Studying geosciences at the university level will qualify you for several types of positions. Once you have finished your education, you will not be limited to positions in the United States and Canada. Job opportunities also exist overseas for people with this type of training.
Geoscientists work in the field, often in remote locations. They study the Earth’s structure and composition and may be involved in work involving locating ground water, minerals, and petroleum. Some geoscientists choose to work with environmental agencies to preserve the environment.
Geologists specialize in studying how rocks were formed and how their composition changes over time. Part of their work may involve analyzing fossils of plants and animals. Engineering geologists combine the fields of engineering and geology to make recommendations on major construction and natural hazard hazard-reduction projects.
You may want to consider working in the petroleum industry. This career option is exciting to graduates, since it allows them to work in a hi-tech environment. Hiring companies are generous with their compensation packages, and you may be offered bonuses, specialized training, and a flexible work schedule in addition to your base salary.
A petroleum geoscientist is asked to compile and analyze seismic data and well data to recommend locations for the company to drill. To be considered for employment with a medium or a large company, you will need to complete your Bachelor’s Degree in Geology or Geologic Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Structural Geology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, or Geophysics.
After you have a few years of experience, you can move to a smaller company which will offer you a higher salary. Hiring managers appreciate the fact that you have been trained by a larger company and are prepared to pay a premium for having you on the payroll.
The mining industry is another area where geoscience graduates can find work. Geology graduates are hired to conduct geological studies and evaluate mineral deposits. They may be required to prepare reports and update maps indicating where deposits are located.
You will be working in either a mine or a manufacturing plant. Being comfortable climbing stairs and ladders is a necessity, along with being comfortable working on an elevated platform. In performing your duties, you may be required to perform moderate lifting.
If you are interested in applying for a job with a mining company, do keep in mind that these are drug and alcohol-free workplaces. You will be asked to submit to a pre-employment drug screening test and after being hired, the company will likely perform random drug tests.
If neither of these options is of interest, then you may be interested in working for the federal government. The United States Geological Survey employs more than 9,500 people in offices located throughout the United States. Employees are hired for entry-level, intermediate, and senior positions. If you have a degree in biology, geography, geology, hydrology, or information sciences, you can apply for a job with the USGC.
As you can see, there are many interesting and well-paying job opportunities in the geosciences field. If you chose to work in the petroleum industry, you will be given the same types of job benefits that other industry employees enjoy. A generous salary, pension plan, tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program are just a few of the perks available to you as a geosciences grad.
A person who finds the earth’s structure interesting who also enjoys working outside may be attracted to the mining industry. Government agencies can offer you a work environment closer to home, along with relative job security.