Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
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.
Tasks Include:
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- 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.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Search for and review research articles or environmental, historical, and technical reports.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +24.8%
National: +21.2%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Average Earnings:
National
$93,380.00
State
$85,990.00
Regional
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Description
| Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
|
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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 56.90%
- Master's Degree = 39.62%
- Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level = 2.29%
- Some College Courses = 1.19%
Related Work Experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 41.12%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 17.96%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 14.75%
- Over 10 years = 14.16%
- None = 6.38%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.01%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 1.19%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 0.42%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- None = 29.62%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 17.25%
- Up to and including 1 month = 16.13%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.26%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.52%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 6.58%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 5.65%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 36.75%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 19.89%
- None or short demonstration = 12.82%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.43%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.75%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 6.63%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 3.73%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- 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.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Search for and review research articles or environmental, historical, and technical reports.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice regarding issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- 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.
- Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
- Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
- Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, applying geological knowledge and using test equipment and drilling machinery.
- Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
- Identify risks for natural disasters such as mud slides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, providing advice on mitigation of potential damage.
- Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
- Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- 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.
Tasks Include:
- Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
- Determine methods to incorporate geo-methane 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 strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
- Develop ways to capture or use gases that are currently burned off as waste during oil production processes.
- Identify new sources for Platinum Group Elements necessary for industrial uses, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
- Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
- Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
- 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 cleanup work plans to determine the effectiveness of the remedial activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
- Study historical climate change indicators found in locations such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop models related to current climate changes.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Height gauges (Abney levels)
- Laboratory mixers (Agitators)
- All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled (All terrain vehicles ATV)
- Electromagnetic geophysical instruments (Alternating field demagnitizers)
- Height gauges (Altimeters)
- Map measurers (Analog map measurers)
- Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers (Argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopes)
- Spectrophotometers (Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers)
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Automated core analysis systems)
- Axes
- Dredgers (Biological dredges)
- Well logging downhole test equipment (Borehole cameras)
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Bottom sampling equipment)
- Nitrogen gas analyzers (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller BET surface area analyzers)
- Organic carbon analyzers (Carbon analyzers)
- Transmission electron microscopes (Cathodoluminescence scopes)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Centrifuges)
- Hammers (Chisel hammers)
- Chromatographic scanners
- Clinometers
- Colorimeters
- Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes (Computed tomography CT scanners)
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Core splitters)
- Hammers (Crack hammers)
- Electromagnetic geophysical instruments (Degaussing wands)
- Desktop computers
- Heating or drying equipment or accessories (Dessicators)
- Titration equipment (Digital alkalinity titrators)
- Digital cameras
- Map measurers (Digital map measurers)
- Seismic recorders or seismographs (Digital seismographs)
- Scanners (Digitizers)
- Graphics tablets (Digitizing tablets)
- Dissolved oxygen meters
- Drying cabinets or ovens (Drying ovens)
- Resistivity geophysical instruments (Earth resistivity meters)
- Sonars (Echosounders)
- Conductivity cells (Electrical conductivity cells)
- Conductivity meters (Electrical conductivity meters)
- Electron microscopes (Electron microprobes)
- Electron microscopes
- Bench scales (Electronic bench scales)
- Electronic toploading balances
- Transmission electron microscopes (Fluid inclusion microscopes)
- Fume hoods or cupboards (Fume hoods)
- Solid phase extraction preparations (Fusion fluxes)
- Scintillation crystal assemblies (Gamma ray scintillometers)
- Spectrometers (Gamma ray spectrometers)
- Picks (Geo/paleo picks)
- Geological compasses
- Geological compasses (Geological stratum compasses)
- Seismic geophones (Geophones)
- Global positioning system receivers (Global positioning system GPS devices)
- Gravimeters (Gravity meters)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Ground penetrating radar GPR)
- Levels (Hand levels)
