Geologist

Geologists study the structure, origin and evolution of the Earth and its natural resources. They can find out about the Earth by studying features such as rocks, minerals, crystals, sediments and fossils. Geologists apply their knowledge to areas such as oil and gas exploration, mining and quarrying, civil engineering, hydrogeology, geological surveying, and education and research.

Work activities

Geologists study the internal and external processes that have shaped the Earth over the last 4,600 million years. They are experts on the origins, evolution and structure of our planet, and the ways in which it continues to change today. There many different roles, in many different industries, which geologists can perform.

In geological surveying, geologists study and map the distribution, by type, of rocks and other features at the Earth’s surface. They look at how rocks have been folded, fractured and otherwise changed by geological processes (such as the collision of continents). Geologists establish the age of rocks and chart their evolution, for example, by looking at the fossils they contain or measuring the decay of radioactive elements in their mineral grains. This information leads to the production of maps and databases, which are essential tools wherever geologists apply their knowledge. Some geologists monitor earthquakes and volcanoes, using their research to forecast eruptions and quakes, and therefore to save lives. For example, looking at the distribution of lava and ash from past volcanic eruptions enables geologists to predict where the worst effects of a new eruption are most likely to be felt. Studying the wearing down of mountain ranges by natural erosion and human activity also enables geologists to save lives by warning of potential mudslides and landslips. Geologists also need to know which type of structure is being drilled, and how stable and safe it is for exploration. To find this information, geologists use a variety of techniques. They can investigate layers of rock by lowering sensitive geophysical instruments and cameras into boreholes and then creating models of the rock layers on a computer. Geologists take rock and seabed samples to test physical properties such as the type and thickness of underlying bedrock. They must take into account faults and weaknesses in the area, which may cause drainage problems or instability.

Geologists also search for alternative sources of energy. For example, they are investigating the potential of geothermal power (stored heat from inside the Earth). Hydrogeologists are experts at finding and managing underground water resources. This work is especially important in very hot countries, where most water may be below ground. In any type of civil engineering project, geologists must carefully study the structures involved, to ensure the safety of the work and to minimise the environmental impact. Geologists play an important role in tackling environmental issues. For example, they help local authorities to choose safe landfill sites, ensuring the suitability of surrounding rocks (fluid seepages from landfill can pollute nearby rivers). They advise on environmental problems to do with abandoned mine workings and land contaminated by industrial waste. Geologists also teach and undertake research in universities and museums and teach in schools and colleges.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a geologist, you’ll need:

• A thorough, methodical approach to your work.
• Attention to detail, for things like analysing samples and producing geological maps.
• Good teamwork skills to work with people like geochemists, geophysicists, engineers and geologists with different specialist knowledge from your own.
• Willingness to do fieldwork in all types of weather and terrain, possibly on your own for a long time.
• The ability to explain things clearly and concisely, including in written reports.
• Good computer skills, to produce reports and geological models, and to analyse data.

Good colour vision is very important in most areas of geology, because of the need to describe and recognise the subtle colour characteristics of rocks and minerals, and to read geological maps, which depend on colour to indicate different rock types. Maths skills, and the ability to use statistics, are an advantage. Some areas of geology require higher-level maths skills, including geophysics, geological engineering and volcanology.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for geologists vary. The pay rates given are approximate. Geologists earn in the range of £28,000 - £42,000 a year. Higher salaries are available, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Geologists usually work around 39-41 hours, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Geologists work for companies in the oil, minerals/mining and engineering industries. There may be opportunities in organisations such as the British Geological Survey and the British Antarctic Survey. Some geologists become teachers, lecturers or consultants, or work as advisers in mining tourism.

Opportunities for geologists occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK. Most geologists are office-based but have opportunities to travel for fieldwork, meetings and conferences. There are opportunities to work in many other parts of the world, for example, in Australia, South America, the Middle East, India and southern Africa, either for UK-based companies or for overseas employers.

Geologists can become self-employed consultants, for example, providing environmental risk management advice to oil and gas companies.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the Geological Society website, in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on specialist job boards for the oil and gas industries such as Rigzone/OilCareers, Oil and Gas People, Earthworks, and in national newspapers.

Entry routes and training

To become a geologist, you’ll usually need a first (undergraduate) degree in geology, geoscience or Earth science. Courses usually give students some opportunity to specialise in a particular area of geology during the course. You may choose to take a first degree that specialises in a particular area, such as geophysics, engineering geology or geological oceanography. Many entrants also have a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc. A number of MSc courses are available, including in specialist subjects such as hydrogeology, petroleum geology and engineering geology. The Geological Society accredits a number of postgraduate courses. A PhD is normally essential for a research appointment in industry or for a university or museum post.

You could be promoted to a senior position or a management role. Usually with a degree or equivalent in geology (or a related subject), you can become a Fellow of the Geological Society. Then, with at least five years’ relevant experience, you can apply for chartered geologist (CGeol) status. You can also achieve chartered scientist (CSci) status through the Society. Experienced geologists can become self-employed consultants. For example, they carry out environmental risk assessments and give advice to engineering, oil and gas companies.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree in geology, the usual minimum requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject, maths or Geology. Some universities accept geography as a science subject.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, often to include English and maths.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A-levels usually needed for entry to the course.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available, through universities, from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).

Related careers

• Geochemist
• Geophysicist
• Geotechnical engineer
• Oceanographer
• Palaeontologist
• Scientist
• Soil scientist