How Does a Geologist Spend a Workday?
Geologists Can Work in a Variety of Fields
Geologists study the physical features, properties and history of Earth, including the composition and structure of rocks, the layers of Earth's crust and the varieties of soil. They can work in a variety of jobs, such as searching for water, metals, oil, natural gas and other natural resources; advising construction projects on the soil and rock conditions of a build site; planning excavations; researching with other scientists to help clean up and preserve the environment and studying fossils, precious stones, glaciers and natural disasters such as volcanoes and earthquakes.
Field Work
Geologists spend most of their time working at assigned field sites outside of the confines of an office. While in the field, geologists study topographical information received from satellites, gather notes to create geological field maps, identify rocks and fossils, conduct surveys and use instruments to record gravity, seismic activity and the magnetic field. Geologists often have to travel to these sites if they are working for a construction client.
Write Proposals and Market Services
Some geologists spend a majority of their time in an office instead of in the field or in a lab. Geologists who conduct research for the federal government or for colleges and universities often have to design research programs and write grant proposals to fund the program. Similarly, geologists who are independent consultants also have to spend time marketing their services and writing proposals to pitch for work.
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