- Magnifiers (Hand magnifying lenses)
- Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (High temperature laboratory ovens)
- Hydraulic rock drills (Hydraulic earth drills)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Illuminated microscopes)
- Electromagnetic geophysical instruments (Impulse magnetizers)
- Ion chromatographs
- Laboratory separators (Isodynamic separators)
- Jaw crushers
- Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Laboratory rock pulverizers)
- Plotter printers (Large-format plotters)
- Laser printers
- Rangefinders (Laser rangefinders)
- Theodolites (Laser theodolites)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Long range radar equipment)
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers (Magnetic susceptibility measurement systems)
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers (Magnetic susceptibility/anisotropy systems)
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers (Magnetic susceptibility/temperature systems)
- Mainframe computers
- Compasses (Mapping dividers)
- Drafting kits or sets (Mapping scale sets)
- Mass spectrometers
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Mechanical earth drills)
- Water analyzers (Mercury analyzers)
- Gravimeters (Microgravimeters)
- Microscope slides
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Microsplitters)
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Mobile wireless handheld communication devices)
- Pestle or mortars (Motorized mortars/pestles)
- Sonars (Multibeam echosounders)
- Notebook computers
- Laboratory box furnaces (One-atmosphere furnaces)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
- Penetrometers
- Personal computers
- Polarizing microscopes (Petrographic microscopes)
- pH meters
- Map measurers (Planimeters)
- Commercial fishing nets (Plankton nets)
- Compressed air gun (Pneumatic airscribes)
- Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers (Pocket magnetic susceptibility meters)
- Geological compasses (Pocket transits)
- Polarizing microscopes
- Chemical absorption gas analyzers (Portable organic vapor analyzers)
- Pneumatic rock drills (Powered rock-coring drills)
- Protractors
- Pry bars
- Radiation detectors
- Rangefinders
- Reverse osmosis equipment (Reverse osmosis systems)
- Cold chisels (Rock chisels)
- Magnetometer geophysical instruments (Rock magnetometers)
- Picks (Rock picks)
- Rock cutters (Rock saws)
- Cyclone or vortex grinders (Rotary grinders)
- Laboratory mixers (Roto torque mixers)
- Vacuum or rotary evaporators (Rotoevaporators)
- Sand testing apparatus (Sand grain size gauges)
- Scanners
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Sediment piston corers)
- Water samplers (Sediment samplers)
- Seismic recorders or seismographs (Seismic activity recorders)
- Portable seismic apparatus (Seismic stations)
- Seismic recorders or seismographs (Seismographs)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Short-range radar equipment)
- Sonars (Side scan sonars)
- Laboratory sifting equipment (Sieve shakers)
- Hammers (Soft face hammers)
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Soil augers)
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Soil samplers)
- Stereo or dissecting light microscopes (Stereo microscopes)
- Video attachments for microscopes (Stereoscopes)
- Optical diffraction apparatus (Submicron particle size analyzers)
- Geological compasses (Sun compasses)
- Thermographs (Temperature profile recorders)
- Test sieves
- Electromagnetic geophysical instruments (Thermal specimen demagnitizers)
- Thermistors (Thermistor chains)
- Theodolites (Total stations)
- Sonars (Towed sonars)
- Forestry increment borers (Tree corers)
- Triple beam balances
- Soil core sampling apparatus (Tube samplers)
- Water samplers (Tubular water samplers)
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic sieve cleaners)
- Ultraviolet UV lamps
- Underwater cameras
- Penetrometers (Underwater sediment bearing strength probes)
- Drafting kits or sets (Vertical sketchmasters)
- Magnetometer geophysical instruments (Vibrating sample magnetometers)
- Video attachments for microscopes (Video microscopes)
- Open stream current meters (Water current meters)
- Open stream water level recorders (Water level recorders)
- Water samplers (Water sampler bottles)
- Winches
- X ray diffraction equipment (X ray diffractometers)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (X ray fluorescence spectrometers)
- Soil testing kits (X ray fluorescence XRF lead detectors)
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- Alara CRystalView
- Aquifer test software
- Bilko software
- ChemStat software
- Clover Technology GALENA
- Compass Software
- Crystal Maker software
- Data logger software
- Datamine software
- EarthWorks Downhole Explorer
- Earthworks MaxiPit
- EasySolve Software SizePerm
- Enigma software
- EPIC GIS
- Field Data Recorder software
- Gemcom GEMS
- Gemcom Surpac
- Geo-Logic Systems LithoTect Interpreter
- GeoGraphix software
- GeoModel software
- Geostatistical modeling GSTAT software
- Geostatistics software GS+
- gINT software
- Gresens 92
- Groundwater modeling system GMS software
- Groundwater Vistas software
- Hydrogeology Basin2
- HydroSOLVE AQTESOLV software
- IHS Energy PowerTools
- Interpex IXID
- IRIS Seismic Processing Workshop
- Laboratory information management system LIMS software
- Landmark VIP
- Maptek Vulcan
- Mintec MineSight software
- MIT OASES
- Multivariate statistical program MVSP software
- National Geophysical Data Center GEODAS
- OriginLab Origin
- PaleoMag
- Paleontological Statistics PAST
- PaleoTax software
- Parameter Estimation PEST
- PolyMap software
- Red Rock DeltaGraph
- RockWare ChemFlux
- Rockware CrossLog
- RockWare DepthCon2000
- RockWare Erupt
- RockWare FIRSTPIX
- RockWare Geochemist's Workbench GWB
- RockWare GeoTrig
- RockWare GRADIX
- RockWare Grav2Dc
- RockWare Jlog
- RockWare MicroMODEL
- RockWare Plan
- RockWare Potent
- RockWare QuickSyn
- RockWare RockPack III
- RockWare RockWorks
- RockWare VEGO
- RockWare Visual STUNT
- RockWare WinSism
- RSI ENVI
- RSI interactive data language IDL software
- SAS software
- Scientific Software Group FEFLOW
- Scientific Software Group Infinite Extent
- Scientific Software Group SVHeat
- SEA software
- SeeByte SeeTrack
- Seismic interpretation software
- Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM
- Seismic visualization software
- Shape software
- Socorro Scientific Software Refract2K
- Solvcalv
- Starpint Software Super Slug
- Strain Sim software
- Systat Software SigmaStat
- TECHBASE software
- TiltSoft software
- Triton Elics International SeaClass
- Waterloo Hydrogeologic AquaChem
- Waterloo Hydrogeologic FlowPath II
- Well logging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Atoll GeoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD software
- Evolution Computing EasyCAD
