Profession geologist

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.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic

Knowledge

• Geology

  Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

• Geological time scale

  System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Cartography

  The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications. 

• Statistics

  The 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 data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

• Scientific modelling

  Scientific 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, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.

• Mathematics

  Mathematics 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 prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

Skills

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

• Record test data

  Record 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 exceptional or unusual input.

• Apply statistical analysis techniques

  Use 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.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Apply safety procedures in laboratory

  Make 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.

• Collect geological data

  Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.

• Write scientific papers

  Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

• Operate scientific measuring equipment

  Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

• Carry out geological explorations

  Perform exploration activities for mines and fields with the aim of analysing the properties of the area and finding ores.

• Calibrate laboratory equipment

  Calibrate 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. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

• Execute analytical mathematical calculations

  Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

• Conduct soil sample tests

  Analyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB