Studying the Earth's composition and history

Geoscientist (Geologist sub) A career that I would like to learn more about is the Geoscientist. The people in this field study the “composition, structure and other physical aspects of the Earth and it’s geologic past and present.” CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) They can search for groundwater, petroleum, metals and minerals or work with other scientists to clean and preserve our planet. Teams of them come together for the greater good…some out on the field, some in labs and even moving or traveling abroad. The possibilities are endless and the pay significantly varies depending on the danger or personal experience. There are many specialties that this kind of scientist can get into, including geology, geophysics, and hydrology. Geologists study the composition, processes, and history of the Earth. They try to find out how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. They also study the evolution of life by analyzing plant and animal fossils. Geophysicists use the principles of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to study not only the Earth's surface, but also its internal composition, ground and surface waters, atmosphere, oceans, and magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Hydrologists study the quantity, distribution, circulation, and physical properties of water and the water cycle. CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Each of these categories has specialists as well. However the Hydrologist and Geoscientist work closely together to cover all the natural elements. In order to be in this profession, one would need a bachelor’s degree for many entry level positions which would get me in the field to acquire some necessary experience. Most Geoscientists however, would go for the master’s degree to start out a little higher up in the job they apply for, especially since it is required for most high level research and some university work. One may also decide to add a Ph.D. to their resume however it is usually only required for those planning on working as professors or partake in studies at universities. Mandated certifications or licensures vary by state and are only necessary if one is offering services directly to the public. There are a few other areas one would do well to have some knowledge of as they are becoming an essential part of this field such as GPS, GIS (geographic information system), computer graphics and data analysis are a few. As well, good oral and written communication skills are a must since one would have to write reports on findings or requests. Good interpersonal skills would get one farther as they would indefinitely be working very closely to other scientists and possibly be meeting with clientele. This is very much a team effort work environment. One choosing this occupation can expect to be out in the weather and in very remote areas at least some of the time. Depending on one’s knowledge and/or experience, they may also spend most of their time in a laboratory or writing reports for various universities, federal or state officials. New information is needed to keep up on things like global warming, glacial movement and mapping of newly renovated areas or those affected by natural disasters and to keep up on volcanic activity. One would perform seismic studies to search for something or simply to understand the structure of the layers of earth below. One could also be collecting plant life, fossils or certain types of stones or gems to be examined back at the lab. Searching for untapped natural recourses abroad is very big right now and those who speak two or more languages and are willing to travel or relocate would be a valuable asset to their company. Some of the equipment these scientists would use are downhole pumps for flow/pump testing, EM and DC recording systems, pressure transducers, satellite stations, downhole high temperature fluid samplers, portable mass spectrometers, seismic graphs, a range of sensors, special giant pipes for core samples and many more. CITATION Ber10 1033 (Berkley Lab Earth Science) Salary range for Geoscientists and the specialties that are involved with it vary considerably the lower 10% earning $41,000 annually and the highest earning $113,000. The median income is around $79,000. Depending on the chosen specialty one’s pay may increase while their job security will go decrease. CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) “Median annual wages of hydrologists were $71,450 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $54,910 and $89,200; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,410 and the highest 10 percent more than $105,010. In March 2009, the Federal Government's average salary was $94,085 for geologists, $108,118 for geophysicists, $89,404 for hydrologists, and $105,671 for oceanographers.” CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Projections data from the National Employment MatrixOccupational TitleSOC CodeEmployment, 2008Projected Employment, 2018Change,2008-18Detailed StatisticsNumberPercentGeoscientists and hydrologists—41,70049,1007,40018——Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers19-204233,60039,4005,90018[PDF][XLS]Hydrologists19-20438,1009,6001,50018[PDF][XLS] NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in the Handbook introductory chapter on Occupational Information Included in the Handbook. CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Oil and gas extraction$127,560Federal Executive Branch90,220Architectural, engineering, and related services66,770Management, scientific, and technical consulting services62,070State government57,700 CITATION bls08 1033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) For those who search for petroleum you’ll notice that the pay goes up, however the job security will go up and down parallel to gas prices. A couple of companies that would hire a Geoscientist are Shell and Chevron gas companies as well as the United States Geological Survey. This is the federal job that few will get. CITATION Sci09 1033 (Science Buddies) This is because the federal budget cuts leave little room for new employees, so they are more likely to contract an independent company for the answers they need at the time. So, from the study of volcanoes to finding the gas that powers your vehicle and making sure the water sources are biologically sound Geoscientists, Hydrologists and the like bring us new evidence, ideas and safety every time they venture out on a mission of discovery and are very much a part of our very lives. QUESTIONS: Q- Why is it important for a Geologist to have good interpersonal skills? ,[object Object],Q- What degree in geosciences would you need to get your foot in the door for an entry level position? ,[object Object],Q- For a Geoscientist in the petroleum industry, does higher pay mean good job security as well? ,[object Object],Q- What geographical limitations will you have in this profession or any of its subsidiaries? ,[object Object],Works Cited BIBLIOGRAPHY Berkley Lab Earth Science. 2010. 2010 <http://esd.lbl.gov/research/facilities/gmf/>.Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2009. 2010 <www.bls.gov>.Science Buddies. 2009. December 2010 <http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-engineering-careers/Geo_geoscientist_c001.shtml>.

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