Geoscientists and Oceanographers

Nature of work

Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who investigate the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Geologists examine rocks from Earth’s surface and subsurface. Geochemists study the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the Earth. Geophysicists study the surface and internal makeup of Earth. Geoscientists work for petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics, and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Geologists may specialize in fields like coal geology, environmental geology, geochronology, hydrogeology, mineral deposits or mining, petroleum geology, stratigraphy, tectonics, volcanology or in other fields. Geochemists may specialize in analytical geochemistry, hydro geochemistry, mineral or petroleum geochemistry, or in other fields. Geophysicists may specialize in petroleum geology, earth physics, geodesy, geoelectromagnetism, seismology or in other fields.

Oceanographers study oceans, including ocean processes, characteristics, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and effect of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Oceanographers work for governments, educational institutions and private companies involved in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers may specialize in biological, chemical, geological, or physical oceanography, or in other fields related to the study of oceans.

Job duties

Geoscientists:

• Research the surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical, and biological systems that control its evolution.
• Plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical, and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs.
• Plan and conduct remote sensing programs.
• Plan, direct and participate in analyses of geological, geochemical, and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross sections.
• Develop models and applied software to analyze and interpret data.
• Study core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon, and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age.
• Assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits.
• Identify deposits of construction materials and determine their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications.
• Conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development and advise in areas like site selection, waste management and restoration of contaminated sites.
• Recommend the purchase of lands, exploration and mapping programs and mine development.
• Identify and advise on natural risks like slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
• Supervise and coordinate well drilling, completion and workovers and mining activities.

Oceanographers:

• Research the physical, chemical, and biological properties and functioning of oceans.
• Sample and analyze seawater, plankton, fish, sediments, and rocks.
• Study physical properties of oceans to develop models, charts, and computer simulations of ocean conditions like tides, waves, currents, and sediment transport.
• Explore ocean floor and submarine geological structures, conduct seismic surveys and study formation of ocean basins and other structures to map ocean floor, coastal erosion, sediment accumulation and areas for offshore oil and gas exploration.
• Investigate ocean chemical properties and processes, ocean floor and marine atmosphere and undersea volcanoes to study the effect of environmental changes.
• Study marine life and interaction with physical and chemical environments to assess the effect of pollutants on marine ecology and to develop ecologically based methods of seafarming.

Sample job titles

• geochemist
• geologist
• geophysicist
• geoscientist
• hydrogeologist
• hydrologist
• marine geologist
• mineralogist
• oceanographer
• paleontologist

Skills

You should have an interest in the earth's structure and materials. The ability to communicate and cooperate with others is important, as these individuals often work in teams. Also, a familiarity with computers is essential. You should be curious, adaptable, and patient, and enjoy working with scientific data. Physical stamina may be necessary for those doing fieldwork in remote areas or at sea.

Job requirements

• Geoscientists need a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or a related discipline.
• A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics, or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
• Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists, or geoscientists is usually required for employment.
• Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination.
• Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.

Other considerations

Any future oil and natural gas exploration and development activity may generate job opportunities for geologists with the appropriate training. Movement between specializations in this group is possible with experience. Movement to supervisor or higher level positions is possible with experience in this group.

Regulations

Contacts

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