What does a geophysicist do?
A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.
Geophysicist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real geophysicist resumes:
- Plan, develop, manage and implement geological, geophysical, and geotechnical subsurface investigations.
- Train and mentore staff to use internally develop methodologies by effective utilization of ProMAX and ProManager software to achieve optimum results.
- Monitor regulatory compliance (CERCLA, RCRA, RWQCB, MTCA, VCP).
- Produce field grade and final quality maps utilizing GPS data and integrate geophysical survey data in GIS.
- Evaluate explosives, nitrates, volatile and semivolatile compounds, and metals contamination at multiple RCRA sites and one CERCLA site.
- Implement small-scale tests in Matlab.
- Drill logs are generated using gINT software package.
- Field team leader on U.S. EPA Superfund site.
- Build a reservoir scenario base on existing BP fields monitoring fluid floods.
- Hire as a contract project geophysicist responsible for daily UXO production surveying.
- Support oil and gas exploration operations using GIS tools and other new technologies.
- Supervise gravity gradiometer, magnetics, LIDAR acquisition, processing and quality checks.
- Analyze onshore and offshore conventional plays, deep water, and unconventional plays.
- Develop and implement interactive graphical software with aid of X-Window/Motif and binding between C/C++ and FORTRAN
- shallow seismic, resistivity, magnetic, gravity, electromagnetic, VLF and GPR).
Geophysicist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Geophysicists are proficient in Data Collection, Geophysical Data, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Communication skills, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Geophysicists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Collection, 16%
Supervised vendor during network deployment, ensured data collection QC, interacted with data analysis team, and delivered interpretation.
- Geophysical Data, 9%
Conditioned geophysical data and built advanced high level models, which improved correlations between geophysical data and control point models.
- C++, 8%
Studied building custom software modules and tools for programs in C++, ProMax, and LISP.
- MATLAB, 5%
Developed SRV algorithm and program in Matlab: later ported to C#.
- Data Analysis, 5%
Developed seismic processing best practices in data analysis and processing to heighten level of processing expertise within company.
- Reservoir Characterization, 5%
Standardized divisional best practices for reservoir characterization and enhanced production through reduced technical error.
"data collection," "geophysical data," and "c++" are among the most common skills that geophysicists use at work. You can find even more geophysicist responsibilities below, including:
Problem-solving skills. The most essential soft skill for a geophysicist to carry out their responsibilities is problem-solving skills. This skill is important for the role because "geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems." Additionally, a geophysicist resume shows how their duties depend on problem-solving skills: "worked on water column statics, their effect in data quality, solution, automatic picking and correction. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform geophysicist duties is communication skills. Geophysicists responsibilities require that "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." Geophysicists also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "handle communication with specialized co-workers in order to optimize algorithm parameter settings for best data quality available. "
Physical stamina. geophysicists are also known for physical stamina, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to geophysicist responsibilities, because "geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork." A geophysicist resume example shows how physical stamina is used in the workplace: "experimented with geophysical data collection techniques. "
The three companies that hire the most geophysicists are:
- RGA Environmental, A Terracon Company9 geophysicists jobs
- Occidental Petroleum4 geophysicists jobs
- Parsons2 geophysicists jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable geophysicist resume templates
Build a professional geophysicist 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 geophysicist resume.
Compare different geophysicists
Geophysicist 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a geophysicist are more likely to require skills like "geophysical data," "c++," "r," and "matlab." On the other hand, a job as a geology internship requires skills like "database management," "digitizing," "petra," and "construction sites." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, geology interns reach lower levels of education than geophysicists. Geology interns are 11.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 3.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Geophysicist vs. Consulting petroleum geologist
The duties of an engineer and geologist depend on one's line of work or place of employment. An engineer's responsibilities typically revolve around planning and overseeing construction projects and processes, performing risk assessments, and developing procedures to optimize construction operations. On the other hand, a geologist is usually in charge of gathering data, analyzing geological structures, and providing geological assessments and advice for construction procedures, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment for everyone.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that geophysicist responsibilities requires skills like "data collection," "geophysical data," "c++," and "r." But a consulting petroleum geologist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "oil gas," "afe," "completion design," and "forks."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Consulting petroleum geologists tend to reach lower levels of education than geophysicists. In fact, they're 9.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Geophysicist vs. Engineer and geologist
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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, geophysicists are more likely to have skills like "geophysical data," "c++," "r," and "matlab." But a engineer and geologist is more likely to have skills like "groundwater," "project site," "technical reports," and "project management."
Engineers and geologist earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $106,941. Geophysicists earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $125,764.Most engineers and geologist achieve a similar degree level compared to geophysicists. For example, they're 4.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Geophysicist vs. Exploration geologist
Types of geophysicist
Updated January 8, 2025
