Geoscience
What is geoscience?
Geoscience is a scientific field that involves the collection and interpretation of data about the Earth to improve the quality of human life.
- Investigate soils, the ocean and the atmosphere.
- Learn how to balance the demand and sustainability of Earth’s natural resources including groundwater, petroleum and metals.
Examples of careers
- Geotechnician
- Atmospheric scientist
- Environmental engineer
- Meteorologist
- Oceanographer
Skills
Program Management
Ability to manage, develop, and administer programs related to specific areas related to minerals and geology.
Collaboration and Coordination
Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff, external stakeholders, tribal governments, research communities, and other agencies.
Technical Expertise
Proficiency in the technical aspects of minerals and geology.
For more information about job levels, career paths and training programs, visit My Colorado Journey.
Day in the life
Plan and conduct geological surveys
Analyze data
Sample mineral, liquid or rock samples
Develop research proposals
Images provided by the US Forest Service
Career spotlight: Geologist
What they do
If you like variety in your day-to-day work and have a passion for science, a career as a geologist might work for you. When performing fieldwork, where you are stationed can range from established research posts to challenging backcountry conditions. Fieldwork can involve travel to locations around the world, sometimes for weeks at a time. When working at the home duty station, tasks range from working in a laboratory to computer-based analysis and recording.
Skills and education check
As a geologist, it’s important to have strong written and oral communication skills to present research findings and discoveries. Outdoor skills like camping and hiking are also essential for fieldwork. An understanding of programs used for modeling, analysis and digital mapping are also key.
While a bachelor’s degree may earn an entry-level position, many positions require a master’s degree to begin and upper-level positions eventually require a Ph.D. The most common degree program is geoscience, but any physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering or computer science program may suffice if geology was incorporated into the program.