Geophysics is the term used to describe the study of the Earth's surface, core, geological levels and anything impacting the planet such as gravity, electric and magnetic forces. Career fields in geophysics include working in magnetics, seismology and geodesy. Geodesists focus on the major features of the Earth, including analysis of its rotation, determining its precise shape and size and understanding the workings of the tides, polar motion and gravity. The core work of seismologists is the movement of the Earth, especially understanding how faults work and predicting earthquakes. Geomagnetists work to discover the origins of the planet through the study of magnetic fields, while paleomagnetists, concerned with prehistoric magnetization, attempt to track the reversal of the planet's polarity over time. Geophysicists are also involved working in the fields of space physics and atmospheric sciences.
Educational Requirements
The education requirements for careers in geophysics are demanding. A bachelor of science degree is sufficient qualification for working as a graduate assistant doing fieldwork, but the majority of jobs require advanced degrees. Career-level applied jobs require a master's degree in a field of specialization. Applicants for the highest paying and most demanding university research jobs will be competing against other candidates holding doctoral degrees. Basic undergraduate programs include advanced study in all sciences, including biology, physics and chemistry, as well as upper-level mathematics courses. Hires for field-based geophysical positions often are made of individuals with a master's degree instead of a Ph.D., but companies also look to locate job applicants with coursework in the field, including school-endorsed internships and summer partnerships with private industry.
Type of Work
Jobs in geophysics involve hands-on science, with field and laboratory work filling many hours on the job. Workers should be well versed in using sensitive and elaborate equipment and software programs, including global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), digital mapping and computer modeling. Specialists must also have advanced skills in research, writing and communications. Since much of the work and studies is funded by government agencies, exacting applications and paperwork are required to qualify for funds to support projects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly a quarter of workers in this field were employed by engineering companies in 2006, many of whom were involved in gas and oil extraction. The BLS noted that less than 2 percent were self-employed as consultants.
Salary and Benefits
Specialist careers in geophysical sciences usually involve travel to make a living. Seismologists are employed by oil and gas companies to assist in locating fields of crude oil and natural gas under the Earth's surface. Some individuals experience extended travel in the Middle East, South America or the countries of the former Soviet Union while working for international corporations. The median annual salary for workers in geophysical science careers in 2006 was nearly $75,000. Individuals hired for jobs in private industry made the highest salaries, nearly $136,000 for the top strata, but career security for these jobs is not high, since companies compete for private contracts.
Long Term Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that over 30,000 individuals were employed in the field of geoscience in 2006. Due to the international focus on fossil fuels, this number has increased since then. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of nearly 25 percent in field positions for individuals holding master's degrees but a narrowing in the number of positions available in colleges and universities for job seekers with doctorates in the foreseeable future.
New Fields and Retirees
The largest number of career openings for geophysicists doing research and development are in the fields of medical, space and satellite imaging, according to a study made by Sven Treitel of TriDekon company, Ken Larner, Colorodo School of Mines, and David Lumley of 4th Wave Imaging in Laguna Beach, California. With the average retirement age of 55, the field of geophysics is also targeted as a growth field for new higher education graduates by Alan Cohen, a geophysical consultant and past Chief Geophysicist for Royal Dutch Shell Corporation.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Earth surface, jobs require, Labor Statistics, master degree, private industry
