Hydrogeologist evaluates and manages the quality, quantity, reliability and sustainability of all aspects of water resources. They are concerned with groundwater and the soil-moisture variation, amount, speed and direction of groundwater flow, extraction and replenishment of groundwater, and water chemistry and pollution.

Hydrogeologists are expert scientists who specialise in the study of groundwater. These clever people monitor and analyse the movement, distribution and quality of water below the earth’s surface in an attempt to maintain, conserve and manage these incredibly valuable resources.

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Specialisations:

• Groundwater hydrologist study the water below the Earth’s surface. Some groundwater hydrologists focus on water supply and decide the best locations for wells and the amount of water available for pumping. Other groundwater hydrologists focus on the cleanup of groundwater contaminated by spilled chemicals at a factory, an airport, or a gas station. These hydrologists often give advice about the best places to build waste disposal sites to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated.
      
  
• Surface water hydrologists study water from aboveground sources such as streams, lakes, and snowpacks. They may predict future water levels by tracking usage and precipitation data to help reservoir managers decide when to release or store water. They also produce flood forecasts and help develop flood management plans.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes  

• Analytical skills. Hydrologists need to analyze data collected in the field and examine the results of laboratory tests.
    
• Communication skills. Hydrologists prepare detailed reports that document their research methods and findings. They may have to present their findings to people who do not have a technical background, such as government officials or the general public.
     
• Critical-thinking skills. Hydrologists assess the risks posed to the water supply by pollution, floods, droughts, and other threats. They develop water management plans to handle these threats.
     
• Interpersonal skills. Most hydrologists work as part of a diverse team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
     
• Physical stamina. When they are in the field, hydrologists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.

(Source: The West Australian)

Duties and Tasks

They are then tasked with presenting the data in a concise and accessible manner. This process usually involves writing reports and using advanced computer software to model groundwater flow and geological structures.

These digital models and reports are then used to assess the impact of proposed construction work, agricultural developments and mining projects on groundwater resources. This is vital in the prevention of human activity which might have a detrimental effect on the environment.

Hydrogeologists can also work abroad for water charities, such as WaterAid, where they will be locating groundwater resources in communities that have been affected by devastating droughts or diseases caused by contaminated water supplies. This work is vital for the production of pumps and wells, which will provide people with fresh, clean water, thereby saving countless lives.  

Working conditions

Hydrogeologists typically work five days a week, nine-to-five. However, you may be required to work longer hours from time to time to meet project deadlines.
Travelling, both domestically and internationally, is a regular occurrence for most hydrogeologists.

A large part of your professional life will also be spent in the great outdoors, so be prepared to work in all kinds of weather.
   
Hydrogeologists spend a large part of their time out in the field collecting data on all kinds of hydrogeological properties, from porosity and hydrodynamic dispersion to molecular diffusion and hydraulic conductivity.

As part of this process, hydrogeologists are responsible for organising the drilling of boreholes so that groundwater samples can be taken. They also use less invasive techniques and equipment to collect data, such as geographical information systems (GIS).

Once they have conducted their investigations, hydrogeologists spend their time in a laboratory or office analysing, evaluating and unravelling the data that they have collected.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To enter this line of work, you will need an undergraduate degree in a scientific or engineering subject and a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as hydrogeology, environmental geoscience, geology, or geochemistry.

Many hydrogeologists start their career as a part of a graduate scheme with prominent environmental consultancies and engineering firms. If you are accepted onto a graduate scheme, the majority of your training will be done whilst on the job under the supervision of a senior hydrogeologist.

As part of your training programme, you may be given the opportunity to complete an MSc in hydrogeology if you haven’t already got one. This will be fully-funded by your organisation and it’s likely that you will be granted study leave in the lead up to exams.

From time to time, you may also be required to attend training courses run by external organisations, such as the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), to keep up-to-date with all the latest techniques and technologies.

If you work for a large organisation, you may eventually be given the opportunity to progress into a senior hydrogeologist position. However, this may mean taking a step back from hands-on scientific investigation work and focusing your efforts more on project management and team leading responsibilities.

Some people decide to specialise in a particular area of hydrogeology, such as groundwater engineering.

Alternatively, you might have the opportunity to develop an academic career, where you’ll conduct research and teach the next generation of hydrogeologists.

Freelance consultancy work is another option.

