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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers - 19-2042.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Engineering Geologist
  • Environmental Protection Geologist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Geological Specialist
  • Geologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Geoscientist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Mine Geologist
  • Project Geologist

SOC Occupation Groups

19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2000 Physical Scientists
19-2040 Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists
19-2042.00 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
  • Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
  • Analyze environmental data.
  • Analyze geological or geographical data.
  • Analyze geological samples.
  • Communicate results of environmental research.
  • Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
  • Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.
  • Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
  • Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.
  • Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
  • Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
  • Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
  • Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
  • Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.
  • Measure environmental characteristics.
  • Monitor construction operations.
  • Prepare maps.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
  • Research geological features or processes.
  • Research hydrologic features or processes.
  • Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
  • Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
  • Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Army Astronaut (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Astronaut (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Geospatial Information and Services (GIandS) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Maritime Space Planner (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Master Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Services Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Services Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography Watch Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • METOC Analyst Forecaster (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • RL - Special Duty Officer (Oceanography) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Acquisition Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations Staff Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, ABM (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Orbital Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Battle Management (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Electronic Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Projects Technologist (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Requirements Analyst (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Staff Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weather and Environmental Sciences (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Weather and Environmental Sciences, Advanced Weather Activities (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Crystallographer
  • Engineer, Soils
  • Geologist
  • Geologist, Petroleum
  • Geophysical Prospector
  • Mineralogist
  • Paleontologist
  • Petrologist
  • Prospector
  • Stratigrapher