Geologist

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 groundwater resources, investigate groundwater 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 and electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction and chemical and mechanical techniques
assist in determining the economic viability 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 about such things as land use, planning and rehabilitation and the effects of pollution on seabeds
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.

Specialisations:

Engineering Geologist

An engineering geologist 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

An environmental geologist 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

A field/exploration geologist 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

A geochemist/mineralogist/petrologist 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

A geomorphologist studies the origin and age of landforms and land surfaces.

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

A hydrogeologist/hydrologist 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; and water chemistry and pollution.

Mathematical Geologist

A mathematical geologist predicts the outcome of geological problems by applying the most appropriate data and computer models.

Mine Site Geologist

A mine site geologist controls the grade (or quality) of the ore mined. They also locate 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

A palaeontologist 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

A petroleum geologist explores and charts stratigraphic arrangement, composition and the 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

A stratigrapher deals with the order in which sedimentary rock strata have been deposited, their age and the processes by which they were formed.

Structural Geologist

A structural geologist assists engineers by advising how rock structures can influence failure of weight bearing loads in bedrock when seeking building foundations. They also conduct water and seepage into deeper zones and aquifers.

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.

Personal Requirements:

enjoy technical and engineering activities
willing to adhere to safety requirements
able to work independently or as part of a team
able to prepare accurate records and reports
physically fit
prepared to work outdoors in a range of environments.

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