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Date: 07/22/2026

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

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    Work Activities

    Work Activities

    • 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, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
    • Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
    • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
    • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
    • 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, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
    • Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
    • Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
    • Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
    • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
    • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
    • Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
    • Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
    • Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
    • Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
    • Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
    • Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
    • Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
    • Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
    • Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
    • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
    • Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
    • Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
    • 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.
    • Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
    • Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
    • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
    • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
    • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
    • Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
    • Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.
    • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
    • 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.
    • Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
    • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
    • Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
    • Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
    • Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
    • Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
    • Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.

    Skills

    • Active Listening

      Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

    • Learning Strategies

      Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.

    • Science

      Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.

    • Negotiation

      Bringing people together to solve differences.

    • Repairing

      Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.

    • Troubleshooting

      Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.

    • Social Perceptiveness

      Understanding people's reactions.

    • Monitoring

      Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

    • Operations Monitoring

      Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

    • Systems Evaluation

      Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.

    • Systems Analysis

      Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.

    • Management of Personnel Resources

      Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.

    • Reading Comprehension

      Reading work-related information.

    • Persuasion

      Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.

    • Technology Design

      Making equipment and technology useful for customers.

    • Operations Analysis

      Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.

    • Time Management

      Managing your time and the time of other people.

    • Judgment and Decision Making

      Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

    • Management of Financial Resources

      Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.

    • Management of Material Resources

      Managing equipment and materials.

    • Critical Thinking

      Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

    • Operation and Control

      Using equipment or systems.

    • Equipment Maintenance

      Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.

    • Programming

      Writing computer programs.

    • Service Orientation

      Looking for ways to help people.

    • Writing

      Writing things for co-workers or customers.

    • Equipment Selection

      Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.

    • Installation

      Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.

    • Active Learning

      Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.

    • Instructing

      Teaching people how to do something.

    • Speaking

      Talking to others.

    • Mathematics

      Using math to solve problems.

    • Coordination

      Changing what is done based on other people's actions.

    • Complex Problem Solving

      Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

    • Quality Control Analysis

      Testing how well a product or service works.

    WorkKeys®

    Applied Math
    5
    Workplace Documents
    6
    Graphic Literacy
    5

    Abilities

    • Written Expression

      Communicating by writing.

    • Far Vision

      Seeing details that are far away.

    • Dynamic Flexibility

      Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

    • Night Vision

      Seeing at night or under low light.

    • Inductive Reasoning

      Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.

    • Fluency of Ideas

      Coming up with lots of ideas.

    • Manual Dexterity

      Holding or moving items with your hands.

    • Multilimb Coordination

      Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.

    • Reaction Time

      Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.

    • Speed of Limb Movement

      Quickly moving your arms and legs.

    • Stamina

      Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.

    • Peripheral Vision

      Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.

    • Sound Localization

      Noticing the direction that a sound came from.

    • Depth Perception

      Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.

    • Information Ordering

      Ordering or arranging things.

    • Deductive Reasoning

      Using rules to solve problems.

    • Number Facility

      Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.

    • Extent Flexibility

      Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.

    • Hearing Sensitivity

      Telling the difference between sounds.

    • Visualization

      Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

    • Dynamic Strength

      Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.

    • Gross Body Coordination

      Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.

    • Gross Body Equilibrium

      Keeping your balance or staying upright.

    • Explosive Strength

      Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.

    • Auditory Attention

      Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.

    • Mathematical Reasoning

      Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.

    • Oral Expression

      Communicating by speaking.

    • Control Precision

      Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.

    • Rate Control

      Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.

    • Wrist-Finger Speed

      Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.

    • Near Vision

      Seeing details up close.

    • Glare Sensitivity

      Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.

    • Speech Clarity

      Speaking clearly.

    • Static Strength

      Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.

    • Oral Comprehension

      Listening and understanding what people say.

    • Selective Attention

      Paying attention to something without being distracted.

    • Time Sharing

      Doing two or more things at the same time.

    • Visual Color Discrimination

      Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.

    • Memorization

      Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.

    • Speed of Closure

      Quickly knowing what you are looking at.

    • Flexibility of Closure

      Seeing hidden patterns.

    • Written Comprehension

      Reading and understanding what is written.

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness

      Keeping your arm or hand steady.

    • Finger Dexterity

      Putting together small parts with your fingers.

    • Response Orientation

      Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.

    • Trunk Strength

      Using your lower back and stomach.

    • Speech Recognition

      Recognizing spoken words.

    • Perceptual Speed

      Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.

    • Spatial Orientation

      Knowing where things are around you.

    • Problem Sensitivity

      Noticing when problems happen.

    • Originality

      Creating new and original ideas.

    • Category Flexibility

      Grouping things in different ways.

    Knowledge

    • Therapy and Counseling

      Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

    • Design

      Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

    • Mechanical

      Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

    • 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.

