Geoscientists

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
• Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
• Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.
• Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
• Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
• Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
• Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
• Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
• Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
• Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
• Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
• Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
• Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
• Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
• Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
• Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
• Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
• Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
• Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
• Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
• Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
• Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
• Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
• Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
• Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
• Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
• Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
• Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
• Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.