There are multiple disparate jobs in surface to near surface applications but those listed below are the most likely candidates for geoscience related jobs. Most of these jobs are related to environmental/ hydrogeology applications but mining is also included here.
Environmental Geoscientist
There is a variety of jobs in environmental work in multiple disciplines. It is an established field with moderate job density. Environmental geologists help prevent contamination of soil and groundwater by determining geologically safe locations for new landfills, coal ash disposal sites, and nuclear power plants. Although a degree in science or engineering is required much of the work involves on the job training.
Educational Requirements:
- BS geology, geophysics, or engineering
- Need additional edu/training in environmental processes
Experience-Expertise:
- Assessment and compliance.
- Environmental data management.
- Remediation experience
- Data mapping.
- Project management.
Professional Opportunities:
- Geologic assessor
- Field testing
- Groundwater monitoring
- Remediation specialist
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $40-56k/yr (entry); $60-110k+/yr (5+/yrs)
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Environmental companies
- Engineering firms
- Mining companies
- Government entities
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/4=High Job Density
Examples:
- Entry Level Geologist, Arcadis Highlands Ranch, CO (BS+1): Arcadis (4/20/20)
- Geologist-Environmental, LJA Engineering, Austin, TX (BA/BS+2): LinkedIn (4/20/20)
- Geologist-Entry-Mid Level, Groundwater & Environmental Services, Westford, MA (MA/MS+2): ZipRecruiter (4/20/20)
- Remediation Geologists, Chevron & Shell, CA (Personal recommendation)
Note: There are hundreds of jobs available in this mature field. Check the web.
Hydrogeologist
This opportunity can be government or private. Hydrogeologists help determine sites for safe wastewater “injection wells” and map contamination. There is a great need right now for drillers in local settings. Groundwater management is a critical element for providing safe groundwater for agriculture and other uses. Also, there is a general need for geologist to train in assessment and mapping.
Educational Requirements:
- BS geology, geophysics, or engineering
- Need additional edu/training in hydrogeology
Experience-Expertise:
- Drilling—environmental media sampling (soil, groundwater, sediment, surface water)
- Near surface hydrology
- Assessment and compliance
- Data mapping and 3-D evaluation
- Remediation and project management
Professional Opportunities:
- Groundwater monitoring
- Field testing
- Strat correlations and subsurface mapping
- Water injection technician
- Remediation specialist
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $40-56k (entry); $60-100k+/yr (5+/yrs)
Potential Clients:
- Energy companies
- Environmental companies
- Engineering firms
- Government entities
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/3.5=Med-High Job Density
Examples:
- Smart Recruiters: Oil and Gas Geologist, Consultant, Min10yrs, Charlotte, NC (work in Capetown)
- Geologist/Hydrogeologist, Jacobs, San Diego, CA: LinkedIn (5/10/20)
- Hydrogeologist, OceanGold Corp, Bethune, SC (BS/BS+0-4yrs/(BS+5yrs/$60-80k/yr): LinkedIn (5/12/20)
Note: There are many of jobs available in this mature field. Check the web.
Engineering Geologist/ Geotechnical Engineer
This is a “bridging” field where scientists are responsible for identifying the geological factors that could affect projects designed by engineers and others. Must be good at communications and report writing. This is an established field and has a moderate job density with fair compensation based on experience.
Educational Requirements:
- BS geoscience or engineering
- Additional education/training in engineering/geology
Experience-Expertise:
- Program assessment.
- Materials analysis
- Technical expertise in rock mechanics
- GIS and spatial analysis
Professional Opportunities:
- Geotechnical analyst
- Geo-environmental engineering
- Laboratory specialist
- Drilling oversight
- Field inspection and compliance
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $35-65k/yr; Sr. $70-140k/yr
Potential Clients:
- Environmental companies
- Engineering consultancy
Opportunity Ratio:
- Mature=5/3=Medium Job Density
Examples:
- Env Engineer Geologist, Tetra Tech, Golden, CO (BS+2yrs): LinkedIn (4/15/20)
- Engineering Geologist, Wsp, Morristown, NJ (MS+5yrs): Internships (5/19/20)
- Engineering Geologist, HDR, Vienna, VA (MS EngGeo+10): LinkedIn (4/20/20)
Mining Geologist
Mining is an established industry but it does not have a high density of geoscience-related jobs. There is great interest in rare earth mining, but rare earth mines are “rare” in North America and around the World. The main resource is the Mountain Pass mine in California. Due to Covid-19 and the Pentagon is considering these mines as strategic resources so there may be new opportunities in the next decade. In addition, for more than a century, oceanographers have identified minerals on the seafloor—copper, nickel, silver, platinum, gold, and even gemstones. Mining companies searching for a way to bring the minerals to the surface and there may be some opportunities for research in the near future.
Educational Requirements:
- BS, MS, PhD Geology, geophysics, or engineering
- Mining geology education and/or training.
Experience-Expertise:
- Good geologic knowledge of hard-rock rock properties
- Great experience at minerology especially optical techniques
- Basic understanding of extraction techniques
- Technical expert for minerals exploration and leasing activities
Professional Opportunities:
- Field geology
- Underground ore control
- Drilling and coring supervisor
- Geostatistical evaluator
Compensation:
- Pay ranges from $40-60k (entry); $60-120k/yr (5+/yrs)
Potential Clients:
- Large multi-national extraction companies, like BHP
- Independent regional or sub-regional mining companies
- Government oversight entities
Industry / Density Ratio:
- Mature Industry=5/2=Low Job Density
Examples:
- Mining Geologist/ Charlotte, NC: SmartRecruiters (5/4/20)
- Entry level geologist, USA Mining and Minerals, Novametallix, Inc.: Joblift (05/12/20)
- Geologist, US DOI, Monticello, UT: LinkedIn (5/13/20)