Go places with your geosciences career

Geosciences careers go way beyond studying layers in rockGeoscientists are employed in a variety of sectors. These include:

  • Industry geoscientists are employed in oil & gas or mining companies, where they interpret geologic data to guide exploration and extraction of economic materials.
  • Consulting firms employ geoscientists to support environmental, engineering, and hydrological decision-making in a community.
  • The government employs geoscientists in federal and state labs and geological surveys to aid in their mission of science supporting society.
  • Geoscientists employed in education teach in K-12 settings or higher education institutions. Colleges and universities are an important setting for cutting-edge research leading to many important discoveries about our planet.

With a strong educational foundation in the geosciences, career possibilities are endless. Here are just a few examples of careers for geoscientist:

  • Archeological Geologist
  • Atmospheric Scientist
  • Cartographer
  • Economic Geologist
  • Engineering Geologist
  • Environmental Geologist
  • Geochemist
  • Geochronologist
  • Geodesist
  • Geomorphologist
  • Geophysicist
  • GIS Analyst
  • Glacial Geologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Marine Geologist
  • Meteorologist
  • Oceanographer
  • Paleoecologist
  • Paleontologist
  • Petroleum Geologist
  • Petrologist
  • Planetary Geologist
  • Sedimentologist
  • Seismologist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Stratigrapher
  • Structural Geologist
  • Volcanologist

The job market for geoscientists has a bright future. A large percentage of the current geoscience job force is approaching retirement, which means that job vacancies and needs will be increasing in coming years. Renewed interest in domestic exploration for oil and gas, metals and uranium is creating new jobs throughout the U.S. Technological advances in remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and geologic modeling are forming a new computer-based niche for geoscientists.

Many geologists can successfully find fulfilling careers upon completion of an undergraduate program. Many will also choose to continue to graduate school to pursue higher degrees.

The Four Corners Region has a wealth of opportunities for geoscientists. The San Juan Basin south of Durango is one of the nation's most active oil and gas basins where companies large and small explore and compete for limited resources. Western Colorado contains a significant portion of domestic uranium supplies, and mining efforts are ramping up to meet rising prices and demand. Wherever development occurs, consulting firms are busy surveying terrain to guide proper planning. And Durango is close to two national laboratories in New Mexico where geoscientists play an active role in basic research, engineering advancements, and national security.

Learn more about careers in the Geosciences

For more career options, please visit our Geoscience Resources Page.