money sectionmoney sectionThe minimum training for a career in geology is a four-year college degree. Many geologists earn master's or doctorate degrees. Geologists can find work in natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and universities. Regardless of occupation, many geologists do at least some field work. Geologists also spend time in laboratories, offices or classrooms. Computers are essential tools for a working geologist.
Petroleum geologists, usually employed by oil and gas companies, are scientists responsible for helping find and extract petroleum by analyzing the rock formations of different physical environments. Petroleum geologists may be employed on the staff of large corporations or they may work as independent consultants. Often, petroleum geologists will be consulted by investors looking to purchase the mineral rights to a plot of land.
Staff geologists have expertise on the structure and composition of the Earth's crust. They search for natural resources like petroleum, study fossilized remains or help construct dams.
Some people think of geologists as professional rock hounds. They all study the rocks, the minerals and the strata of the planet to figure out what happened to make Earth the way it is, and what will happen if these processes continue. Beyond this, however, geologists' tasks vary. A geologist might stroll through a forest taking note of soil types; walk through the caldera of an active volcano; study rocks from a different planet; or find famous ships on the bottom of the ocean floor.
