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Geologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Katherine Potter,

Dr. David Gonzales Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical geologist skills. We ranked the top skills for geologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 23.7% of geologist resumes contained oversight as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a geologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 geologist skills for your resume and career

1. Oversight

Having oversight of someone means to monitor a process or a situation. If someone has oversight of something, they are responsible for the completion of the project. Oversight is usually given to experts as they monitor their juniors or newbies as they go through a project.

Here's how geologists use oversight:

Provided oversight and project management of subsurface environmental investigations and remedial activities including confirmatory sampling for numerous City of Chicago projects.
Work included environmental oversight during drilling investigations, well installations, groundwater sampling, and remedial activities.

2. OSHA

Here's how geologists use osha:

Remained current on all relevant OSHA safety practices and required certifications.
Attended several OSHA training seminars to ensure workplace safety.

3. 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 geologists use data collection:

Conducted environmental field investigations and data collection and sampling.
Formulated field data collection applications and field observations.

4. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how geologists use gis:

Completed adequacy review requirements and performed field and GIS mapping to finalize permit specifics.
Served as a technician for the Pacific Marine Geology Division, providing both GIS and laboratory support for numerous ongoing projects.

5. Surface Water

Here's how geologists use surface water:

Have successfully operated and maintained a groundwater treatment facility, soil vapor extraction systems and a surface water aeration system.
Conducted groundwater evaluations throughout Colorado and Wyoming for water supply, groundwater/surface water interactions, and water rights litigation.

6. Data Analysis

Here's how geologists use data analysis:

Supervised exploratory drilling operations, including field geology and geological data analysis/interpretation.
Assisted in signal processing and data analysis, assessing data validity and QA/QC, and created Python scripts for data visualization.

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7. Water Samples

Here's how geologists use water samples:

Collected soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.
Collected soil and groundwater samples per appropriate methodology.

8. 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 geologists use technical reports:

Generated technical reports summarizing our findings and commenting on the economic viability of various prospects.
Demonstrated ability to write technical reports to document geologic investigations.

9. Geotechnical

Here's how geologists use geotechnical:

Applied regional geotechnical focus to high-grade play segment acreage for land selection based on direct and Proxy hydrocarbon quality indicators.
Planned and performed geotechnical, geologic hazard and environmental investigations at numerous locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

10. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how geologists use technical support:

Coordinate with mine operations providing underground technical support (interpretation and recognition of geological anomalies & roof control).
Evaluated proposed costs and provided technical support for claim settlement negotiations.

11. 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 geologists use sample collection:

Achieved significant cost savings by minimizing purge water volumes requiring disposal and by modifying Quality Control sample collection protocols.
Conducted initial geologic mapping and sample collection; developed, planned and managed drilling programs for subsurface exploration.

12. PowerPoint

Here's how geologists use powerpoint:

Prepared poster and PowerPoint presentations for management.
Used PowerPoint to effectively communicate technical information to geologists, engineers, and managers.

13. Autocad

Here's how geologists use autocad:

Associated work included AutoCAD uranium roll front interpretation and delineation.
Developed and prepared detailed 2D AutoCAD plans, specifications, and estimates in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.

14. Remediation Projects

Here's how geologists use remediation projects:

Documented and tracked work of drilling subcontractors on groundwater investigation and remediation projects at the Department of Energy Savannah River Site.
Performed In-Situ Chemical Oxidation pilot test to determine economic/technical feasibility and key designed parameters for soil and groundwater remediation projects.

15. Data Interpretation

Here's how geologists use data interpretation:

Collaborated with team members on selecting lateral perforation position from data interpretation.
Trained two geologists to use computer-modeling software and data interpretation techniques.

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What skills help Geologists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on geologist resumes?

Katherine Potter

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

Anthony Rathburn

Professor, California State University - Bakersfield

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 geologists need?

Lysa Chizmadia

Associate Professor, Georgia Southwestern State University

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

What technical skills for a geologist stand out to employers?

Richard Tollo Ph.D.

Professor of Geology, George Washington University

For geology, scientific reasoning, problem solving, and the ability to communicate are highly desired by employers.

Do you want to know more?

List of geologist skills to add to your resume

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

Oversight
OSHA
Data Collection
GIS
Surface Water
Data Analysis
Water Samples
Technical Reports
Geotechnical
Technical Support
Sample Collection
PowerPoint
Autocad
Remediation Projects
Data Interpretation
Environmental Site Assessments
Data Management

Field Testing
GINT
GPS
ArcGIS
Geologic Maps
ASTM
EPA
Site Investigations
Soil Samples
Geological Data
Soil Borings
RCRA
Subsurface Investigations
CERCLA
Wellsite
Phase II
Water Quality

Geophysical Data
Log Analysis
UST
MWD
Structural Geology
Petra
Core Samples
Seismic Data
Environmental Monitoring
RC
Excavations
Drill Core
Production Data
Seismic Interpretation
Petrel
Mining Industry

Updated January 8, 2025

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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