Job Description and Jobs for:
- "Geologist"

Study composition, structure, and history of the earth's crust; examine rocks, minerals, and fossil remains to identify and determine the sequence of processes affecting the development of the earth; apply knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to explain these phenomena and to help locate mineral and petroleum deposits and underground water resources; prepare geologic reports and maps; and interpret research data to recommend further action for study.

Holland / RIASEC Career Code: I-R-C SOC: 19-2042.01

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Job Tasks for: "Geologist"

Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, and/or teaching geological science at universities.

Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity and magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, and magnetometers.

Test industrial diamonds and abrasives, soil, or rocks in order to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, and precision instruments.

Identify deposits of construction materials, and assess the materials' characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or in other applications.

Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.

Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, boreholes, and aerial photos.

Plan and conduct geological, geochemical, and geophysical field studies and surveys; sample collection; and drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research and/or application.

Investigate the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, and classification of soils, minerals, rocks, and fossil remains.

Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, and reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, and resource management, using results of field work and laboratory research.

Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, and mineral ore deposits and underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, and research and survey results.

Assess ground and surface water movement in order to provide advice regarding issues such as waste management, route and site selection, and the restoration of contaminated sites.

Identify risks for natural disasters such as mud slides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, and provide advice on ways in which potential damage can be mitigated.

Conduct geological and geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, and the development of public works projects.

Inspect construction projects in order to analyze engineering problems, applying geological knowledge and using test equipment and drilling machinery.

Advise construction firms and government agencies on dam and road construction, foundation design, and land use and resource management.

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Knowledge Requirements for: "Geologist"

English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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.

Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology -- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Law and Government -- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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.

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.

Computers and Electronics -- Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Public Safety and Security -- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

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Skill Requirements for: "Geologist"

Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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.

Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Ability Requirements for: "Geologist"

Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Category Flexibility -- The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Flexibility of Closure -- The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

See the Educational Requirements for "Geologist"

Job Activities for: "Geologist"

Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Thinking Creatively -- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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