What Can I Do With A Major In Geosciences?

Study the physical aspects and history of the earth. They identify and examine rocks, study information collected by remote sensing instruments in satellites, conduct geological surveys, construct maps, and use instruments to measure the earth's gravity and magnetic field. They also analyze information collected through seismic studies, which involves bouncing energy waves off buried rock layers. Many search for oil, natural gas, minerals, and groundwater.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in geology or geophysics is adequate for entry into some lower level geology jobs.

Avg. Maine Salary: $22.49 per/hour

Avg. # Maine Employment 154

Annual Openings: 9

Projected Growth: 32%

MARINE GEOLOGIST

They study and map the ocean floor, and collect information using remote sensing devices aboard surface ships or underwater research craft.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in geology or geophysics is adequate for entry into some lower level geology jobs.

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RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Geotechnical		Environmental Education
Mapping	Site Evaluator
Bookkeeper	Budget Accountant
Ground Water Assessor	Pollution Monitoring Agent
Credit Manager	Educator
Coastal Erosion Researcher	Environmental Consultant

SKILLS

Office Skills	Self-Motavated
Ability to work in a laboratory	Able to do field work
Efficiency Recording	Aptitude for Mathematics
Ability to work with a team.
Ability to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures Quickly

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SAMPLE JOBS

(taken from past issues of our Career Services Husky Job Board)

Project Coordinators
Manage volunteers working on field research expeditions in (1) cultural anthropology, archaeology, art and architecture, (2) biodiversity, ecology, zoology and conservation biology (3) Earth and marine sciences; will act as liaison among scientists, volunteers and earthwatch headquarters.
Qualifications: Strong organizational/office skills required; field experience and international travel a strong plus.

Domestic Fisheries Observer
Full training followed by field gathering management data for the Government, living and working aboard US flagged commercial fishing vessels.
Qualifications: Minimum of a BA degree in fisheries biology, general biology, zoology or a related natural science.

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RELATED ACTIVITIES

Work as a part-time or volunteer at a local game reserve.

Join a professional science or environmental organization.

Take a working cruise aboard one of the local "Tall Ships".

Solve problems involving analytical and logical processes.

Attend geoscience-related lectures, trade shows or conventions.

Work as a student aide in a high school or college science department.

Work with a home micro-computer.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

(These resources are located in our Career Resource Centers)

Maine Dept. of Labour and Occupational Outlook Handbook

Choices

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

(For more information see the National Trade and Professional Association
of the United States located in our Career Resource Centers)

American Geological Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502
703-379-2480
e-mail: agi@agi.umd.edu

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

American Association of Statigraphic Palynologists

American Geological Institute

American Geophysical Union

American Institute of Professional Geologists

American Rock Mechanics Association

ASFE: Professional Firms Practicing in the Geosciences

Association for Women Geoscientists

Association of American State Geologists

Association of Earth Science Editors

Association of Engineering Geologists

Clay Minerals Society

Earthquake Engineering Research Institute

Geochemical Society

Geological Society of America

Geoscience Information Society

History of Earth Sciences Society

International Association for Mathematical Geology

International Association of Hydrogeologists

National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Paleontological Society

Seismological Society of America

Society for Luminescent Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration

Society of Economic Geologists

Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists

Society of Professional Well Log Analysts

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The information on this page was taken from the following sources: CareerWare 98; Maine Dept.of Labor, 94; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 98; National Trade and Professional Associations Of the United States, 97; College Majors and Careers

Website Last Updated August 8, 1999

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