    • Economics and Accounting

      Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

    • Medicine and Dentistry

      Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

    • Philosophy and Theology

      Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

    • Sales and Marketing

      Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

    • 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.

    • Law and Government

      Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

    • Transportation

      Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

    • Building and Construction

      Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

    • Sociology and Anthropology

      Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

    • Administration and Management

      Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

    • Foreign Language

      Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

    • Telecommunications

      Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

    • Fine Arts

      Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

    • Psychology

      Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

    • 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.

    • Public Safety and Security

      Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

    • 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.

    • Biology

      Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

    • English Language

      Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

    • Administrative

      Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

    • History and Archeology

      Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

    • 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.

    • Production and Processing

      Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

    • Communications and Media

      Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

    • Computers and Electronics

      Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

    • Mathematics

      Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

    • Food Production

      Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

    • Education and Training

      Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

    • Personnel and Human Resources

      Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

    Career Video

    Video not available
    Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop

    Pay

    • Ohio Annual Salary 81220/yr
    • Typical Salary
    • Ohio Hourly Wage 39.05/hr
    • Typical Hourly Wage

    Ohio Employment Trends

    • Currently Employed 370
    • Yearly Projected Openings 30

    Typical Education

    Personality

    Investigative: People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.They do well at jobs that need:
    • Innovation
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Tolerance for Ambiguity

    Tools

    • All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled
    • Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
    • Axes
    • Bench scales
    • Benchtop centrifuges
    • Binocular light compound microscopes
    • Chemical absorption gas analyzers
    • Chromatographic scanners
    • Clinometers
    • Cold chisels
    • Colorimeters
    • Commercial fishing nets
    • Compasses
    • Compressed air gun
    • Conductivity cells
    • Conductivity meters
    • Cyclone or vortex grinders
    • Desktop computers
    • Digital cameras
    • Dissolved oxygen meters
    • Drafting kits or sets
    • Dredgers
    • Drying cabinets or ovens
    • Electromagnetic geophysical instruments
    • Electron microscopes
    • Electronic toploading balances
    • Forestry increment borers
    • Fume hoods or cupboards
    • Geological compasses
    • Global positioning system GPS receiver
    • Graphics tablets
    • Gravimeters
    • Hammers
    • Heating or drying equipment or accessories
    • Height gauges
    • Hydraulic rock drills
    • Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers
    • Ion chromatographs
    • Jaw crushers
    • Laboratory box furnaces
    • Laboratory crushers or pulverizers
    • Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
    • Laboratory mixers
    • Laboratory separators
    • Laboratory sifting equipment
    • Laser printers
    • Levels
    • Magnetometer geophysical instruments
    • Magnifiers
    • Mainframe computers
    • Map measurers
    • Mass spectrometers
    • Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes
    • Microscope slides
    • Nitrogen gas analyzers
    • Notebook computers
    • Open stream current meters
    • Open stream water level recorders
    • Optical diffraction apparatus
    • Organic carbon analyzers
    • Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers
    • Penetrometers
    • Personal computers
    • Pestle or mortars
    • Picks
    • Plotter printers
    • Pneumatic rock drills
    • Polarizing microscopes
    • Portable data input terminals
    • Portable seismic apparatus
    • Protractors
    • Pry bars
    • Radarbased surveillance systems
    • Radiation detectors
    • Rangefinders
    • Resistivity geophysical instruments
    • Reverse osmosis equipment
    • Rock cutters
    • Sand testing apparatus
    • Scanners
    • Scintillation crystal assemblies
    • Seismic geophones
    • Seismic recorders or seismographs
    • Soil core sampling apparatus
    • Soil testing kits
    • Solid phase extraction preparations
    • Sonars
    • Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
    • Spectrometers
    • Stereo or dissecting light microscopes
    • Test sieves
    • Theodolites
    • Thermistor
    • Thermographs
    • Titration equipment
    • Transmission electron microscopes
    • Triple beam balances
    • Ultrasonic cleaning equipment
    • Ultraviolet UV lamps
    • Underwater cameras
    • Vacuum or rotary evaporators
    • Video attachments for microscopes
    • Water analyzers
    • Water samplers
    • Well logging downhole test equipment
    • Winches
    • X ray diffraction equipment
    • pH meters

    Technology

    • Analytical or scientific software
    • Computer aided design CAD software
    • Data base user interface and query software
    • Data conversion software
    • Document management software
    • Electronic mail software
    • File versioning software
    • Geographic information system
    • Graphics or photo imaging software
    • Internet browser software
    • Map creation software
    • Object or component oriented development software
    • Office suite software
    • Presentation software
    • Project management software
    • Spreadsheet software
    • Web platform development software
    • Word processing software
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