Geological Careers in Demand

The rise in industrial pollution, frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, government regulations, and many more have added to make Geology a lucrative career choice. This field helps decode the reasons behind the natural hazards and forecast the possible natural calamity that is about to occur. Thus, saving the lives of many is a job with a cause.

Working outside, studying the Earth’s soil and water, geologists provide information about the Earth for map-making, environmental health, and industries such as energy, farming, and construction. There are many jobs in this field, so we chose eight of our favourites to look at in greater depth. One of these incredible geological careers in demand might be right for you.

Do you have a passion for a geological career?

If yes, then Geology is one of the best career options for you. Since only the passion and interest in the job we are doing helps us grow and achieve our goals.

Geology, in simple terms, is science related to Earth and the substances it is made up of and how it has evolved with time. Geology is a mix of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, which helps evaluate the research and device results based on the data collected. Being a geologist mostly involves working in the field studying landforms, water bodies, geological and natural hazards, mineral deposits, environmental issues, and many more activities. It is the most exciting career option.

Top 9 Geological Careers in Demand

1.    Geologist 

The top geological career in demand is a geologist. The role of a geologist is to investigate the typical soil composition. In a laboratory, the samples taken outside are examined, and the geologist reports on the findings. When building or using the land, the data is crucial to remember, ensuring that the ecosystem is preserved and the land used responsibly. A median salary of $89,790 is paid for this geology career, and employment is projected to rise by 14 % by 2026. A bachelor’s degree is required in geoscience, and before beginning a career as a geologist, some receive a master’s degree. Geologists may find employment with companies in the environment or energy, mining companies, military, and federal organizations.

2.   Environmental Field Technician

This career in geology includes checking for soil, water, and air pollution. Some also track processes for contamination, such as the handling of wastewater. Using microscopes, sampling monitors, and lead sampling kits, environmental field technicians take samples and analyze soil and water. They work for organizations or corporations to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations and protect against emissions. An associate’s degree is required in environmental science, environmental protection, or public health. An internship is also included, and some states require licensing. In this geology career, which has a forecast work growth of 9 %, a median salary of $44,190 is earned.

3.   Drilling Project Manager

Pursuing this geology career will place you in charge of drilling operations for an energy corporation. As the person in charge, you must ensure the project is successful, and the site is a safe environment for everyone who works there. The drilling project manager must achieve quality work and keep the project on budget and attain the employer’s goals. Aspiring drilling project managers must have at least an associate’s degree in geology, oil technology, engineering, and experience in drilling operations and management. One of the best-paying geology careers, drilling project managers earn a median salary of $101,514.

4.   Petroleum Engineers

There is a demand for petroleum engineers and good reasons. It is also cost-effective for oil and gas companies to contract out petroleum engineers and locate engineers with the highly desirable expertise they need to execute tasks effectively. It is no wonder that this high-paying job helped engineers in 2018 receive a median pay of $137,170 per year.

But it takes a strategy to build a fruitful career path and devise ways to extract oil and gas. Here are some inspirational petroleum engineering stories and their steps to excel in what they do.

5.   Field Seismologist

Earthquakes fascinate seismologists. Working in the field provides information about why earthquakes happen, why they start and stop, and how to reduce the damage they can cause. Future field seismologists pursue this geological career to research the Earth’s crust movement and identify the signs that signal an earthquake. A bachelor’s degree in geology or physics gives a good foundation for a master’s degree in seismology or geophysics. The field seismologist, who may work in oil exploration, engineering and environmental consultancies, financial services and insurance firms, or government departments and agencies, receives a median salary of $91,920. The diverse experiences of a seismologist make it one of the top geological careers in demand.

6.   Hydrogeologist

The hydrogeologist is the watchdog for clean water sources. This geological discipline focuses on how groundwater flows under the Earth’s surface through soil and rock. The aim is to help people stay safe in this job and not get sick from polluted water. The hydrogeologist must create and use legislation to ensure water protection to accomplish this. Those in this geology profession work with others to clean up the waste if contamination does occur. Hydrogeologists receive an average salary of $63,000 upon receiving a bachelor’s degree. One can study hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or environmental sciences to become a part of this geological career. Being a hydrogeologist is definitely the top geological career in demand.

7.   Petroleum Geologists

The Petroleum Geologist is interested in the exploration and development of resources for oil and natural gas. This is labour-intensive work, but the demand for petroleum geologists is also growing. Petroleum geologists’ gross annual salary is $107,724, which is among geology’s highest average salaries.

8.   Geological Career in Demand – Geotechnical Engineer

In the study of soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials before major construction projects, a geotechnical engineer plays an important role. This study will help decide what materials must be used in the foundation or overall design of the construction or whether additional steps are needed to ensure that it is safe. A geotechnical engineer is one of the leading geological careers in demand due to the construction industry’s growth and increased occurrences of natural hazards.

 

9.  Freelance Geologist

Last but not least is being a freelance geologist. Remote geology experts have become part of the top careers in geology in recent times.  There are quite a number of geological services that freelance geologists can offer to their clients. It is one of the most interesting and growing geological careers that every geologist should explore.

 

All careers in geology are focused on studying the soil, rock, or water of the planet. The beginning of a great job can be a curiosity about just what makes up the World and how it is preserved. Your office could be anywhere on Earth if you chose one of these careers in geology.

After gaining expertise in a specific area, you still have a chance to serve as a private consultant. The government sector also has outstanding employment opportunities. 

For more information on geological careers, read the full list and detail description of each geology job.