What does an exploration geologist do?
An exploration geologist is an expert in finding mineral deposits that can be extracted using geophysical techniques, such as electromagnetic, gravitational, or seismic methods. They collect samples from test sites to distinguish the depth, quantity, quantity, and type of mineral. They study the earth's structure to predict the locations of natural resources and to plan programs for exploration. They must record all collected data and samples for further analysis and study. They must ensure the accuracy of their forecasts since mistakes in this position are very costly.
Exploration geologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real exploration geologist resumes:
- Develop and/or lead short courses and seminars on eolian sedimentology, the characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs and reservoir management.
- Create and update maps using ESRI ArcGIS software and maintain a GIS database.
- Mentore numerous junior staff in GIS, data management, spatial analysis, and presenting papers.
- Conduct in-depth studies of the sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petrography of sandstone reservoirs base on core analysis.
- Mentore team on geosteering best practices.
- Used Petra software for cross-sections and mapping.
- Undertake geological and geotechnical core logging on site.
- Used Petra software for mapping of prospective and developmental areas.
- Enhance a mainframe plotting program to streamline wireline log processing.
- Attend JV and JRC/JMC technical meetings ensuring technical reporting requirements are meet.
- Create a database showing the correct identification of rock types and alteration for use with RC logging.
- Direct supervisory experience with open-hole wireline logging, coring, mud logging, directional geo-steering and MWD logging.
- Used GPS navigation to locate and mark points while hiking in the desert for miles carrying claim staking equipment.
- Perform wellsite duties in area of responsibility.
- Receive introductory block modeling course from Vulcan.
Exploration geologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Exploration Geologists are proficient in Geochemical, ArcGIS, and Drill Holes. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Physical stamina, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Exploration Geologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Geochemical, 9%
Build geological, geophysical and geochemical models for integrated basin modeling, prospect generation, volume estimation and well planning.
- ArcGIS, 9%
Integrate Data on Map view using ArcGIS, and on well vertical view using Gravitas.
- Drill Holes, 7%
Managed drilling and resultant data from program consisting of 53 drill holes and 7500m of drilling.
- GIS, 7%
Mentored numerous junior staff in GIS, data management, spatial analysis, and presenting papers.
- RC, 6%
Created a database showing the correct identification of rock types and alteration for use with RC logging.
- Geotechnical, 4%
Manage Geotechnical and Structural core logging.
Common skills that an exploration geologist uses to do their job include "geochemical," "arcgis," and "drill holes." You can find details on the most important exploration geologist responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an exploration geologist to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "geoscientists must be able to present their research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including both scientists and those who do not have a background in geoscience." Additionally, an exploration geologist resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "acted as the key contact for well-site geology personnel and ensured effective communication between onshore and offshore teams. "
Physical stamina. Another essential skill to perform exploration geologist duties is physical stamina. Exploration geologists responsibilities require that "geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork." Exploration geologists also use physical stamina in their role according to a real resume snippet: "conducted regional subsurface mapping of petroleum reservoir strata using geophysical well logs and core data. "
Problem-solving skills. exploration geologists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to exploration geologist responsibilities, because "geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems." An exploration geologist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "increased daily production rate 250% by identifying critical areas for improvement and implementing consistently innovative solutions to increase productivity. "
The three companies that hire the most exploration geologists are:
- Continental Resources2 exploration geologists jobs
- Barrick Gold1 exploration geologists jobs
- Kinross Gold1 exploration geologists jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable exploration geologist resume templates
Build a professional exploration geologist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your exploration geologist resume.
Compare different exploration geologists
Exploration geologist vs. Geology internship
In a geology internship, an intern has the opportunity to gain insights and practical experience while performing various support tasks under the directives and supervision of a geologist or manager. Their duties typically include working on different projects, conducting research, doing fieldwork, gathering and analyzing samples, collecting photographs or videos as evidence, completing surveys and assessments, and producing reports, submitting them according to protocols and standards. Additionally, they also have clerical duties, such as handling calls and other forms of correspondence, preparing and processing paperwork, and running errands when necessary.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between exploration geologists and geology internship. For instance, exploration geologist responsibilities require skills such as "geochemical," "drill holes," "seismic data," and "exploration programs." Whereas a geology internship is skilled in "database management," "digitizing," "construction sites," and "water samples." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that geology interns earn slightly differ from exploration geologists. In particular, geology interns are 9.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an exploration geologist. Additionally, they're 2.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Exploration geologist vs. Geophysicist
A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that exploration geologist responsibilities requires skills like "geochemical," "drill holes," "rc," and "seismic data." But a geophysicist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "c++," "r," "matlab," and "reservoir characterization."
On average, geophysicists earn a lower salary than exploration geologists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, geophysicists earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $125,764. Whereas exploration geologists have higher pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $146,875.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Geophysicists tend to reach similar levels of education than exploration geologists. In fact, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for exploration geologists in the next 3-5 years?
Nelson Ham Ph.D.
Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, St. Norbert College
Exploration geologist vs. Geoscientist
A geoscientist specializes in studying geosciences and performing research and analysis. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around crafting research plans, conducting field mapping and studies to examine geological structures, gathering samples, obtaining photographic evidence, and conducting different experiments and scientific studies. As a geoscientist, it is essential to maintain an extensive record of data, summarize results in reports and presentations, and collaborate with different scientists. They may publish their studies in various publications, utilize them for other projects and programs, or raise public awareness.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, exploration geologists are more likely to have skills like "geochemical," "arcgis," "drill holes," and "rc." But a geoscientist is more likely to have skills like "oil gas," "reservoir characterization," "technical support," and "onshore."
Geoscientists earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $128,564. Exploration geologists earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $146,875.When it comes to education, geoscientists tend to earn higher degree levels compared to exploration geologists. In fact, they're 7.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Exploration geologist vs. Geological specialist
Types of exploration geologist
Updated January 8, 2025