Marine geologists are subset of geologists that study the history, and the processes, of the ocean floor - the land mass that sites beneath the ocean bodies of the world. They differ from Geological Oceanographers in that they are less involved in the makeup of the ocean rock, and more involved in the results of geology, rather than the causes. Their discipline incorporates extremely long processes such as plate tectonics, but also the ongoing and short terms processes such as volcanic activity, earthquakes and plate tectonics beneath the ocean waves. It is a growing area as we still don't fully understand what goes on in the deepest parts of our world. In many cases, we still do not have the technology to reach the very bottom of the ocean. The bottom of the ocean remains the last unexplored frontier.

Although a small and young discipline, its evidence is vital to our understanding of how our world works. Their study includes not only the spread of the continents over millions of years, but also in our understanding of short-term events such as tsunamis (often caused by earthquakes). Neither is it just about rock formations and processes. They will study sediments for various data and the impacts that rock and sediment might have on geology and ocean biology.

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Knowledge, skills and attributes    

A career studying the ocean floor as a Marine Geologist can be very exciting and requires a unique set of skills. While jobs vary depending on the region of the world in which they work, the marine geologist skill set includes:

• A Bachelor's of Science degree in geological oceanography, marine geology or related field of study
• Ability to work outdoors around bodies of water and perform fieldwork
• Perform work in extreme temperatures, weather and environmental conditions
• Possess excellent written, verbal and technical skills
• Capacity to travel to work sites and travel may occur by watercraft, aircraft or land transportation
• Knowledgeable with applicable local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations

Marine Geologist Dr Robin Beaman, from James Cook University's School of Earth.
The marine geologist has dedicated the past 14 years to mapping uncharted territories, discovering new marine life, ancient corals and obscure underwater landscapes on the Great Barrier Reef.
(Source: Cairns Post)

Duties and Tasks

• Obtain required environmental permits and requirements; prepare and submit environmental permit applications
• Investigate and characterize aquatic sediment through fieldwork
• Collect underwater samples and data using specialized monitoring equipment
• Analyze and document all site samples and data collection
• Produce data reports and organize into databases
• Participate in aquatic dredge and disposal based on sediment characterizations
• Develop models and graphical representation of ocean floor observations and measurements

Working conditions

Marine Geologists are a type of geologist, which in turn is a type of Earth scientist. Their specialist knowledge is useful in a variety of academic study areas and therefore, many different sectors. The majority employers of Marine Geology is in fossil fuel extraction and prospecting. A large amount of natural gas and oil sits beneath the oceans, and as we surpass peak oil, their skills and new technologies are essential. Oil and gas extraction employs some 22% of marine geologists.

Some 17% of Earth scientists work in engineering services. For marine geology, this will often be in the siting and design of offshore oil and gas rigs. Their knowledge of the seabed geology is vital in the safe and most efficient use of the natural geology when prospecting for any resource beneath the ocean bed. Around 15% work in management, scientific and technical consulting - often for third party organizations, fulfilling much the same roles. They may be involved in consultations for such projects as wind farms.

Around 7% work in education, typically university academia, but also in research departments and labs studying the ocean floor. Around the same percentage work in government roles; here, they may be involved in civic planning for public projects where the ocean bed is a consideration. They may also work for disaster relief where the source of the disaster has a marine geological cause (tsunami).

Education  and training/entrance requirements

In most cases, students will be required to have a bachelor's degree at the very minimum. However, this may not be enough even for entry-level jobs where there is low competition or high demand. High school students should focus on the hard sciences - particularly chemistry and physics - before selecting a degree in a similar subject. Typically, a degree in geography, oceanography and physics are suitable. Students should choose minors and electives that reflect this interest. Seismology, marine physics and other relating study courses can complement the degree.

A master's degree will be more suitable for more roles, particularly if the student wishes to play an active role in research. Only a master's degree provides students with the study, research and practical project management skills for their career as a researcher in the field. Where the student prefers a career in applied science (such as petrochemicals) this is even more essential.

Doctorates are suitable for academia and teaching, but may also be preferable for those who wish to work in government roles in a place where they may become decision makers. 

 

A paleontologist studies the history and process of evolution by examining fossils, the preserved traces of long dead animals and plants. Using data from fossilized bones, ancient pollen, and other clues, paleontologists dig up the details on past climates and past extinctions. They tell us about the history of the earth, the evolution of life, and our own place in the world.

