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Geoscientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Katherine Potter,

Jesse Kelsch

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical geoscientist skills. We ranked the top skills for geoscientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.7% of geoscientist resumes contained seismic data as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a geoscientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 geoscientist skills for your resume and career

1. Seismic Data

Here's how geoscientists use seismic data:

Performed 3D seismic data interpretation and attributes analysis.
Implemented seismic data management projects at Burlington Resources.

2. Oil Gas

Here's how geoscientists use oil gas:

Conducted soil, groundwater and soil gas assessments and remediation feasibility testing.
Collected environmental samples - soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, soil gas, air and hazardous waste.

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 geoscientists use data collection:

Developed data collection manuals for incoming staff and contractors, which standardized the process from project to project.
Adapted data collection procedures based on local needs and terrain changes.

4. Reservoir Characterization

Reservoir characterization is the process mining engineers and geophysicists use to determine how underground reservoirs hold and produce oil. The process helps relevant players to determine the best way to drill.

Here's how geoscientists use reservoir characterization:

Collaborate with petrophysicists/geophysicists on reservoir characterization using seismic and RoqSCAN data.
Test, document, and support reservoir characterization software in a timely fashion.

5. Petrel

Petrel is a software program used for the exploration and production processes of the petroleum sector. Petrel was released on 26th July 2015 by Schlumberger. It allows the user to build various reservoir models, calculate the capacity, produce maps, and design development strategies so the reservoir can function at its maximum potential. The software's additional advantage is that it allows managing risk and uncertainty throughout the reservoir's life.

Here's how geoscientists use petrel:

Performed an integrated seismic stratigraphic and structural interpretation of reservoir using PETREL.
Started training and using Petrel for mapping purposes.

6. Geotechnical

Here's how geoscientists 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.

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7. 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 geoscientists use gis:

Developed new GIS tools, SOPs, performance database, and tracking tool for deliverables.
Completed adequacy review requirements and performed field and GIS mapping to finalize permit specifics.

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 geoscientists 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. Data Interpretation

Here's how geoscientists use data interpretation:

Showed the ability to be open-minded and discuss ideas regarding data interpretation.
Collaborated with team members on selecting lateral perforation position from data interpretation.

10. Data Management

The administrative process that involves collecting and keeping the data safely and cost-effectively is called data management. Data management is a growing field as companies rely on it to store their intangible assets securely to create value. Efficient data management helps a company use the data to make better business decisions.

Here's how geoscientists use data management:

Market and promote ARKeX software and data management products to key clients.
Supported numerous incident response efforts with spatial analysis and data management, including hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

11. 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 geoscientists use technical support:

Provided technical support to employee field members, as well as clients.
Provided technical support to SKUA-GOCAD customer users, on site or remotely.

12. Petrophysics

Here's how geoscientists use petrophysics:

Trained five junior engineers and petrophysicists on the UCR petrophysics workflow.

13. Data Analysis

Here's how geoscientists use data analysis:

Assisted with data analysis and report drafting.
Created and maintained a database that for data analysis and mining to evaluate business opportunities.

14. Onshore

Here's how geoscientists use onshore:

Interpreted several onshore and one large offshore survey utilizing Landmark Workstation.
Analyzed onshore and offshore conventional plays, deep water, and unconventional plays.

15. Seismic Interpretation

Here's how geoscientists use seismic interpretation:

Open acreage evaluations, 3D seismic interpretation, well correlations, and documentation and management presentations.
Coordinated and participated in block-wide seismic interpretation and prospect screening.

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What skills help Geoscientists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on geoscientist 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 geoscientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Jesse Kelsch

Instructor of Geology, Sul Ross State University

That greatly depends on what the graduate hopes to do. For example, I know that hydrogeology consulting companies want their employees to have well-rounded knowledge, so they must be able to construct a geologic cross-section even though they’re working in water. Going into the environmental field, people will need to work with spreadsheets and tabular data. And in all sectors, WRITING WELL is a critical skill. A gap-year graduate could continue to read and write for their own practice, perhaps especially about science articles related to the field of their interest.

What type of skills will young geoscientists need?

Peter Harts

Manager of Career Services, GIA

Employers are looking to hire graduates who are resourceful and demonstrate a balanced mix of hard skills and soft skills. Though hard skills can show off graduates’ experience and understanding of a specific, quantifiable ability, soft skills indicate a graduate’s ability to work with others and grow within an organization. Graduates also need to be well versed in global citizenship, with an appreciation and understanding of other cultures. This is particularly true in the gem and jewelry industry, as new markets emerge and technology improves efficiency in the supply chain process from business to consumer. Ultimately, a balanced mix of hard and soft skills can help graduates gain confidence—an invaluable trait in the business world.

What technical skills for a geoscientist stand out to employers?

Dr. Camelia Knapp Ph.D.

Professor and Head, Oklahoma State University

Quantitative reasoning and computational skills are becoming increasingly prevalent for employers hiring Geoscientists. With larger datasets and technological computational and technological advances, there will be an increased need for employees who are good at math, physics, and computation. In addition, communication skills, team building orientation, managerial/ business skills are necessary with increased workforce diversity and more interdisciplinary projects. Data analytics and machine learning are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, employers in our discipline look for deep technical knowledge in the field of choice (geophysics, geochemistry, sed-strat, etc.) and field experience.

Do you want to know more?

List of geoscientist skills to add to your resume

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

Seismic Data
Oil Gas
Data Collection
Reservoir Characterization
Petrel
Geotechnical
GIS
Technical Reports
Data Interpretation
Data Management
Technical Support
Petrophysics
Data Analysis
Onshore
Seismic Interpretation
Visualization

Log Analysis
Site Assessments
GPS
Software Packages
HSE
Data Acquisition
Field Development
Technical Presentations
Oversight
EPA
Development Planning
Petra
CO2
Log Data
Well Control
Surface Water

XRF
Forks
Remote Sensing
Carbonate
AVO
Log Interpretation
Linux
ASTM
Production Data
Cost Estimates
LWD
Log Correlation
RAN
Core Data

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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