Career As Geologist

Are you interested in deep exploration of earth?

Yes, then the career of Geologist or Earth Scientist is for you.

A “Geologist” is a specialized type of Scientist who understands the history of the earth that includes solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth.

Geologist is also known as a Geophysicist, Geohydrologist, Engineering Geologist and Earth Scientist.

Geologist studies, earth processes such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

In a simple method we can say that:

“Geologist is a Scientist who studies about the Earth structure, how it is made, its origin & its history.”

Geologists are also involved in exploration for mining industries in search of metals, oils, and other Earth resources.

Geologists usually engage in studying geology.

What is Geology?

“Geology is the scientific study of the Earth in which we studied about Earth’s materials, what it is made of & processes that affect them over time.”

James Hutton was the first modern geologist.

The first geological map of the U.S. was produced by William Maclure in 1809.

Some of the famous Indian geologists are Darashaw Nosherwan (1883-1969), Khadg Singh Valdiya, Birbal sahni (1891-1949), Rabi Narayan Bastia, Dasika Durga Prasada Rao, Pramatha Nath Bose (1855-1934) and more like them.

Courses & Duration

In India, various universities & Institution offers undergraduate, postgraduate & a doctorate degree in Geology. You can pursue the given courses to make your career as a Geologist.

Candidates may also check career and scope in Mining Engineering.

Undergraduate Courses: The duration of these courses is three to four years.

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Geology, Earth science, Environmental science
• Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Geology
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Geology, Earth science, Environmental science

Postgraduate Courses: It is two year duration courses.

• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Geology, Applied Geology
• Master of Science (Hons.) in Geology
• Master of Technology in Geology, Applied Geology

Doctoral Courses:

• Ph.D in Geology

Areas of specialization

• Economic geology
• Geochemistry
• Marine geology
• Engineering geology
• Structural geology
• Volcanology
• Mineralogy
• Geomorphology

Admission

How I become a Geologist?

• To become a Geologist, the student must has completed their 10+2 examination from any stream & pursues a bachelor’s degree from any university.
• After passing the bachelor degree, students can pursue the master degree. If you want to get admission in government colleges, you have to appear for the national level exam like GATE. Some universities conduct their own entrance test.
• If you want to do higher education, then you can go to doctoral degree course.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Geologist exam for Central Government Agencies.

College’s in India that offers UG & PG courses of Geology are:

• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar
• University of Delhi
• Banaras Hindu University
• Aligarh Muslim University

Career & Jobs

Where do geologists work?

The job opportunities for geologists are increasing day by day. After getting the degree from reputed institutes or universities, you can work both in domestic as well as international arena.

Skills Required:

To become geologist student have to be the bachelor’s degree as required qualification. The other skills required within you to become successful geologist are:

• Observation: While collecting data and mapping areas, it is necessary to be well-focused on your work. Your sense of observation should be effective.
• Analysis: You have to be good analyzer. The data collected by you and analysis made by you should be correct and accurate.
• Team Work: You have to be skilled in communication with other people so, that at the time of team work you can put your thought in front. You should have ability to work in team.
• Instruments: In study of geology subjects the gathered data will take lots of time to study them to the depth. So, the proper and accurate use of instruments should be essential. You should have the knowledge of instruments used in geology study.

There are many other area where you can work like mineralogy, volcanology, hydrology or oceanography. Those working in environmental geology can work for private companies or consulting firms to help them in manage water resources.

Geologists can work in the industries related to mining, oil and gas, minerals and water resources. They can also employ in the college and universities as a teacher.

Top Job Profiles:

• Volcanologists
• Petroleum Geologists
• Environmental Geologists
• Earth Science Teachers
• Glacial or Quaternary Geologists
• Structural Geologists
• Hydrogeologists
• Engineering Geologists
• Paleontologist

Most of the geologists are self-employed as geological consultants or work with environmental consulting firms. The U.S. Geological Survey or Department of Energy employed the geologists for research and solving problems assignments.

Professional geologists work in a wide range of private firms and government organizations. They are usually employed on an agreement basis or hold permanent positions within private firms or official organizations (like as the USGS).

Some geologists are hired by the Local, state, and national governments work on geological projects. In upcoming years, the scope and job prospects in geology field will increase according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.

Top Recruiters:

• Geological Survey of India (GSI)
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
• Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC)
• Hindustan Zinc Ltd
• Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC)
• Coal India
• Mineral Exploration Ltd.
• Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

Salary & Pay Scale

In India, the starting salary of the Geologist arises between Rs. 2.5 Lakh to Rs. 3.5 Lacs per annum in both private and public sector. The salary will be on their proficiency, designation & experience in the particular area. In Government area, Geologist can earn handsome salary package of approx. Rs. 9.5 lakh per year. In abroad, the median salary for Geologist is $91,920.

Books & Study Material

• Annals of the Former World, by John McPhee
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey
• The Universe Within: Discovering the Common History of Rocks, Planets, and People by Neil Shubin
• The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet by Robert M. Hazen

 For more information about Career as Geologist, you can ask your queries below.