- Evolution Computing FastCAD
- Midland Valley 3DMove
- MineSight software
- PowerCAD software
- Schlumberger Inside Reality
- Trimble Terramodel
- Upperspace DesignCAD
- Upperspace ModelCAD
- Data base user interface and query software
- EarthSoft EQuIS Geology
- eNotebook software
- GeoPLUS Petra
- Geosoft DAP server
- MJ Systems Logsleuth
- MySQL software
- Oracle software
- RockWare Stratbugs
- Scientific Software Group ChemPoint/ChemStat
- Data conversion software
- BOSS Didger
- Document management software
- Document Express software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
- Golden Software Surfer (graphics or photo imaging feature)
- IGnet software
- Internet browser software
- Internet browser software
- Map creation software
- ER Mapper software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- ESRI ArcIMS
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcView
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS* software
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- Geosoft Oasis montaj
- Geospatial data abstraction library GDAL
- Golden Software Surfer (map creation feature)
- Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- MapInfo Professional
- MICRODEM
- MineGeo software
- SACLANTCEN
- Terrain surface mapping software
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- OpenOffice.org
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Knowledge
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 84.00 | Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| 74.50 | Geography | Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. |
| 73.75 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| 73.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| 73.25 | Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
| 72.50 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| 53.75 | Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
| 53.25 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| 51.75 | Law and Government | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Skills
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 81.25 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| 81.25 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| 75.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| 68.75 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| 68.75 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| 68.75 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| 65.50 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| 62.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| 62.50 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| 59.50 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 59.50 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| 56.25 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| 53.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
| 53.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| 53.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| 50.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Abilities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 81.25 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| 75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| 75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| 75.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
| 72.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| 68.75 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| 68.75 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
| 68.75 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| 65.50 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| 65.50 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
| 62.50 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
| 62.50 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| 56.25 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| 56.25 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
| 56.25 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
| 56.25 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
| 53.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
| 53.00 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
| 53.00 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
| 50.00 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
| 50.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Work Activities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 93.25 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| 87.25 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| 86.75 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| 84.75 | Interacting With Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| 84.00 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| 83.50 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| 82.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| 82.00 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| 78.00 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| 76.75 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| 76.00 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| 75.50 | Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| 74.75 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| 72.75 | Communicating with Persons Outside Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| 68.75 | Provide Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
| 65.75 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| 61.50 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| 60.75 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| 59.50 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| 57.25 | Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| 56.25 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
| 52.75 | Selling or Influencing Others | Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
| 50.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| 50.25 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| 50.00 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Work Styles
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 93.00 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| 87.00 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| 85.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| 85.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
| 85.00 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| 83.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| 82.50 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| 80.00 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| 77.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| 75.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| 73.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| 71.75 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
