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Environmental, energy & mining

Geologist

Field work, lab work, and the industry cycle decides which.

Typical pay

$60k-$120k

How you get in

Geology degree; master's and PG license for advancement

Outlook

Steady in environmental; cyclical in extraction

Geologists study earth materials and processes for energy, mining, environmental and hazard applications. Environmental consulting is the steadiest employer; oil and mining pay more and cycle harder.

A day in the life

  1. 6:30aLoad sampling equipment and drive to the site
  2. 8:00aLog soil borings as the drill rig advances
  3. 12:00pLunch in the field
  4. 1:00pCollect groundwater samples and chain of custody
  5. 3:00pBack to the office, enter data and update cross sections
  6. 4:30pDraft a section of the site investigation report

How to get in

Bachelor's into environmental consulting

Duration

4 years

Cost

$40,000-$150,000

Credential

BS in geology plus HAZWOPER; PG license later

  1. Complete a geology degree with field camp
  2. Get your 40-hour HAZWOPER certification
  3. Enter environmental consulting as a staff geologist
  4. Accumulate experience toward Professional Geologist licensure

Master's for technical roles

Duration

2 years after the bachelor's

Cost

$0-$50,000 — assistantships often fund it

Credential

MS in geology or hydrogeology

  1. Complete a thesis-based master's, frequently funded
  2. Specialize in hydrogeology, geotechnical or economic geology
  3. Hydrogeology is the most consistently employable specialization
  4. Enter at a higher level with better long-term prospects

Energy and mining

Duration

4-6 years

Cost

$40,000-$180,000

Credential

BS or MS in geology

  1. Target oil and gas or mining companies
  2. Pay is substantially higher than environmental work
  3. Understand the cycles — layoffs in these sectors are severe and recurring
  4. Many geologists move between extraction and environmental with the cycle

What people love

  • · Genuine field work in varied places
  • · Environmental consulting is steady and always hiring
  • · Professional Geologist license carries real authority
  • · Energy and mining pay very well during upcycles

What wears people down

  • · Energy and mining employment is severely cyclical
  • · Field seasons mean travel and long days
  • · Entry pay is modest for the degree
  • · Master's expected for many technical roles

From people doing it

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