Geoscientist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A geoscientist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Just as a doctor uses tools and techniques, like X-rays and stethoscopes, to look inside the human body, geoscientists explore deep inside a much bigger patient—planet Earth. Geoscientists seek to better understand our planet, and to discover natural resources, like water, minerals, and petroleum oil, which are used in everything from shoes, fabrics, roads, roofs, and lotions to fertilizers, food packaging, ink, and CD's. The work of geoscientists affects everyone and everything.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Geoscientist?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
3. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
5. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

6. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
7. 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.
8. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
9. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
10. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Geoscientist might do:

• 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.
• Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• 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.
• Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
• Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
• 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.