Geoscientists study the structure, composition and physical aspects of Earth. They use geology, physics and mathematics to examine planetary properties and explore for underground water, minerals, gas or oil, as well as applying scientific principles to help with waste disposal, land reclamation and other environmental challenges. There are specializations within this field, including seismologists, paleontologists, crystallographers and geodesists.
When you are listing skills for your geoscientist job description, you may want to emphasize that your ideal candidate will have strong mathematics and science skills, as well as knowledge of engineering, electronics and technology. Responsibilities of this role include using advanced equipment to gather data and accurately interpreting geological information.
Geoscientists also must have strong written and verbal abilities, as they have to prepare and present reports and findings to various populations. Review the geoscientist job description template below to better understand what to include in your own posting.
Geoscientist Job Summary
As a geoscientist with our mid-sized but close-knit team focused on helping clean up and mend the planet, you will be an integral part of our work and dedication to excellence. You will go into the field, using advanced equipment that you maintain and calibrate, to gather information from various locations. However, beyond data crunching, your observational and technical skills will be stretched to offer informed and compassionate professional judgement and insight regarding results from environmental sampling and hazardous material surveys. We approach our work with solid scientific principles as well as deep empathy with our living world. This position is a wonderful opportunity if you honor and respect nature and want to restore the health of our planet.
Job Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze and interpret geological, geophysical and geochemical information from various sources, including survey data, bore holes, well logs and aerial photographs
- Plan and carry out geological, geophysical and geochemical field studies and surveys, testing and drilling programs and sample gathering as outlined by industry standards
- Create geological maps, charts, cross-sectional diagrams and reports about resource management, land use and mineral removal for the company’s use, as well as for public information
- Analyze and interpret geological data using computer software specific to geoscience
- Research, measure and track ground and surface water movement to gain informed conclusions, and offer advice about waste management, site and route selection and restoration of contaminated locations to both government and private organizations
- Research environmental, historical and technical topics from articles and reports for continued education and training
- Share geological research findings by writing reports and participating in conferences and meetings with the public as well as fellow geoscientists
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor’s degree
- One year of experience in soil evaluations and environmental research and consulting
- Strong communication and technical writing skills
Preferred:
- Willing to travel, both for overnight as well as extended trips
- Relevant OSHA training
- Desire to learn multiple disciplines for professional application
Geoscientist Job Responsibilities
Hiring a new geoscientist for your company may put you between a rock and a hard place. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for geoscientists is rising and the competition to hire qualified geoscientists intensifies accordingly. It is therefore imperative that your geoscientist job description be interesting, compelling and attractive to prospective candidates. Start by describing exciting projects and field work. Mention ways in which the candidate can contribute to your company’s vision and goals. Jobseekers want to know that their expertise is valued.
As you consider the different responsibilities of your geoscientist job description, keep in mind the variety of possible tasks. Will your future employee perform a lot field work or is it more of a desk research job? Does your company specialize in petroleum, water projects or construction? The job responsibilities section should include a succinct list of day-to-day tasks, and long-term research projects as well, using bullet points to organize them clearly. The more specific you are in describing the job, the better your odds of finding a good match for your business.
Check out these geoscientist job responsibilities:
- Coordinate laboratory analysis
- Perform environmental assessments and site inspections
- Monitor work performed by subcontractors
- Stay abreast of current research in the field
- Collect data in the field and prepare written reports
Geoscientist Job Specifications
No doubt you want to hire the best geoscientist you can find, so buckle down and think about your geoscientist job specifications. You need to consider education, experience, technological skills and people skills, just to name a few items. Take education, for example. Do you require a candidate who majored in geoscience, or are you willing to accept a degree in a related field, such as geology or soil science? Talk to a hiring manager or those who will oversee the employee to get further input and come to a consensus about how to best fill the position.
Once you have decided upon a list of skills and qualifications for your geoscientist job description, organize it into a job qualifications and skills section with bullet points for emphasis. Don’t get carried away. A list of 6-8 items is a good length and will keep the jobseeker engaged. If some of the skills can be learned on the job, make sure that is noted in the description. That extra step increases your potential candidate pool.
Below are some possible job specifications for your geoscientist job description:
- Bachelor of science degree in geoscience or related field
- Experience in environmental site assessments
- Great oral and written communication skills
- Ability to plan and organize
- Dedication to ethical conduct and professionalism
- Experience in environmental sampling and field investigation