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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

SOC 19-2042.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparation

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.

Context coveredField mapping, seismic and well-log interpretation, environmental and resource consulting, regulatory permitting, hazard assessment, academic and government research.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standard field equipment (Brunton compass, GPS, rock hammers) — use confidently on a mapping traverse with a senior geologist.
  2. Outcrop and core descriptions — log to the team's lithology code under direct supervision.
  3. Geologic maps and stratigraphic columns — read and orient on an unfamiliar area with mentorship.
  4. Sample collection (rock, soil, water) — obtain with documented chain of custody on a Phase II site.
  5. Field-safety protocols (heat, terrain, drilling) — apply consistently on assigned site visits.
  6. GIS basics in ArcGIS or QGIS — import, project, and view layers under a supervisor's review.
  7. Lab analyses (XRD, XRF, thin sections) — prepare samples and interpret per a defined SOP.
  8. Routine well-log displays — read with a senior interpreter on a producing field.
  9. Permitting paperwork (state, BLM, USFS) — assemble and submit under a project lead's review.
  10. Daily field notes and digital photo logs — maintain to project standards.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Independent field-mapping projects — execute at 1:24,000 across a defined quad with light supervision.
  2. Seismic and well-log interpretation — produce structural and stratigraphic sections on a familiar play.
  3. Environmental site assessments (Phase I + Phase II) — lead routine engagements for a consulting firm.
  4. Geochemical sampling programs — design and execute for exploration or remediation projects.
  5. Hazard and risk reports — author for landslide, seismic, or flooding studies in a state context.
  6. Junior geologists and field technicians — train on safety, sampling, and logging.
  7. Permits and agency consultations — prepare for routine projects under a PM's review.
  8. Quantitative analyses (GIS overlays, basin modeling) — produce for project teams.
  9. Project budgets and field schedules — manage at the task level for $50K–$500K engagements.
  10. Conference talks (AAPG, GSA) — present technical case studies.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex field and subsurface programs — design and lead across geographies and regulatory regimes.
  2. Resource and reserve assessments — conduct to SEC, NI 43-101, or PRMS standards.
  3. Multi-disciplinary teams (geology, geophysics, engineering) — lead through integrated interpretations.
  4. Major regulatory submissions — author for federal- or state-lead programs with agency interlocutors.
  5. Senior geologists and analysts — supervise across multi-project portfolios.
  6. Client presentations and technical-due-diligence reports — deliver on multi-million-dollar engagements.
  7. Funded research grants and contracts — win at the principal-investigator level.
  8. Peer-reviewed publications and authored chapters — lead in disciplinary journals.
  9. External technical reviews and second-opinion engagements — deliver with rigor and defensible scope.
  10. Standards bodies (ASTM, SPE, GSA) — contribute through committee work.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Strategic direction for a geosciences practice or division — set across services, geography, and people.
  2. National-scale hazard or resource programs — lead with agencies, legislators, and the public.
  3. Major capital and acquisition decisions — advise at the executive level with defensible technical risk profiles.
  4. Disciplinary norms and policy positions — advance through society leadership and government advisory roles.
  5. Talent development across the geosciences pipeline — own recruitment, retention, and promotion.
  6. International standards and reporting frameworks — shape through committee leadership.
  7. Crisis response (earthquakes, volcanic, environmental disasters) — command across coordinating agencies.
  8. Major awards, board roles, and editorial leadership — hold consistent with sustained field-shaping work.
  9. Industry–academia bridges and applied-research consortia — architect at scale.
  10. Legacy mentorship and field-shaping standards — institutionalize through training and certification.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
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Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors59 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Consultant Geologist · Core Analysis Operator · Core Analyst · Crystallographer · Development Geologist · Engineering Geologist · Environmental Engineer · Environmental Geologist · Environmental Protection Geologist · Exploration Geologist · Field Geologist · Geochemist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingScienceSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningWritingMathematicsSystems EvaluationActive LearningSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesMonitoringCoordinationInstructingSocial Perceptiveness
Knowledge domains
GeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageChemistryPhysicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingEngineering and Technology
Abilities
Written ComprehensionInductive ReasoningCategory FlexibilityDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingMathematical Reasoning
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailInnovationDependabilityAchievement OrientationTolerance for Ambiguity
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareDocument management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareData conversion softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareMap creation softwareGeographic information systemFile versioning software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  2. Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  3. Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
  4. Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
  5. Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
  6. Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  7. Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  8. Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
CIP education codes
30.320130.380130.410130.420130.430140.060140.060240.060340.060440.060640.060740.0699

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.