Paleontologists plan, direct, and conduct fieldwork projects to search for fossils or collect samples. They document the work site and dig up fossils or take core samples from lakes, soil, or ice sheets. They then need to preserve the specimens and prepare them for transport to the institution where they'll be cleaned and studied. Some work in laboratories, using chemical techniques to analyze fossilized samples and ancient pollen. They share their research by writing journal articles and presenting to colleagues at professional conferences. Most need to write applications for grants to support their research. Many teach and conduct research as faculty members at colleges and universities.

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Specialisations:
   
Paleontologists usually specialize in a particular research area. For example, micropaleontologists study microscopic fossils. Paleobotanistsconduct research on fossil plants, including algae and fungi. Palynologists study pollen and spores. Invertebrate paleontologists study fossils of invertebrate animals like mollusks and worms. Vertebrate paleontologists focus on the fossils of vertebrate animals, including fish. Human paleontologists or paleoanthropologists focus on the fossils of prehistoric humans and pre-human hominids. Taphonomists study the process that creates fossils. Ichnologists hunt for fossil tracks, trails, and footprints. Paleoecologists use fossils, spores, pollen, and other information to study the ecologies and climates of the past.

Knowledge, skills and attributes   
  
To become a Palaeontologist, you'll need:

• an interest in ancient life forms and ecosystems
• laboratory skills, for example, using techniques like radiometric dating to establish how old fossils are
  patience to be involved in a research project over a long period of time
• communication skills to work with other Scientists, write reports of your findings or give talks and lectures to the public in a museum
• computer skills for tasks such as research work or updating museum collection databases
• willingness to do fieldwork, including in remote areas

Did You Know? The Australian Museum's collection is the largest of its kind in Australia and is estimated at 164,315 specimens, including over 26,000 types and figured material, it is stored between the Australian Museum’s Sydney CBD site, the Castle Hill Discovery Centre, and the Bathurst Fossil and Mineral Museum and Age of Fishes Museum at Canowindra in central west NSW. Only about 34% of the collection is digitised. The collection broadly covers the history of life including invertebrates, vertebrates and fossil plants, and contains some of the museum's greatest treasures. One of the most spectacular is 'Eric' the opalised pliosaur from Coober Pedy. The collection also contains some of Australia's oldest mammal fossils, collected from the opal fields of Lightning Ridge in northern New South Wales. (Source: Australian Museum)

Duties and Tasks

Paleontologist jobs deal primarily with the study of animal and plant fossils from various eras of earth's prehistory. While jobs vary significantly, most paleontologists would call the below list of tasks a basic outline of their scope of work:

• Develop data collection methods and systems tailored to a particular era, site or project goal
• Collect information from observations, satellite, GIS/GPS and concussive instruments
• Record and manage records of observations
• Analyze field data, laboratory samples, and other sources of information to uncover patterns about prehistoric life and origins
• Prepare reports and present research findings
• Communicate with project leads, administrators and other staff through regular, scheduled field status reports and presentation of research findings
• Engage in field survey, testing, monitoring, and data recovery
• Advise organizations on the possible impact of policies, programs, and products

 

Working conditions

Most paleontologists are faculty members in the geology departments of colleges and universities. Some work in museums. A handful are employed by government geological surveys, where they make geological maps or investigate geological issues. A few help oil companies search for petroleum.

Paleontologists spend most of their time in offices while teaching, writing, or analyzing their finds. However, some conduct research in laboratories. When conducting fieldwork, paleontologists work outdoors, where they do rigorous physical work in all kinds of weather.


Education and training/entrance requirements

A Ph.D. is usually necessary for paleontological careers, particularly in academia. Aspiring paleontologists should have extensive knowledge of biology and geology. A double-major with full training in both is the best educational option. Chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics, and computer science are also very important. Undergraduate geology classes typically include mineralogy, stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and genetics.

Field and lab experience are also vital. Paleontologists will need to know professional standards and procedures for surveying work sites and unearthing their finds.

 

Geological technicians provide support to scientists, engineers and geologists by collecting and analysing information from rock, soil and water samples. Geological technicians may also be called geotechnicians or geoscience technicians.

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Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a geological technician, you would need:

• good scientific and technical skills
• the ability to pay close attention to detail
• good maths skills
• patience
• good observational skills
• a methodical approach to problem solving.

