Careers in Geoscience

Australian Institute of Geoscientists > Careers in Geoscience

Careers in Geoscience

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.

Geoscientists are employed in many sectors of industry, government, research and cover a wide range of activities in the field including activities such as mapping and sampling, geotechnical site reviews, drilling and geophysical or geochemical surveys. Other activities may be office based such as desk top studies, reporting and client liaison, laboratory testing, software development, modelling and analysis using remote sensing and geographic information systems.

Specific information on the activities, skills required, university course selection and lifestyle of various sectors can be found below.

Mineral Exploration

Exploration geologists are employed by organisations working within the minerals extraction industry. They are responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits.

Resources

Resource geologists are employed by organisations working within the minerals extraction and consulting industries. They are responsible for developing and estimating the quantity and quality of mineral deposits

Coal Exploration

Coal exploration geologists are responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quality and size of coal deposits within exploration permits for coal

Mining

Mine Geologists are employed by organisations working within the minerals, coal and industrial minerals extraction industry. Responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quantity and quality of the deposits, defining and execution of the operations plan for extraction and reconciliation of the outcomes.

Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas geoscientists are employed by organisations working in the hydrocarbon extraction industry. They are responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quantity and quality of petroleum products such as oil, gas and condensate and assisting with the design for extraction of these resources.

Geophysics

Geophysicists are employed by organisations in many different sectors of industry, government, environment, mineral exploration, oil and gas and others. They are specialist geologists dealing in geophysical effects and responses to a wide range of phenomena.

Academic

Academic Geoscientists carry out two key functions; teaching of Earth Sciences at schools and universities and research in a variety of fields in Earth Sciences. Most generally carry out both teaching and research roles while some may work purely in research (pure research or specialist research institutes/centres).

Government

All governments in Australia maintain geoscientific organisations (Geological Surveys) that provide technical support to industry (research, data acquisition and distribution) and government (compliance and independent advice) .

Geochemistry

Geochemists are employed by organisations in many different sectors of industry, government, environment, mineral exploration, oil and gas and others. They are specialist geologists who work to understand geological processes by analysing the chemical composition of rocks, minerals, soils, waters and atmosphere.

Hydrogeology

A hydrogeologist studies the ways that water (hydro) moves through the soil and rock of the earth. They work for resources companies, government and as consultants and are responsible for applying their geological knowledge and mathematical principles to solve groundwater-related problems

Environment

Environmental Geoscientists are specialist geologists dealing in the measurement, assessment and review of environmental impacts of natural processes or human activities such as construction projects, urban or industrial development, mining and resource developments and the maintenance, remediation and monitoring of these activities.

Engineering Geology

Engineering Geoscientist’s role focusses on the understanding of geological and geotechnical conditions and how they may change in time and space in regard to natural hazards and engineering projects such as major construction, infrastructure, mining and resource developments.