What Does a Geologist Do?

Geologists typically study the structure, composition, and history of the Earth, some even examine other planets and bodies in the Solar System. A geologist is more than identifying rocks and minerals. They examine the natural processes affecting the Earth, explore for resources such as water, oil, and gas, study the fossil remains of plants and animals, and consider the effects of the elements, earthquakes, or volcanoes on landforms.

Most geologists divide their time among field research, where they may collect data, samples, or measure strata, laboratory work, where they analyze data, samples, conduct experiments or computer modeling, and the “office” where they write papers, reports or draft maps and diagrams showing the results of their studies. Geology is rapidly evolving and looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Modern geologists are comfortable working with technology, including social media, and commonly work in interdisciplinary and/or multidisciplinary teams.

Many geologists are employed by universities where they teach and/or do research, and state and federal agencies, including geological surveys, like the California Geological Survey (CGS) or United States Geological Survey (USGS). Additional career pathways are available in the private sector including mining and natural resource extraction, environmental policy, legislation, and consulting. Many of these careers require a college degree and postgraduate work (typically a PhD). If you are interested in geology, talk to you instructor for advice. We recommend completing as many math and science courses as possible. Also visit National Parks, California State Parks, museums, gem & mineral shows, or join a local rock and mineral club, or other geology-centered organization (many are open to students for free or at a reduced rate). Typically, natural history museums will have wonderful displays of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including those from your local region. Here in California, there are a number of large collections, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and the Kimball Museum of Natural History. Additionally, many colleges and universities also have their own collections/museums. If you are unsure of what your region offers, oftentimes a simple Google search (example, rock and mineral organizations nearby) will help determine what is available. Below are just a few potential career options for those with a geology degree,

Curator of a Natural History Museum
Economic Geologist
Engineering Geologist
Environmental Geologist
Environmental Impact Report Writer
Exploration Geologist
Field Geologist
Geochemist
Geophysicist
Geochronologist
Geological Consultant
Geothermal Energy Specialist
Groundwater Geologist
Hydrologist/Hydrogeologist
Instructor/Lecturer/Professor
Laboratory Assistant/Technician
Marine Geologist
Mineralogist
Mining Geologist
Naturalist
Paleontologist
Park Ranger
Petroleum Geologist
Petrologist
Planetary Geologist (Astrogeology)
Planner
Research
Assistant/Technician
Seismologist
Stratigrapher
Structural Geologist
Technical Writer/Editor
Paleontologist
Volcanologist
and many more!