Geoscientist
How to Become a Geoscientist
Geoscientist Job Description
Skills and Qualities of a Geoscientist
Geoscientist Salaries
Influential Geoscientists
Leading Geoscientist Organizations
Top Cities for Geoscientist Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Geoscientist
Although a bachelor's degree in geology or related earth science field is enough for entry level positions in the geosciences fields, most successful geoscientists have a master's degree or higher. In fact, a master's degree is preferred for entry level geoscientist positions. However, even though a PhD is required for most high level research or professor positions in the geosciences, most other positions may prefer geoscientists with lesser educational degrees. Geoscience courses should include geologic methods and traditions. Those who study physics, chemistry, biology, math, engineering, or computer science may also find themselves adequately prepared for positions within the geosciences.
What does a Geoscientist do?
Geoscientists study the physical dimensions of the earth both in the present and in the past. Geology and geophysics are the two major subdivisions within the geosciences, yet both also contain a large number of subspecialties. Geologists study rocks, minerals, and fossils in an effort to understand how they were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. Geophysicists use physics, math, and chemistry to go beyond the surface of the earth to study its internal composition, ground and surface waters, atmosphere, and magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. All geoscientists spend a large portion of their time in the field collecting data. The rest of the time, they can be found in labs, offices, and classrooms. Geoscientists do calculations based on their field findings, and prepare and present reports on them.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Geoscientist?
Geoscientists must have computer skills to be successful. In particular, knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) is important. Geoscientists usually work as part of team, so those wishing to pursue a career in this field must have good interpersonal skills. An important aspect of any geoscientist's job is writing reports and explaining findings, so excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential. Successful geoscientists are inquisitive and think logically and analytically. Fieldwork requires physical stamina.
How much do Geoscientists make?
It is difficult to pin down the earnings of geoscientists because of the variety of occupations held by those in the field and the disparity in pay based on level of education and experience. In 2006, the median annual income of all geoscientists in the United States was $72,660 with the middle fifty percent earning between $51,860 and $100,650. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers students who graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in geology or a related science were offered an initial average annual income of $40,786.
Occupations in the geosciences fields are expected to increase at a staggering rate of 22% until 2016. (The average increase for all occupations during the same period is expected to be seven to thirteen percent.) Demand for professionals in the geosciences fields has already increased due to current needs for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and water management.
Occupations in the geosciences fields are expected to increase at a staggering rate of 22% until 2016. (The average increase for all occupations during the same period is expected to be seven to thirteen percent.) Demand for professionals in the geosciences fields has already increased due to current needs for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and water management.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Clair Patterson (1922-1995) is considered by many to be the most influential geoscientist of the century. Patterson is credited with creating the first "clean lab" due to his efforts to eradicate lead from his testing environment while trying to calculate the age of the earth. He was the first to realize and draw attention to the dangers of lead in the environment and began a campaign that resulted the passage of the Clean Air Act. After seven years of research, Patterson successfully calculated the most accurate age of the earth and solar system (4.55 billion years old), a figure that has remained unchallenged for more than fifty years.
Walter Alvarez is a professor of earth and planetary sciences at the University of California at Berkley. Alvarez is most widely known for the discovery he and his father, Luis W. Alvarez, made with Frank Asaro and Helen Michel that a layer of clay at boundary of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary is high in iridium. Because iridium is common in asteroids but rare on earth, this discovery lead to the team to theorize that an asteroid hit the earth at the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago and was the likely cause for the extinction of 85% of life on earth, including the dinosaurs. Alvarez's work has also furthered understanding of Roman geology, Mediterranean tectonics, the establishment of magnetostratigraphic correlations. Professor Alvarez has received many awards including the Geological Society of America's highest honor, the Penrose Medal.
Walter Alvarez is a professor of earth and planetary sciences at the University of California at Berkley. Alvarez is most widely known for the discovery he and his father, Luis W. Alvarez, made with Frank Asaro and Helen Michel that a layer of clay at boundary of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary is high in iridium. Because iridium is common in asteroids but rare on earth, this discovery lead to the team to theorize that an asteroid hit the earth at the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago and was the likely cause for the extinction of 85% of life on earth, including the dinosaurs. Alvarez's work has also furthered understanding of Roman geology, Mediterranean tectonics, the establishment of magnetostratigraphic correlations. Professor Alvarez has received many awards including the Geological Society of America's highest honor, the Penrose Medal.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
There are several organizations devoted to subspecialties of geoscience, for example: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Institute of Hydrology, and Clay Minerals Society. Two organizations that span the myriad of subspecialties in this field are the American Geological Institute and the Geological Society of America.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) was founded in 1948 and is a federation of 44 geoscientific professional associations and claims a membership of more than 120,000 earth scientists. This organization is based out of Alexandria, Virginia and plays an important role in strengthening geoscience education and public awareness of the importance of geosciences in society's use of and interaction with the environment.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) was established in 1888 and is based out of Boulder, Colorado. The GSA is the first enduring society for the geosciences in the United States. More than 21,600 professionals claim membership in this organization that offers meetings and conferences, scientific publications, research grants, assistance to teachers involved in geoscience education, and a mission to increase public awareness of the importance of this field.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) was founded in 1948 and is a federation of 44 geoscientific professional associations and claims a membership of more than 120,000 earth scientists. This organization is based out of Alexandria, Virginia and plays an important role in strengthening geoscience education and public awareness of the importance of geosciences in society's use of and interaction with the environment.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) was established in 1888 and is based out of Boulder, Colorado. The GSA is the first enduring society for the geosciences in the United States. More than 21,600 professionals claim membership in this organization that offers meetings and conferences, scientific publications, research grants, assistance to teachers involved in geoscience education, and a mission to increase public awareness of the importance of this field.
What are the top cities for Geoscientist jobs?
Aspiring geoscientists should have no trouble finding work in Houston, Texas. The city that comes in second with the most geoscientist openings is Midland, Texas. Other cities with openings in this field include West Chester, Pennsylvania, Vernon Hills, Illinois, and Tampa, Florida.
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