This job description is worth reading from the beginning to the end if you want to know the duties and responsibilities of a geologist and the essential skills a geologist should have.
Geologists study the earth, its resources, and its behaviors.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a geologist include planning and implementing geology projects, studying the earth’s resources, and analyzing geological specimens.
Aside from the fact that geologists must complete a bachelor’s degree program, there are certain skills they should also possess.
Usually, those skills are also featured in their job description
Employers look out for applicants with these skills because they usually make good geologists.
An ideal candidate should be analytical and have good communication and teamwork skills.
They should also be given details and good knowledge of the earth and its resources.
If you want to know what geologists do, continue reading this job description.
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What does a Geologist do?
Geologists study the earth’s crust, its history, resources, behavior, composition, and structure.
These scientists apply knowledge from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology.
The daily responsibilities of a geologist may vary depending on where they work.
Those who work in tertiary institutions teach undergraduates about the earth, it’s resources, and behaviors and also plans and organize geology projects and practicals.
Geologists who work in companies where metal is produced and purified are in charge of quality control.
Whereas those that work in oil production companies like shell are responsible for assessing and evaluating the performance of oil wells.
Also, geologists who explore the earth are responsible for assessing the location of natural mineral deposits.
They also investigate the quality and quantity of specific deposits in a location.
Irrespective of where you work, you will still be responsible for conducting geological research, evaluating the earth’s resources, and preparing reports from your findings.
Your work as a geologist may be office based, but you will also have to do some field work where you collect samples.
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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Geologist?
Your responsibilities may vary slightly from those listed below, depending on where you work.
It is important to note that this is one of the most vital parts of your job description.
This is because it contains what your employer expects of you.
Therefore, I will advise you to take this section very seriously.
So, here are some of the duties and responsibilities you should expect:
1. Analyse the Earth’s Characteristics
Geologists must analyze and measure the earth’s characteristics, such as magnetic field, pressure, and gravity.
You will use equipment such as a gravimeter, magnetometer, and seismograph.
2. Test Mineral Deposits
During field trips, geologists take samples of mineral resources such as rocks, soils and
As such, they must test these minerals and investigate their characteristics and possible uses.
Such investigations use precision instruments, x-rays, heat, opticals, and many other conditions.
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3. Plan and Implement Geological Field Trips and Projects.
This duty is common in the job description of geologists who are researchers and teachers.
They plan and implement geological field trips where samples are collected.
Sample collection usually requires drilling because most minerals are below the earth’s crust.
4. Investigation of the Earth’s History and Composition
Most of the things we know today concerning the earth, its composition, history, and structure are from geologists’ research.
They collect and examine samples; their findings identify and classify minerals resounding, rocks, fossils, and soils.
5. Develop Geological Maps
After thorough research and evaluation, geologists also prepare maps, charts, and diagrams.
These parts are used in schools to educate students.
Also geological maps, diagrams, and reports may serve as a base for further research.
Other duties and responsibilities of a geologist include the following:
- Interpreting geological information.
- Identify locations where mineral resources are deposited.
- Investigating the quality and quantity of mineral resources in a location.
- Advise construction engineers on the best construction materials and location.
- Detect the risk of natural disasters and the possible damage.
- Investigating mining risks.
- Ensuring that safety rules and regulations are adhered to when performing geological investigations.
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What Qualifications do I need to become a Geologist?
The minimum academic requirement for becoming a geologist is a bachelor’s degree in geology.
Those who work in schools may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in geology or geography and a teaching certificate.
Some employers prefer hiring those with a master’s degree in specialized areas in geology, such as geoscience, geophysics, or hydrogeology.
The job requires a lot of accuracy. Therefore employers prefer employing qualified and experienced individuals.
Geologists who teach in tertiary institutions need to have a master’s or doctorate, depending on the country.
Candidates with all the necessary qualifications and some years of experience may obtain a license.
Licensing requirements may differ from state to state or country to country.
Obtaining a license from the appropriate body can make you eligible for senior positions.
What Skills does a Geologist need to have?
Aside from having the right academic requirements and qualifications, there are essential skills employers also look out for in applicants.
This is because they enable candidates to perform their duties and responsibilities better.
In the job description of a geologist, these skills are also featured.
Here are some of the Essential skills a good geologist should have:
1. Communication Skills
Performing your responsibilities as a geologist requires possessing strong communication skills.
A good geologist should be able to communicate geological findings verbally while teaching or in writing when preparing a report.
2. Team Working Skills
Successful geologists do not work alone, rather, they work as a team with other geologists and scientists.
Therefore an ideal geologist should have good teamwork skills.
Communication and Interpersonal skills usually rub off on team working skills.
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3. Organisational Skills
As I already said, the work of a geologist requires a lot of accuracy.
Therefore, you must be organized when performing your duties.
You should also develop the ability to pay attention to details.
4. IT Skills
Some geologists even develop geological software for analyzing and evaluating geologic data.
Whether you can develop geological software or not, you should be able to use them.
Successful geologists are computer literate.
5. Interpersonal Skills.
Good geologists should be able to develop good working relationships with their colleagues.
Those who teach should not only develop good working relationships with colleagues alone but with students as well.
Where do Geologists Work?
Here are some of the typical employers of geologists:
- Schools
- Mining Industries
- Oil companies
- Construction companies
- Government organizations
 A geologist may also be self-employed by starting a consultant firm.
This career path is very competitive; their academic advancement and obtaining more experience are advantageous.
Vacancies are usually advertised online, on the websites of companies or recruitment agencies, and on different social media platforms.
Also, vacancies may be advertised offline on different radio and television stations and national and local newspaper publications.
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How much do Geologists make?
According to careers, geologists who work in the United States earn an average of $68,570 per year.
This figure may vary depending on your geographical location.
Factors that may influence the salary of a geologist include:
- Location: Geologists who work in countries or states where the economy is good are likely to earn more.
- Experience: Those with more experience are at an advantage in being paid better than their less experienced colleagues.
- Qualification: Less qualified geologists and their colleagues with more academic qualifications may not be paid as well.
- Employers: individuals who work for big companies, such as companies that deal with oil and gas, are usually paid better.
- Sector: The salary of a geologist who works in a school will certainly differ from that of those who work in extraction companies.
Geologist Work Environment and Schedule
These individuals work in offices, they also do a lot of fieldwork, and when analyzing samples, they work in laboratories.
Staying away from home is also a regular experience for geologists because they may have to travel on field trips periodically.
Typically, a geologist works full time on regular working hours and days.
Working overtime may also be required on weekends and in the evening.
Geologist Job Outlook
Job opportunities for geologists are expected to increase.
This increase will be triggered by increased environmental laws and the need to replace retired geologists.
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Conclusion: Geologist Job Description Guide
Don’t hesitate to use the job description when creating your professional resume.
During your interview, do not underestimate the importance of referring to the following information:
- Years of experience
- Place of experience
- Hard skills
- Qualification
- Soft skills
Employers are also free to use this guide as a template for creating a job description for a geologist that suits their organization’s needs.
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