Description
Study and interpret Earth's materials, structures, and surface processes to map the subsurface, reconstruct geologic history, and support exploration, engineering, and environmental decisions. Apply geologic, geochemical, and geophysical methods to evaluate mineral, oil and gas, and geothermal resources; assess geologic hazards; and guide land use, remediation, and reclamation.
- • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data from maps, imagery, well logs, cores, and field measurements.
- • Plan and conduct geologic field studies, mapping campaigns, sampling programs, and drilling investigations.
- • Collect, log, and classify rock, soil, sediment, and fossil samples from outcrops, trenches, cores, and cuttings.
- • Prepare geologic maps, cross sections, stratigraphic columns, and 3D models using GIS and modeling software.
- • Locate and estimate mineral, oil and gas, industrial mineral, and geothermal resources using integrated data.
- • Evaluate groundwater occurrence and flow for site characterization, resource development, and remediation.
- • Assess geologic hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, sinkholes, volcanic activity, and subsidence.
- • Conduct site investigations to support foundations, tunnels, dams, roads, and other infrastructure.
- • Advise engineers, planners, and agencies on land use, foundation design, slope stability, and resource management.
- • Design and oversee drilling, sampling, and testing programs, including borehole logging and geotechnical tests.
- • Perform petrographic and mineralogical analyses of rocks, soils, and industrial minerals using microscopes, XRD, XRF, SEM, and geochemical assays.
- • Measure and integrate geophysical information (e.g., seismic, gravity, magnetic), collecting data with seismographs, gravimeters, and magnetometers to refine subsurface models.
- • Analyze geological data with specialized software and manage databases with appropriate QA/QC.
- • Develop and review mine plans and geologic mine maps; monitor ground conditions and structural integrity.
- • Identify sources of construction aggregates and evaluate material quality for engineering use.
- • Evaluate and mitigate impacts of mineral dusts and other geologic materials on health and the environment.
- • Develop strategies for environmentally responsible resource extraction, reclamation, and closure, including flaring reduction and waste management.
- • Review and evaluate plans to remediate contaminated soils and groundwater and restore sites.
- • Identify and screen potential sites for carbon sequestration and study related geochemical and geomechanical processes.
- • Assess geothermal systems and recommend exploration or development approaches.
- • Provide geologic input on siting of nuclear facilities and on nuclear waste disposal and long-term isolation.
- • Contribute to research on methane hydrates and geomethane resources and their environmental implications.
- • Support efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of urban development through geologic insights.
- • Prepare technical reports, maps, figures, and presentations; communicate findings to clients, regulators, and the public.
- • Publish results, present at conferences, or teach geologic topics as needed.
- • Inspect construction or mining projects to verify subsurface conditions and compliance with recommendations.
- • Use remote sensing, aerial photos, and drones to map terrain, structures, and landforms.
- • Locate, review, and synthesize scientific literature, historical records, and technical reports.
- • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on regional development, site selection, and public works projects.
- • Identify and evaluate occurrences of critical minerals (e.g., platinum group elements and rare earth elements) for industrial applications.
- • Study paleoclimate indicators in rocks, soils, and ice to inform climate reconstructions and models.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
