This key job family involves professional geological and geophysical work, requiring an applied know

This key job family involves professional geological and geophysical work, requiring an applied knowledge in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics to locate and analyse mineral, geothermal, and petroleum deposits; to investigate and measure seismic, gravitational, electrical, and thermal and magnetic forces impacting the earth; and to study, analyse, and interpret data relating to seismic forces. These activities relate to both onshore and offshore exploration and production activities.

Education/Qualification Options

Most occupations in this job family have a level of skill that requires a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.  Most jobs require prior work experience within the industry.

For more information, go to:

• Society of Petroleum Engineers
• American Association of Petroleum Geologists (New Zealand sector)  
• Auckland University
• Otago University 
• Victoria University
• GNS Science 
• Institute of earth science and engineering
• Waikato School of Science and Engineering

Career Paths

Most individuals enter this job family at a junior or associate level, with opportunities to advance into supervisory or management roles (leading people or teams) or higher technical specialisations. Career paths are primarily within each of the classifications or disciplines. Some roles may be performed by different classifications, offering more flexibility for movement. Other specialised roles may require a combination of work experience and post-graduate training.

Routine Work

Many jobs in the geosciences involve analysing data or samples, and are based primarily in an office environment.  Travel and possible relocation may be required to areas that are to be studied.

Occupation Classification:

Geologist

Geophysicist

Salary Band:  $80,000 - $170,000 plus.

GEOLOGISTS AND GEOPHYSICISTS study the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locate and advise on the extraction of minerals, petroleum and ground water, and detect, monitor and forecast seismic, magnetic, electrical, thermal and oceanographic activity.

Tasks Include:

• conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
• preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
• conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
• studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
• studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
• carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
• conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
• investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
• studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
• performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys

Geologist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral exploitation, civil engineering, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining.

Specialisations:

• Hydro geologist
• Marine Geologist
• Palaeontologist

Geophysicist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

Specialisations:

• Physical Oceanographer
• Seismologist