Matt+P

Geologist __Three questions I want to answer in my research about this job __
 * 1) What does a geologist do?
 * 2) What qualifications do trainee geologists need to get at university
 * 3) What are the chances of getting the job of a geologist?

__The sources I used to find this information __ > __1.) About the job __
 * 1) []
 * 2) []
 * 3) []
 * 4) [|https://www.google.co.nz/webhp?source=search_app&gws_rd=cr#fp=cea1fd959d2e1903&q=Currency+converter]

Summary Geologists study the structure and history of the Earth and Earth processes. They also give advice on natural hazards and developments and use of the Earths resources and land.

Tasks and Duties A Geologist could do all or some of the following...
 * Obtain, study, and analyse minerals, rocks and fossils
 * Using geological research to pinpoint oil, water ,natural gas and minerals
 * Analyse the geotechnical conditions of mine sites
 * Survey the land and seafloor to help prepare geological maps
 * Write up reports and give advice on resource management, land use and natural hazards
 * Develop maps using specialist computer software
 * Teach at universities
 * Examine the Earths structure and processes, such as the formation of rocks, soils and faults

Skills and Knowledge Geologists need to know...
 * How rocks and fossils are formed and the processes that shape the Earth
 * How to identify and analyse geological materials and samples
 * How to do experiments and operate scientific equipment
 * Different research methods and how to analyse the conclusions of their studies



Personal Qualities Geologists need to be...
 * Observant, patient and enjoy working outside
 * Methodical and motivated
 * Good at problem solving and proficient in math
 * Good at organising and planning
 * Skilled at communication in writing reports and other publications

Physical Qualities Geologists need to be healthy and fit as they might be required to walk around mines, mountainous areas and other work sites while doing fieldwork. It is also very important that geologists do not get claustrophobic.

Job Opportunities The chance of becoming a geologist in New Zealand at the moment is good as their is a shortage of people in the job. The shortage means that the New Zealand Government has to encourage skilled geologists from overseas to to come and work in New Zealand. Increased mining throughout New Zealand has demanded for more geologists to study oil and gas. Demand will continue to increase as their are more geological jobs overseas. More geologists will be needed to further New Zealand's large geothermal energy sector.

__2.) About the Qualifications and Conditions __

Secondary education Useful subjects include...
 * Maths with Calculus and/or Statistics
 * Physics
 * Chemistry
 * Geography
 * English

A Tertiary Entrance Qualification is also required for further tertiary training.

Tertiary education Geologists will usually need a Masters in geology. Although a PhD in geology or engineering geology is preferred by potential employers. Many skills are gained on the job, such as working in offices or doing fieldwork. Some geologists will attend conferences or courses to keep their skills up to date. Training at a university in New Zealand will usually take around 5 years, but getting a PhD in geology could take about 8 years.

Useful experience Useful experience at university before achieving the role of geologist can include doing fieldwork in local areas that have rock formations and other interesting geological sites. More useful experience is gained by doing Core papers (courses) and/or Optional papers.

Working conditions, hours and contact with people Geologists who work in universities, research institutes and councils will work regular hours, but geologists working in mine sites may work irregular hours. Many New Zealand geologists travel to work sites throughout New Zealand or overseas. Geologists work in a range of places, including...
 * Offices
 * Laboratories
 * Mines
 * Off-shore oil rigs
 * Mountainous areas
 * Desolate areas
 * Scientific Research ships

A geologists contact with people differs with their job description. Some geologists could be advising governments and companies on a regular 9 till 5 basis. However, a geologist working for a research institute could be taking samples of rock and ice in Antarctica with little or no contact with the outside world for days.

<span style="color: #b09261; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Pay and Progression Geologists working in research institutes, such as GNS Science and NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research) will depend on qualifications and performance.
 * Geologists with a Masters degree will usually have a starting salary of NZD$56,000
 * Geologists with some work experience and a PhD could earn between NZD$72,000 and $98,000
 * After several years of experience with better performance and responsibility, principal geologists could earn between NZD$110,000 to $142,000, but only a few geologists will reach this level.

Geologists working for private companies such as Petroleum, Oil and Mining sectors usually earn a lot more than geologists working for research institutes. These figures are base salaries only and don't include bonuses, benefits, etc.
 * Petroleum geologists working overseas with 0-2 years experience can earn a salary between NZD$77,000 and $141,000
 * After 6-9 years experience, petroleum geologists can earn a salary between NZD$163,000 and $230,000
 * Extremely experienced petroleum geologists with high quality performance and 25+ years experience can earn a salary in excess of NZD$770,000

<span style="color: #b09261; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Related jobs Jobs that relate to a geologist include...
 * Mining Engineer
 * Civil Engineer
 * Geophysicist
 * Physicist
 * Meteorologist
 * Petroleum Geologist



__<span style="color: #b09261; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 190%; line-height: 1.5;">Conclusion __ I think I would enjoy being a geologist as a job in the future as I like being outdoors, travelling around the globe and using science to help people. Something I wouldn't enjoy about this job is that I would have to be away from family and friends for up to 3 months such as on oil rig (pictured above). At the moment I am quite interested in this career as it leads off into many different scientific paths and gives me a wide range of choices. I believe that a role as a geologist could match some of my qualities such as being creative to find solutions to problems and that I am independent enough to be able to be away from family and friends for weeks on end. To develop my skills to become a geologist I will need about 5 years of university to get a Masters in Geology and about 8 years to get a PhD. As the world is always changing so will a geologists jobs. A geologist will still be needed to predict when the next natural disaster will occur where geological equipment cannot. And with the rapidly expanding population, people will be forced to move to areas with high seismic activity. By doing so, they will be putting themselves in a dangerous situation. In summary I think that being a geologist would suit my skill set and personality, also with my current outlook on life I would enjoy doing the job for many years.