What does a geoscientist do?
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.
Geoscientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real geoscientist resumes:
- Manage, design and supervise geologic investigation drilling plans relate to environmental, geotechnical and mining projects.
- Collect locality data using GPS hand-held units.
- Perform temporary water line stake outs using Trimble GPS unit.
- Advise on selecting models using Seisware, Petra, and PHDWin.
- Utilize classical methodology and modern tools to create and maintain Petra databases.
- Work in close coordination with EPA, PRPs, and other agencies as applicable.
- Review farm-out requests, prepare well prognoses, monitor area-drilling activity, and conduct miscellaneous well-site activities in Texas and Oklahoma.
- Used PowerPoint to effectively communicate technical information to geologists, engineers, and managers.
Geoscientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Geoscientists are proficient in Seismic Data, Oil Gas, and Data Collection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Physical stamina, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Geoscientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Seismic Data, 9%
Performed 3D seismic data interpretation and attributes analysis.
- Oil Gas, 8%
Conducted soil, groundwater and soil gas assessments and remediation feasibility testing.
- Data Collection, 7%
Developed data collection manuals for incoming staff and contractors, which standardized the process from project to project.
- Reservoir Characterization, 6%
Collaborate with petrophysicists/geophysicists on reservoir characterization using seismic and RoqSCAN data.
- Petrel, 6%
Performed an integrated seismic stratigraphic and structural interpretation of reservoir using PETREL.
- Geotechnical, 6%
Applied regional geotechnical focus to high-grade play segment acreage for land selection based on direct and Proxy hydrocarbon quality indicators.
Common skills that a geoscientist uses to do their job include "seismic data," "oil gas," and "data collection." You can find details on the most important geoscientist responsibilities below.
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a geoscientist to have is communication skills. Their role and 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." Geoscientists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "phase i environmental site assessments-data collection, interpretation of historical data, site visits, and communication with property owners. "
Physical stamina. Another essential skill to perform geoscientist duties is physical stamina. Geoscientists responsibilities require that "geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork." Geoscientists also use physical stamina in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed multi-well petrophysical geomodel for samson energy from well logs, core data and water analysis for rockmod seismic inversion. "
Problem-solving skills. geoscientists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to geoscientist responsibilities, because "geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems." A geoscientist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "vetted database exports, resolved assay and geological data qaqc issues and maintained the integrity of project data. "
The three companies that hire the most geoscientists are:
- Fugro8 geoscientists jobs
- Sandia National Labs2 geoscientists jobs
- APTIM2 geoscientists jobs
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Compare different geoscientists
Geoscientist 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.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, geoscientist responsibilities require skills like "seismic data," "data collection," "reservoir characterization," and "petrel." Meanwhile a typical consulting petroleum geologist has skills in areas such as "afe," "completion design," "wireline," and "h2o." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that consulting petroleum geologists earn slightly differ from geoscientists. In particular, consulting petroleum geologists are 14.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a geoscientist. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Geoscientist 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that geoscientist responsibilities requires skills like "seismic data," "reservoir characterization," "petrel," and "data management." But an engineer and geologist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "groundwater," "project site," "project management," and "gint."
Engineers and geologist may earn a lower salary than geoscientists, but engineers and geologist earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $106,941. On the other hand, geoscientists receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $128,564.In general, engineers and geologist achieve lower levels of education than geoscientists. They're 8.7% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for geoscientists in the next 3-5 years?
Mackenzie Day Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of California - Los Angeles
Geoscientist vs. Exploration geologist
A Development Geologist is responsible for geological static modeling and database management. They report best-practice technological advances to management.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a geoscientist is likely to be skilled in "oil gas," "reservoir characterization," "technical support," and "onshore," while a typical exploration geologist is skilled in "geochemical," "arcgis," "drill holes," and "rc."
Exploration geologists earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $146,875. Comparatively, geoscientists have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $128,564.Most exploration geologists achieve a lower degree level compared to geoscientists. For example, they're 7.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Geoscientist vs. Development geologist
Even though a few skill sets overlap between geoscientists and development geologists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a geoscientist might have more use for skills like "seismic data," "oil gas," "data collection," and "geotechnical." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of development geologists require skills like "afe," "well log," "wireline," and "eor. "
The hospitality industry tends to pay the highest salaries for development geologists, with average annual pay of $143,333. Comparatively, the highest geoscientist annual salary comes from the energy industry.In general, development geologists hold similar degree levels compared to geoscientists. Development geologists are 3.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 4.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of geoscientist
Updated January 8, 2025
