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Field geologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted experts
Katherine Potter,
Dr. David Gonzales Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical field geologist skills. We ranked the top skills for field geologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.2% of field geologist resumes contained data collection as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a field geologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 field geologist skills for your resume and career

1. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how field geologists use data collection:
  • Conducted data collection review and drafted initial reports.
  • Position: Field Geologist Objective: Field data collection and interpretation Reporting: Chief Geologist.

2. Geotechnical

Here's how field geologists use geotechnical:
  • Performed geotechnical investigations utilizing diamond core drilling, geologic mapping, groundwater sampling, and installation of groundwater monitoring wells.
  • Performed construction monitoring duties, which consisted of geotechnical observation and testing during site grading and/or construction activities.

3. Well Design

Here's how field geologists use well design:
  • Performed fracture trace analysis, analysis of resistively logs and well design, and provided oversight of aquifer pump tests.

4. Site Assessments

Site assessments are preliminary procedures carried out on a site to assess and determine if there are any elements underground that may be harmful to humans or the environment before the site is used. Site assessment is necessary before any structure is laid on the site to avoid the future risk of collapse that may also claim lives.

Here's how field geologists use site assessments:
  • Conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, which included both visual and historic analysis of potential site contamination and/or environmental liability.
  • Performed site assessments with environmental restoration of drilling and production sites.

5. Water Samples

Here's how field geologists use water samples:
  • Collected and shipped soil and groundwater samples using established collection techniques to eliminate contamination and null sampling results.
  • Collected groundwater samples by conducting water parameter tests, performed slug test, supervised water well closure procedure.

6. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how field geologists use technical reports:
  • Prepared environmental technical reports concerning site remediation and contamination with regard to both state and federal environmental regulatory standards.
  • Work with project managers on interpreting field data and laboratory data for writing technical reports.

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7. Rig

Rigging includes designing, preparing, or setting up equipment for drilling operations. This skill is one of the main and most important activities in the oil and gas industry, whether it's for onboard operations or port operations. Rigging systems should have parts like master links, shackles, slings, and lifting bags for underwater lifting. Professionals working with rigging systems are responsible for tasks like operating platform lifts, forklifts, and overhead cranes.

Here's how field geologists use rig:
  • Operated and maintained real-time computer-based data acquisition and gas analysis system, recording all aspects of rig activity.
  • Monitored rig operations and down-hole conditions.

8. Asphalt

Here's how field geologists use asphalt:
  • Conducted qualitytesting on concrete, asphalt, soil composition, and environmental concerns.

9. Site Investigations

Site investigation is the process of assessing a given site and collecting data from it to determine how viable and safe a site is for a project to be carried out. The data collated will then be studied intensively by a site manager who most times does the investigation and reports to the project manager before any work can begin on site.

Here's how field geologists use site investigations:
  • Performed site investigations and assisted with site remediation of MGP sites for Ameren.
  • Prepare budgets, proposals, work plans, subcontractor procurement documents, and environmental site investigation assessments with professional recommendations.

10. Soil Samples

Here's how field geologists use soil samples:
  • Collected and measured monthly groundwater, surface water, air, and soil samples for a baseline radiation study.
  • Logged boreholes and collected soil samples for the installation of relief wells

11. Surface Water

Here's how field geologists use surface water:
  • Sampled various wells, surface waters, soils, and drums at sites taking all necessary safety precautions.
  • Conducted groundwater, mine waste, surface water, and stream sediment sampling.

12. Onsite

Here's how field geologists use onsite:
  • Communicated frequently with onsite personnel and off site clients to update them on the current status of the project.
  • Lived onsite and collected, prepared, analyzed, and described well cuttings.

13. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how field geologists use gps:
  • Experienced user of GPR, GPS, CADD, GIS, Surfer 11, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Utilized a downhole camera to examine potential problems with wells and GPS survey equipment to stake locations.

14. GINT

Here's how field geologists use gint:
  • Prepared reports based on geologic data from fieldwork, including boring logs utilizing gINT software.
  • Field and office completion of field soil boring logs using gINT 8.0 and PDF Professional Converter.

15. Sample Collection

Sample Collection is a process where a doctor or phlebotomist collects a sample from the patient to run a variety of medical tests. Samples may include blood, urine, tissue, muscle, spinal fluid, and other biological fluids. Once a sample is collected, physicians perform an analysis to answer a number of questions, such as whether the patient is diabetic, pregnant, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here's how field geologists use sample collection:
  • Planned and conducted geological, field studies and surveys including sample collection, preparation and analysis.
  • Sample Collection Gas Detection Identification of Drilling Formation Advising Well Supervisors of Underground Issues
top-skills

What skills help Field Geologists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on field geologist resumes?

Katherine PotterKatherine Potter LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, Utah State University

Traditionally sought-after skills include an ability to manage large data sets, use a variety of tools to collect and interpret data over spatial and temporal scales, and communicate information to a variety of audiences. Research experience is often an advantage as it builds adaptability and resilience, and trains students to manage projects and apply their knowledge in practical and sometimes innovative ways. Additionally, involvement in interdisciplinary projects shows an ability to successfully solve problems with people of different backgrounds. It's important to recognize that few people are ever a perfect fit for any job, but knowing how to leverage skills and experiences to a given job description will demonstrate that a job candidate can think creatively to solve problems.

What soft skills should all field geologists possess?

Dr. David Gonzales Ph.D.

Professor of Geosciences, Fort Lewis College

Reasonable math skills to do computations. Ability to show up on time and get the work done. Willingness to self educate.

What hard/technical skills are most important for field geologists?

Dr. David Gonzales Ph.D.

Professor of Geosciences, Fort Lewis College

GIS helps a great deal. Experience with basic computer software such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Most companies will work with employees to give them experience for more advanced software. Know what a drone is and how it works.

What field geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

In relevant surveys, 'Geologist' consistently ranks very high (as high as second) of the 100 perceived best occupations, and in the top 10 for job satisfaction. This is likely due, in part, to the variety of tasks that geoscientists often do within their job. The challenges of applying knowledge and skills to solve earth science-related problems, the satisfaction of having positive impacts for communities, field work, travel potential, high pay potential, and conducting work to understand particular aspects of the natural world are also among the likely reasons for high job satisfaction for geologists.

What type of skills will young field geologists need?

Lysa ChizmadiaLysa Chizmadia LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Georgia Southwestern State University

Mathematical & Computational, Analytical & Laboratory, Theoretical & Logical Reasoning, data analysis.

List of field geologist skills to add to your resume

Field geologist skills

The most important skills for a field geologist resume and required skills for a field geologist to have include:

  • Data Collection
  • Geotechnical
  • Well Design
  • Site Assessments
  • Water Samples
  • Technical Reports
  • Rig
  • Asphalt
  • Site Investigations
  • Soil Samples
  • Surface Water
  • Onsite
  • GPS
  • GINT
  • Sample Collection
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Oversight
  • Laboratory Analysis
  • Field Testing
  • LLC
  • Phase II
  • ASTM
  • Geological Maps
  • Construction Sites
  • Well-Site
  • GIS
  • Troubleshoot
  • Bloodhound
  • MWD
  • Autocad
  • UST
  • Asbestos
  • Data Analysis
  • Core Samples
  • Survey Data
  • H2S
  • ROP
  • Fluid Samples
  • Excavations
  • Classification System
  • Drill Cuttings
  • Storage Tanks
  • Structural Analysis
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Drill Core
  • Analyze Samples

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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