There are numerous jobs available in the various forms of government in any country. They are very competitive and often applicants are competing with other government employees who already have particular ratings within the system. Many jobs require PhD to post-Doc education.
National Government (Federal-USA) Geoscientist
There are a diversity of jobs available in the Federal government although applicants will need to be willing to move around the country. Application is typically an extensive process. Jobs range from standard geoscience to environmental to planetary geology.
Educational Requirements:
- BS-PhD Geology, geophysics
Experience-Expertise:
- Good geoscience skills
- Environmental/ hydrogeology training
- Petrophysical expertise
- Geochemical expertise
- Some experience in basin modeling
Professional Opportunities:
- Stratigrapher/ Mapper
- Sedimentologist
- Petrophysicist
- Geochemist
Compensation:
Potential Clients (US):
- USGS
- BLM
- DOI/National Park Services—low budgets and typically a Forestry or Biology degree is required but there are limited opportunities for geoscientists.
- NASA—remote sensing, planetary science. Limited jobs generally for geos with PhDs.
- DOE—some energy related jobs especially in renewables such as geothermal technology and development.
- NSA—security and surveillance using advanced analytics and imaging
- NETL
- DOD—Military Service
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/3=Medium Job Density
Examples:
- Just Geology Jobs (4/8/20): Research Geologist –GS-1350-12/13, US DoI, Lakewood, Co. ($85-$130)
- Glassdoor (4/26/20): Physical Scientist, USGS, Menlo Park, CA (GS-09: $65k/yr).
- Salary.com (5/13/20): Geologist, BLM, Fillmore, UT ($60-80k/yr)
- NETL/DOE (05/04/20): Subsurface Energy Analyst, KeyLogic Systems, Pittsburg, PA
Regional Government (State-US) Geoscientist
Educational Requirements:
- BS/BA-MS geology or geophysics
Experience-Expertise:
- Good geoscience skills
- Environmental/ hydrogeology training
- Petrophysical expertise
- Geochemical expertise
- Some experience in basin modeling
Professional Opportunities:
- Survey geoscientist most require PhD in geoscience.
- Environmental crossover: DEQ, etc. to study water quality, spills, etc.
- Geo-hazards
- Site inspectors
Compensation:
Potential Clients:
- State surveys
- State oil and gas commissions
- Bureaus/agencies
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/2.5=Med-High Job Density
Examples:
Local Government (City) Geoscientist
Educational Requirements:
- BS/BA-MS geology and geophysics
Experience-Expertise:
- Good geoscience skills
- Environmental/ hydrogeology training
- Petrophysical expertise
- Geochemical expertise
- Some experience in basin modeling
Work Opportunities:
- STEM teaching opportunities. Alternative certification for teachers, varies by State and by District
Compensation:
Potential Clients:
- City government
- Primary to secondary schools
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/2= Fair Job Density
Examples: