Science & ResearchISCO 2114
Geologist
A geologist is a person who researches the materials that make up the Earth, and what they are examined for depends on the purpose of the research.
Check yourself in a minute: geologist
Rate 5 of the 45 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
perform laboratory tests
collect geological data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
About geologist
Depending on their specialisation, a geologist analyses how the Earth has been shaped over time, its geological strata, the quality of minerals for mining purposes, earthquakes and volcanic activity for private services, and comparable phenomena. The geologist studies rocks, minerals and strata, and the purpose of the research decides which of their properties matter.
The geologist operates scientific measuring instruments, performs analytical mathematical calculations and applies statistics in order to draw conclusions from a limited number of samples and state their uncertainty.
The geologist drafts scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, applies for research funding, disseminates results to the scientific community and promotes knowledge transfer, including to the mining sector. The geologist applies research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities. Formal requirements for education and licences are set by the employer and by national rules.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (45)
cartographycartographyThe study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...geological time scalegeological time scaleSystem of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.scientific modellingscientific modellingScientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisati...scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.collect geological datacollect geological dataParticipate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.carry out geological explorationscarry out geological explorationsPerform exploration activities for mines and fields with the aim of analysing the properties of the area and finding minerals.conduct soil sample testsconduct soil sample testsAnalyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...
Optional (40) — show
geological mappinggeological mappingThe technique used to create maps that clearly illustrate the geological features and rock layers of an area that may be useful for mining projects and geological explorations.impact of geological factors on mining operationsimpact of geological factors on mining operationsBe aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).petrologypetrologyThe scientific field of geology that studies the composition, structure, texture, other characteristics, and regional gradations of rocks.environmental legislationenvironmental legislationThe environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.geochemistrygeochemistryThe scientific discipline that studies the presence and distribution of chemical elements in the geological systems of Earth.sedimentologysedimentologyThe study of sediments, namely sand, clay, and silt, and the natural processes undergone in their formation.geophysicsgeophysicsThe scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magn...soil sciencesoil scienceThe field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.geographygeographyThe scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the soc...geochronologygeochronologyThe branch of geology and scientific field specialised in dating the age of rocks, rock formations, and sediments in order to determine geological events and map the chronology of Earth.loggingloggingThe process of felling, cutting trees and transforming them into timber, including mechanical felling and processing.examine geochemical samplesexamine geochemical samplesAnalyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such...conduct sediment controlconduct sediment controlManage sediment control processes and projects. Plan sediment control actions to prevent eroded soil from polluting nearby waterways.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...prepare surveying reportprepare surveying reportWrite a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc.conduct land surveysconduct land surveysConduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and d...advise on building mattersadvise on building mattersProvide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.develop geological databasesdevelop geological databasesDevelop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.solve location and navigation problems by using GPS toolssolve location and navigation problems by using GPS toolsUse applications and devices which provide users with accurate assessment of their location using system of satellites, such as navigation systems.study aerial photosstudy aerial photosUse aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth's surface.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.perform computer analyses of geotechnical structuresperform computer analyses of geotechnical structuresUse specialised digital databases and perform computer-aided analyses of geotechnical structures.apply digital mappingapply digital mappingMake maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.interpret geophysical datainterpret geophysical dataInterpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.conduct field workconduct field workConducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.monitor geotechnical structuresmonitor geotechnical structuresObserve performance factors of geotechnical structures in relation to the railway system.provide information on geological characteristicsprovide information on geological characteristicsProvide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planne...assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.advise on geology for mineral extractionadvise on geology for mineral extractionProvide advice of the impact of geological factors on the development of mineral production. Take into account factors such as cost, safety, and characteristics of deposits.design scientific equipmentdesign scientific equipmentDesign new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.process dataprocess dataEnter information into a data storage and data retrieval system via processes such as scanning, manual keying or electronic data transfer in order to process large amounts of data.investigate soil stabilityinvestigate soil stabilityCollect soil samples from the railway site, using bores and test pits in order to determine ground stress capability and stability.prepare geological map sectionsprepare geological map sectionsPrepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a geologist do?
Geologists research the materials that form the earth. Their observations depend on the purpose of the research. Depending on their specialisation, geologists study how the Earth has been shaped over time, its geological layers, the quality of minerals for mining purposes, earthquakes and volcanic activity for private services, and similar phenomena.
What skills does a geologist need?
A geologist needs 45 essential skills, including cartography, mathematics, geological time scale, statistics, geology.
Will AI replace geologist jobs?
The AI disruption score for geologist is 54/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: process data, record test data, solve location and navigation problems by using GPS tools. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
54/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
Is geologist right for you?
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