Orientation
22%
Gross Body Coordination
22%
Hearing Sensitivity
19%
Stamina
19%
Static Strength
19%
Finger Dexterity
19%
Peripheral Vision
19%
Dynamic Strength
19%
Glare Sensitivity
19%
Gross Body Equilibrium
19%
Manual Dexterity
19%
Sound Localization
16%
Extent Flexibility
16%
Night Vision
16%
Speed of Limb Movement
10%
Explosive Strength
3%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information
92%
Getting Information
92%
Working with Computers
86%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
85%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
85%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Processing Information
83%
Thinking Creatively
81%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
80%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
76%
Documenting/Recording Information
76%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
76%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
75%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
72%
Training and Teaching Others
72%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
66%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
65%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
61%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
60%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
58%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
58%
Scheduling Work and Activities
57%
Coaching and Developing Others
57%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
56%
Developing and Building Teams
55%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
49%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
46%
Performing Administrative Activities
46%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
45%
Performing General Physical Activities
43%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
42%
Selling or Influencing Others
38%
Handling and Moving Objects
37%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
36%
Staffing Organizational Units
35%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
35%
Controlling Machines and Processes
33%
Assisting and Caring for Others
26%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
25%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
24%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

96%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

88%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

85%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

81%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

78%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

78%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

75%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

74%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

69%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

69%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

64%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

61%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

60%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

59%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

57%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

56%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

51%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

51%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

50%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

49%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

49%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

48%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

48%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

48%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

42%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

39%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

39%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

37%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

35%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

35%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

35%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

35%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

35%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

35%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

31%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

31%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

28%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

28%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

27%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

27%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

25%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

21%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

19%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

18%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

17%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

17%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

16%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

15%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

13%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

13%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

12%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

11%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

11%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

11%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

4%

Education

Master's degree

44%

Bachelor's degree

38%

Doctoral degree

9%

Interests

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 f

100

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, t

78

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 hum

53

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

28

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

21

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

11

Work Styles

Intellectual Curiosity
91%
Attention to Detail
88%
Innovation
76%
Dependability
72%
Achievement Orientation
68%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
61%
Integrity
60%
Cautiousness
56%
Perseverance
56%
Self-Confidence
53%
Adaptability
50%
Initiative
47%
Stress Tolerance
39%
Leadership Orientation
30%
Cooperation
25%
Self-Control
24%
Sincerity
21%
Humility
19%
Social Orientation
12%
Optimism
9%

Work Values

Independence
78%
Achievement
72%
Recognition
72%
Working Conditions
72%
Relationships
39%
Support
22%

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