| 70.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| 68.75 | Self Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| 68.25 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
| 54.00 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Work Values
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 77.83 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| 72.17 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| 72.17 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
| 72.17 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Work Context
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 94.00 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
| 93.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
| 92.80 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
| 90.80 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| 88.20 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
| 86.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company? |
| 82.20 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
| 81.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
| 79.60 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
| 78.80 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
| 77.20 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
| 73.40 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
| 71.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
| 70.80 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| 70.60 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
| 58.40 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
| 56.40 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
| 55.60 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
| 55.00 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
| 52.80 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
| 51.80 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
| 50.80 | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Earnings Benefits
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $45,940.00 | $97,700.00 | $170,510.00 |
| Virginia | $41,710.00 | $85,990.00 | $161,730.00 |
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
| Bay Consortium | $40,484.24 | $66,931.85 | $127,479.72 |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $40,469.03 | $54,547.24 | $73,170.80 |
| Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Greater Peninsula | $55,505.60 | $82,408.55 | $115,376.03 |
| Hampton Roads | $43,356.27 | $80,674.38 | $108,549.89 |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | $30,836.78 | $51,675.21 | $91,443.47 |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | $44,690.87 | $98,983.56 | $166,274.41 |
| Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Employment Projections
| National | 2010 | 2020 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 33,800 | 40,900 | + 21.2% |
| State | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Virginia | 589 | 735 | + 24.8% |
| Region | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Bay Consortium | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 36 | 47 | + 30.6% |
| Central VA/Region2000 | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Crater Area | 2 | 2 | + 0.0% |
| Greater Peninsula | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Hampton Roads | 33 | 41 | + 24.2% |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | 49 | 58 | + 18.4% |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | 353 | 440 | + 24.6% |
| Piedmont Workforce | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Shenandoah Valley | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| South Central | 2 | 2 | + 0.0% |
| Southwestern Virginia | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
- Marine Engineers
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Physicists
- Materials Scientists
- Hydrologists
- Geophysical Data Technicians
Careers in Science and Math Pathway:
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Water Resource Specialists
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Geographic Information Systems Technicians
- Mathematicians
- Statisticians
- Biostatisticians
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Microbiologists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Geneticists
- Conservation Scientists
- Park Naturalists
- Life Scientists, All Other
- Astronomers
- Physicists
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Chemists
- Materials Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Industrial Ecologists
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Hydrologists
- Physical Scientists, All Other
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Environmental Economists
- Survey Researchers
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Anthropologists
- Archeologists
- Geographers
- Historians
- Political Scientists
- Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
- Agricultural Technicians
- Food Science Technicians
- Biological Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Nuclear Technicians
- Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Quality Control Analysts
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Bioinformatics Technicians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
View Videos
The following videos are available for this occupation:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (4.20 Mb)
Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Military Training
- Physical Scientists
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Titles
- Core Analysis Operator
- Core Analyst
- Crystallographer
- Development Geologist
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Field Office Manager
- Environmental Geologist
- Environmental Protection Geologist
- Environmental Specialist
- Exploration Geologist
- Geochemist
- Geodesist
- Geologic Advisor
- Geological Scout
- Geological Specialist
- Geologist
- Geomagnetist
- Geomorphologist
- Geophysical Laboratory Director
- Geophysical Laboratory Supervisor
- Geophysical Prospector
- Geophysical Surveyor
- Geophysicist
- Geoscientist
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Grade Control Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Invertebrate Paleontologist
- Marine Geologist
- Micro Paleontologist
- Mine Geologist
- Mineralogist
- Mining Production Geologist
- Oceanographer
- Oceanologist
- Oil and Gas Industry Geophysical Consultant
- Paleontologist
- Petrographer
- Petroleum Geologist
- Petrologist
- Project Geologist
- Project Geophysicist
- Prospector
- Research Geologist
- Sedimentationist
- Seismologist
- Soils Engineer
- Stratigrapher
- Volcanologist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Related Schools
- College of William and Mary
- George Mason University
- James Madison University
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Washington and Lee University