GEOSCIENTIST

Geoscientists study physical aspects of Earth to learn about its past, present, and future. They
conduct field studies, analyze geologic samples in laboratories, and study aerial photographs
in order to identify deposits of natural resources. Geoscientists also work in environmental
protection and some specialize in certain fields, such as earthquakes (seismologists), fossils
(paleontologists), and oceans (oceanographers).

Responsibilities Typical Employers

• Conduct field studies to collect geologic • Geoscientists are typically employed by oil
samples and analyze those samples and gas companies, engineering companies,
in a laboratory technical consulting services, state
• Analyze aerial photographs, well logs, governments, and colleges and universities.
rock samples and other materials to locate
deposits of natural resources and estimate
their size
• Create geologic maps and charts
FUTURE JOB MARKET
Fair, Good or Excellent
Excellent
• Write scientific reports
• Present findings to clients and colleagues
• Assist with environmental cleanup
AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL
TIME SALARY
$89,780
and reducing natural hazards Earnings per year

Recommended High School Courses

HS courses listed are courses students may want
to enroll in if this career pathway is of interest. GEOSCIENTIST
• Environmental science, earth science, Learn more
biology, physical science, physics,
chemistry, computer science, C++
modeling, engineering design/CAD,
geography, algebra, calculus, geometry,
trigonometry, probability and statistics,
English

Education/Training Required
• Geoscientists need a bachelor’s degree
in geoscience or a related field in order
to get an entry-level position, but some
positions require a master’s degree.
Geoscientists require a Ph.D for basic
research and college teaching positions.
Fieldwork and laboratory experience
is preferable to employers. Geoscientists
must possess a strong understanding
of computer modeling, data analysis,
and digital mapping.

Career profiles describe an overall industry perspective and may have slight variances from positions at Freeport-McMoRan.
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