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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-2042)

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

At a Glance

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earns a median of $99,240/yr with +3.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Getting Information, Analyzing Data or Information, Adobe Photoshop.

Median Annual Wage

$99,240/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+3.2%

Annual Openings

2

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (12)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.1
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.9
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.9
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.4
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.3
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.3

Knowledge (6)

Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

4.0
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.8
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3.8
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.8
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

3.7
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.6

Abilities (17)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.1
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

4.0
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.6
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.6
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.4
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.3
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.3

Technology (17)

Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Git

Category: File versioning software | Hot Technology

4.5
MySQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
The MathWorks MATLAB

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (24)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.7
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.7
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.3
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.3
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.2
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.0
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.9
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.9
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.7
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.6
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.4
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.4
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.3
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.3
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.3
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.3

Work Styles (1)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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