Geology jobs - what's out there?

Question

I know about mine geologists and exploration geologists, but what sort of jobs are out there for an eco-conscious geologist?

Answer 1

Hey, im 16 and im in the same situation im thinking of being a geologist but i really want to help the world not destruct all its minerals. I was thinking and hear are a few ways i think that we can still be geologists but also help the world. We could investigate how the world was formed, exaime the costal geology and how we can stop people building there,etc. Im still trying to think of more ways and im sure there is

Thanks

Answer 2

Environmental Geology: Hydrogeology (water is very important to life): Education, education, education: Planetary geology: Engineering geology - we're still going to need buildings and if they are to serve the community we need engineering geologists to help make sure things are done right.  So lots.

Answer 3

Hydrology -protecting water sources -- is good as someone mentioned. There are all sorts of areas opening up with waste of various sorts management. Teaching is another option, with either a master's degree or doctorate.

Answer 4

would like to see some answers to this, as i am contemplating going back to college for geology/seismology or some kind of earth studies... i will watch this question...

Answer 5

Mining (hence geology) has a bad name at the moment, because of unsustainability (especially coal mining and petroleum geology).  However, these activities will continue for the foreseeable future, even though they will have to become cleaner.  On the other hand, other materails are still required, such as metals, and particularly construction materials resources.  So geology is not yet a 'dead' employment prospect.

One thing you might consider is further training in ecological science.  That is one sector of indusrty in which geologically trained people are required.  One particular oppportunity here is in mine site and quarry restoration (particularly in such specialities as geo-hydrology and geo-mechanics.) Geotechnical engineering is a specialist field, usually requiring some knowledge of civil engineering.  

I actually spent the last 15 years of my career in the minesite restoration and waste management industry; and there are a lot of opportunities in these fields; especially as materials recovery becomes a more widespread industry activity.  This is an emerging industry, and so should provide opportunities; especially for those with some environmental science qualification in addition to their geology.

If you wan t to find out more about opportunities in these fields, contact the large waste mamagement companies, or there are specialist waste management industry associations who provide advice.

I haven't mentioned the other employment opportunity, if you are academically inclined (teaching geology, or even general science).

Answer 6

Building surveying needs some geological knowledge, about soil structure and so on.

In the mining sector they need people for seismic and 3D testing of granite formations to drill for geo-thermal power, it is the biggest exploration activity going at the moment.

Try Petratherm, Geodynamics, or Greenearth energy for starterrs.