Geologist
Alternative Titles:
Geoscientist
Geologists study the nature, composition and structure of
the earth to increase scientific knowledge, locate materials
and minerals, and advise on the extraction of minerals,
environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after
mining.
Geologists may perform the following tasks:
- explore specific areas of the earth to work out its
structure and the types of rocks or minerals that exist
- study rock cores, cuttings and samples
- study geostatistics and sampling theory
- study fossilised life forms and date rock strata
- study the nature and effects of natural events such as
erosion, sedimentation, glaciation, earthquakes and volcanic
hazards
- locate and manage ground water resources, investigate
ground water contamination and land salinity
- undertake geochemical sampling of stream sediment and
soils
- undertake ground magnetic and gravity surveys
- examine geological specimens in laboratories using
optical, X-ray and electron microscope, chemical and
mechanical techniques
- assist in determining the economics of extracting earth
resources
- advise on the geological suitability of sites for
structures such as tunnels, roads, coastal installations,
bridges and water supply schemes
- contribute to environmental assessments such as land
use, planning and rehabilitation, pollution studies and the
seabed
- use computers to integrate and interpret data sets of
geological information
- prepare geological models to describe processes and
predict future situations
- prepare geological reports and maps.
Geologists work in laboratories, offices and in the field.
They may work independently or as members of a mixed team of
professional and non-professional staff. They may have contact
with the public, especially if needing permission to go onto
private land. Fieldwork can involve spending time in remote
desert, tropical or antarctic/arctic regions. The hours of
work can be irregular and it may be necessary to spend long
periods away from home.
Geologists may specialise as an:
Engineering Geologist who works with engineers to
carry out detailed geological mapping, both surface and
underground, before major construction work; and assesses the
qualities of building stone and quarry rocks used for building
and road construction. They also assess geological structures
for open cut and underground mine safety, and foundations for
building.
Environmental Geologist who studies the nature of
ground and surface waters; soil movement, erosion and
degradation; salinisation and coastal erosion; the effects of
pollution and human activity on rivers; and the environmental
effects of mining, nuclear energy and waste disposal.
Field/Exploration Geologist who carries out surveys
to determine the geological structure, distribution and age of
rocks; and can indicate where particular natural resources are
likely to be found.
Geochemist/Mineralogist/Petrologist who studies the
mineral and chemical composition of rocks using equipment such
as optical and electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, atomic
absorption and mass spectrometry. They may also be involved in
examining the transport of pollutants through rock masses.
Geomorphologist who studies the origin and age of
landforms and land surfaces.
Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist who evaluates and manages
the quality, quantity, reliability and sustainability of all
aspects of water resources.
Hydrologists are concerned with surface water processes
such as rainfall, run-off, evaporation, river flows (floods
and droughts), erosion and water pollution. Hydrogeologists
are concerned with groundwater and the soil-moisture
variation, amount, speed and direction of groundwater flow,
extraction and replenishment of groundwater, water chemistry
and pollution.
Mathematical Geologist who predicts the outcome of
geological problems, by applying the most appropriate data and
computer models.
Mine Site Geologist who controls the grade (or
quality) of the ore mined and locates extensions to ore
deposits, by deciding which areas of an ore body should be
mined at a particular time and defining the ore limits at the
mine based on economic considerations.
Palaeontologist who examines, classifies and
describes animal and plant fossils found in sedimentary rocks.
Understanding the evolutionary order of the fossil record is
particularly important in oil exploration.
Petroleum Geologist who explores and charts
stratigraphic arrangement, composition and structure of the
earth's surface layers to locate petroleum and natural gas.
They estimate the extent of reserves using seismic and
geological survey evidence and recommend the most appropriate
drilling and production methods.
Stratigrapher who deals with the order in which
sedimentary rock strata have been deposited, their age and the
processes by which they were formed.
Structural Geologist who assists engineers by
advising how rock structures can influence failure of weight
bearing loads in bedrock when seeking building foundations, or
to conduct water and seepage into deeper zones and aquifers.
Required Skills - Geologist
- enjoy technical and engineering work
- willing to adhere to safety requirements
- able to work as part of a team
- able to work independently
- able to prepare accurate records and reports
- physically fit
- prepared to work outdoors in a range of environments
Similar Jobs - Geologist
Find work - Geologist
Job Search - Geologist
|
