Geoscientist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: GeoscientistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for geoscientific occupations, such as engineering geologists, geophysicists, and paleontologists. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in the sciences.
Geology.comYou can learn about the basics of geology at this page, access popular geology articles and news, look at world maps of all types, and get answers to questions about tsunamis, rock tumblers, galaxies, and other geological interests. A career database is available here, in addition to salary information, satellite images, reference material, and most other things you can think of related to geosciences study, school, and careers.
Princeton Review: GeologistFind out about a day in the life of a geologist at this page, as well as links to information on facts and figures about the career, majors that might be useful in advancing your position in the field of geology, and what you can expect to earn in the field as a person just starting out and after several years of work or research. Links at the left of the page will take you to further information on salary, job outlook, and training information.
Occupational Titles
Geologist
Geoscientist
Core Analyst
Crystallographer
Engineer, Soils
Engineering Geologist
Environmental Consultant
Geochemist
Geodesist
Geological Scout
Geologist, Petroleum
Geomorphologist
Geophysical Laboratory Director
Geophysical-Laboratory Chief
Geophysicist
Geoscientist
Hydrogeologist
Hydrologist
Invertebrate Paleontologist
Micro Paleontologist
Mineralogist
Paleontologist
Petrographer
Petroleum Geologist
Petrologist
Prospector
Sedimentationist
Seismologist
Stratigrapher
Supervisor, Geophysical Laboratory
Volcanologist
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, GeologistSeveral college majors may be appropriate as precursors to a career as a geologist, including geological engineering, paleontology, sustainable resource management, and geophysics. Find a list of them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in.
Salary Levels
Payscale: GeologistThis salary survey shows you the median salary by years of experience for geologists across the U.S. If you advance further down the page, you will find similar charts that depict salary according to employer type or city of employment.
Salary of a GeologistCombining information on different types of geologists, this fact sheet includes the source entry, a result, and summarized information on the salary of geologists, according to educational level and other variables.
Professional Organizations
American Association of Petroleum GeologistsThis international geological organization offers educational materials to high school and college students that include courses, field seminars, and online training. Career resources, student grants, online publications, and today’s geological news and spotlight are presented. Go to the student link, and you will be able to find information on student chapters near you and information on student break expos.
American Geological InstituteGeoscience education, information services, publications, and work information are all collected at this federation of more than 40 geoscientific associations. A special guide to careers in geosciences is available at the education link, in addition to scholarship information and connections to free publications. Click on the Earth Science World Image Bank to explore earth images from around the world. You’ll also be able to access Geotimes magazine and a breakdown of the geosciences workforce.
Geological Society of AmericaThis organization provides a large variety of resources, including career opportunities, networking, research, and publications. Go to the student link, and you will find cutting-edge knowledge of the geoscientific field, the ability to apply for research funding for your projects, and information on succeeding in your pursuit of a geosciences career.
Job Opportunity Sources
Geology Society of America: EmploymentThe employment service center of this professional organization offers a fee-based employer-applicant matching process. If you register, you can gain exposure to employers by posting your resume.
Licensing & Certification
ISeek Certifications by Career: Geologists and GeophysicistsFind over 20 certifications in the field of geology at this page, which includes links to a variety of credentials that would make you stand out from the rest.
Publications
Geological Society of America Online PublicationsOnline subscriptions are available here, including Geology, Bulletin, Geosphere, GSA Today, GSA Books, and Maps and Field Guides for geologists. Some publications have associated multimedia files accessible through the Data Repository at the end of each article. Lots of these publications have full-texts available online at no cost for featured articles and news.
GeotimesThis publication of the American Geological Institute provides web extra articles that are available for free on such topics as volcanic eruption and travels in geology. Take online polls, read about political issues associated with geological study, and get “down to earth” with real geologists’ work, trends, and innovations.
NatureFind the latest news in the field of biological sciences at the headlines here, with excellent news and information in the field all available from your laptop. The Nature network is filled with blogs, forums, and people to connect with, and the online publication can be browsed by popular biological topics.
Science MagazineFind career information, as well as scientific research and news, at this online version of Science magazine. A current online issue is offered that provides a multimedia department where you can listen to podcasts, find images and slides, or view videos on such topics as gene regulation. View previous issues by subject or explore special features of the publication.
Career Videos
Careers for GeoscientistsAccess this video for free, and find out about the breadth of opportunities available to you in the study of atmosphere, oceans, and the earth. You’ll hear interviews from experienced geoscientists about the nature of their work, travel adventures, and the state-of-the-art technology used in their practice.
Forensic GeologyThis webcast is available for free from the Geological Society of America, where you can learn how geologists use their knowledge to aid in criminal and civil investigations. You’ll find out all about a very interesting sub-specialty of science, otherwise known as forensic geology.
Iseek: Geologists & GeophysicistsWatch a video about the jobs of geologists and geophysicists, including what they study and what they have in common as geoscientists. Learn about the tools they use, as well as they various areas of expertise that they can specialize in. You can also click on related links to work activities, skills, preparation, wages, jobs, and certifications in the field.
