ADD ADVICE TO FAVGeologist
Geologists work mainly for oil companies, mineral exploration companies, in the water industry and for companies providing services to these organisations.
What geologists do
- plan programmes for the exploration of potentially useful sites for obtaining oil, gas, water, minerals, etc
- survey and map geologically promising areas
- calculate the size of reserves
- collect, record and analyse samples and data from test sites
- explain findings to non-specialists
- advise on the development of reserves
- prepare data for submission to clients
- work closely with other professionally qualified staff throughout every stage of the process.
Key skills
- good organisational skills
- attention to detail
- ability to analyse numerical data
- computer literacy
- ability to present information in an intelligible and accurate manner.
Training to be a geologist
To become a professional geologist a postgraduate qualification is usually necessary. Geoscientist roles attract fierce competition; a first degree alone is often not enough.
Salaries
Salaries for first positions vary enormously. Anything in the range of £10,000 to £35,000 can be expected, though £18,000 would be typical. Senior geologists can earn around £50,000.
Salaries often depend on the area of the location of the posting or the working conditions. Work on an oil rig, for example, is very well paid.