 

Testing Hardness of Rock Sample
(Source: Civilblog)

Duties and Tasks

As a geological technician, your work would involve laboratory duties. You would use a range of specialised instruments and computer programs in your work. Depending on the type of research you are carrying out, your other duties could include:

• preparing rock, soil and water samples for testing
• analysing the chemical make up and physical properties of samples.
• obtaining and processing geophysical data
• logging well and borehole drilling activity
• interpreting data from seismic surveys
• preparing geological maps sections
• supporting teaching staff in a university
• producing reports for engineers and scientists
• maintaining quality standards.

Working conditions

A geological technician would normally work standard hours, Monday to Friday.

You would spend a lot of your time in a laboratory, and you will also work outdoors, collecting samples. In the lab, you would wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when carrying out certain tests.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a geological technician you usually have to complete a VET qualification in science, environmental monitoring and technology, laboratory work or a related area.

Your employment prospects may be improved if you have a degree with a major in geology, mathematics, chemistry, or physics. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics, chemistry or physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

Employment of geological technicians is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.

More opportunities may be available in the mining industry, particularly in geological exploration and extraction, than in other areas.

Geological engineers identify and try to solve problems involving soil, rock and groundwater, and design structures in and below the ground, using the principles of earth science.

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Specialisations: Geological engineering includes a number of ground engineering specialities such as geotechnical engineering, land remediation,
rock mechanics, groundwater hydrology and engineering geology.

Alternative names: Geotechnical Engineer

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes  

• enjoy technical and engineering work

• willing to adhere to safety requirements

• able to identify, analyse and solve problems

• good oral and written communication skills

• aptitude for computing and design

• practical and creative

• able to work without supervision

• able to accept responsibility

• able to work independently or as part of a team

• enjoy working outdoors, sometimes in remote locations       

(Source: Good Universities Guide)

Duties and Tasks

Geological engineers may perform the following tasks:

• investigate the engineering feasibility of planned new developments involving soil, rock and groundwater

• plan and undertake site investigations for proposed major engineering works such as bridges, dams and tunnels

• examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, content, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits

• prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel

• design structures in rock such as tunnels, basements and shafts

• design measures to correct land contamination and salination

• design major structures in rock such as tunnels, basements and shafts

• perform computer analyses, use computer databases and generate computer-aided designs

• work out strategies to control landslides and areas of potential instability

• supervise the construction and performance of major engineering works involving excavation and/or exploration

• act as consultants or researchers, carrying out studies in any of the above fields of activity

• act in managerial positions and be responsible for coordination of multidisciplinary study teams, staff recruitment and matters of work organisation

Working conditions

Outdoor work is an essential aspect of geological engineering investigations. Geological engineers typically spend up to half of their working hours on field investigations and supervising construction of their designs.

Most geological engineers work full time. Working hours may be variable based on locations and project timeframes.

Geological engineers are required to work on site, sometimes in remote locations.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a geological engineer you usually have to complete a degree in engineering with a major in geoscience, geoengineering or geotechnical engineering.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia, the Geological Society of Australia and/or the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of geological engineers is projected remain very strong. Some of this growth will be in outsourced services businesses, as companies contract out more of this work, rather than employ engineers directly.

Geological engineers are employed by engineering consulting firms; the civil, mining and environmental industries; and federal and state or territory government organisations. They may also work in areas of environmental consultancy and associated rehabilitation works. There are opportunities for promotion within companies and departments, or for self-employment.

Geological engineers may work with other professionals, pooling their expertise to solve particular problems. For example, they may work with environmental scientists, geologists and hydrologists on solving land degradation, groundwater and salination problems; with civil engineers in the design and construction of better transportation links; or with mining engineers in designing open-cut and underground mines, and on rehabilitation works on completion of mining.

Geological engineers have skills that are readily transferable between employers and may find work interstate or overseas.

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)

Archaeologist	Army Officer	Civil Engineer	Construction Project Manager
Construction Worker	Environmental Scientist	Geophysicist	Hydrologist
Marine Biologist	Metallurgist	Miner	Mining Engineer
Natural Resource Manager	Petroleum Engineer	Soil Scientist	University Lecturer

Materials sourced from ;
CareersOnline [Geological Engineer; Geologist; ]
AllAboutCareers;
Truity [Hydrologist; ]
Careers Wales [Palaeontologist;]
Environmental Science [Palaeontologist; Marine Geologist; ]
CareerHQ [Geological Technician; Geologist; Geological Engineer;  ]
Good Universities Guide [Geological Engineer; ]
Your Career [Geologist; Hydrogeologist; ]

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