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, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

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

• Advise construction firms and government agencies on dam and road construction, foundation design, or land use and resource management.
• Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
• Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, and aerial photos.
• Assess ground and surface water movement to provide advice regarding issues such as waste management, route and site selection, and the restoration of contaminated sites.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• Conduct geological and geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, and development of public works projects.
• Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
• Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
• Identify deposits of construction materials, and assess the materials' characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or in other applications.
• Identify risks for natural disasters such as mud slides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, providing advice on mitigation of potential damage.
• Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, applying geological knowledge and using test equipment and drilling machinery.
• Investigate the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, and classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, and mineral ore deposits and underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research and survey results.
• Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity and magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, and magnetometers.
• Plan and conduct geological, geochemical, and geophysical field studies and surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
• Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, and reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, and resource management, using results of field work and laboratory research.
• Search for and review research articles or environmental, historical, and technical reports.
• Test industrial diamonds and abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, and precision instruments.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze ecosystem data
• analyze geological research data
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect geographic or physical data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct geological surveys
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research
• develop mathematical simulation models
• develop new products based on scientific research results
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• direct geological surveys
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• draw maps or charts
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• evaluate engineering data
• explain complex mathematical information
• explore for oil or gas
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• identify properties of rocks or minerals
• interpret aerial photographs
• interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
• make decisions
• make presentations
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
• provide expert testimony on research results
• read maps
• read technical drawings
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• resolve engineering or science problems
• test materials or solutions
• understand engineering data or reports
• use building or land use regulations
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use field notes in technical drawings
• use geographic positioning system (GPS)
• use geographical information system (GIS) software
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of materials testing procedures
• use laboratory equipment
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use measuring instruments to collect geological data
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use photogrammetric techniques
• use physical science research techniques
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use project management techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers