r/geologycareers

I have always wanted to move country (based in UK) and have around 2 years experience as an engineering geologist/geoenvironmental consultant but the pay doesn’t seem to reflect how much work I put in and the hours. The company I am at now is great the people are amazing but long term I can’t stay here and I can’t see the roof as being high for pay.

I want to try WA for mining geologists etc but I’m not sure if I would be accepted with my experience? I have a 2:1 hons in geology from a red brick university but being a couple years ago probably is not great. I am wondering if doing a masters will be worth it but I know the cost is high and interest on loan extreme - has anybody done/been in this position and found something or a way round this they were happy with?

I also have a lot of friends doing PhDs and I really did want to do that but now with it being 5 years I would be 27 and still out of a properly good job and could end up still doing the same thing.

Any advice would be really great :)

I would add Maths from NIOS in Like 2 Months or So .

But This weird combo is not good enough for jee and I don't want to go to pvt engineering college as I can't afford haha

But I am interested in PSU jobs

My goal is to do BSc in Geo + Msc in Geo from DU . I have crossed previous year cutoff for hansraj let's se where it gets.

Can I go for PSU job after Msc in Geo. ?

A lot of people saying PSU like ONGC don't hire PCB grads. But When I searched it on Chat GPT , he said you are eligible and can be hired( obviously through gate) for geologist position but not for a very specific technical post ( Geophysicist)

Same he said you are eligible for msc in most iit and obviously du and bhu

PCB currently .

myquals : 9/9

Just added up how much time I was actually giving this job and it kinda pissed me off.

Everyone says "the pay is decent" or "you get great field experience," but nobody talks about living out of hotels Monday through Friday. You get back home exhausted, unpack, do laundry, and then it's Sunday again.

I started tracking everything (paid hours, driving, reports after I got back to the hotel). So my "40-hour job" was closer to 60 (maybe even over sometimes).

One thing that came out of it was a running list of projects and wins. At first it was just so I wouldn't forget what I'd worked on, but later it made updating my resume way easier. Threw it into resumeworded because I felt like my resume wasn't doing those projects justice. It pointed out that I was making everything sound way smaller than it actually was, so I rewrote a bunch of it.

I'm still in consulting for now, but I'm starting to wonder how long this is sustainable. I don't even mind the field work. I mind feeling like I don't have a life outside it.

Has anyone here managed to get into a role with a lot less travel without taking a huge pay cut? (US, PNW if that matters.)

Hello,

Suggested to get on here from a coworker.

Currently an exploration geo in Aus with 4 years experience, works great, but i really want to travel overseas to work in places like Africa, Canada, South America, Middle East etc.

Has anyone in Australia done this? If so was it a difficult process? Thank you

I mean, as geologists, would you risk your life to get to a significant outcrop? or struggle with the elements? walk for hours in scorching heat? or cold?

Hi everyone!
I'm a high school student who is seriously considering studying geology at university, but I'd love to hear from people who have actually been through the degree and are working in the field.
I have quite a few questions, and I'd really appreciate honest answers-both the positives and the negatives.
If you could go back, would you choose it again? Why or why not?
What was the hardest part of studying geology?
How much fieldwork did you have during university? Did you enjoy it?
What skills do you wish you had before starting your degree?
Is the workload manageable, or is it overwhelming?
How difficult was it to find your first job after graduation?
How competitive is the job market where you live?
What entry-level jobs are usually available for geology graduates?
Is it possible to have a stable career without constantly moving or working in remote locations?
Do you spend more time outdoors or in an office/lab?
Which geology specializations have the best job prospects?
If someone is interested in minerals, crystallography, and gemology, would geology be a good choice?
Is a bachelor's degree enough, or is a master's almost essential?
If you were advising someone who is just starting to think about geology as a career, what would you tell them?
I'd also love to hear anything else you think future geology students should know-things people don't usually talk about before starting university.
Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to answer!

I'd like to hear from geos who work or have worked on large, multi-discipline sites (mining, exploration, energy, construction, etc.).

What other roles on site do you rely on, respect or secretly wish you could be doing? Who makes work easier, safer, more enjoyable, or more effective? Who might you be taking for granted?

I'm not looking for sarcasm, stereotypes or put-downs but it would be interesting to hear what positions you think get less recognition and respect than they deserve or are regularly unfairly maligned.

I graduated with a Civil Engr degree some 15 years ago, barely used it for a few construction mngt and technician jobs here and there and a lot of farming/fishing and years of leisure/traveling. For weeks, going onto months, Ive been applying for supposedly low-skill jobs like core-logger or plant operator but so far only got a call back for drillrig assistant which sounds like it may be beyond my physical limits as a beat-up skateboarder, is drill rig assistant really as bad as the internet makes it out to be? I gotta say, I'm really attracted to the condensed hours of the mining industry and it sounds like its common and acceptable for workers to take off six months at a time. Advice?

ENG/SPA

Hello everyone, I'm Nicolás, I'm currently working on a geomorphological mapping project at a 1:50,000 scale for the Laguna de la Laja sector (Biobío Region, Chile). It's an assignment for my course, and I'm especially interested in refining the identification of glacial landforms.

I'm attaching an image of the study area with the map sheet boundaries and a capture of the Sierra Velluda zone. I've been identifying what I believe are glacial cirques, but I'd like to validate my interpretation.

In particular, I have doubts about the larger cirque in the center. Based on its characteristics (3 km in size, located on the southern headwall, and featuring a glacier tongue), I think it could be a 'Head cirque'. However, I'd like to know if you see any signs that it might instead be an 'Upper-section cirque'. What do you think?

If anyone has experience in this area or has worked with similar imagery, I would greatly appreciate any comments. I'd also find it very helpful to know if you spot any other landforms I might be overlooking (such as moraines, hanging valleys, or troughs).

Thanks in advance!

Hola a todos, soy Nicolás, estudiante de Geografía/Geología. Estoy trabajando en la cartografía geomorfológica a escala 1:50.000 del sector de la Laguna de la Laja (Región del Biobío, Chile). Es un ejercicio de la asignatura y me interesa especialmente afinar la identificación de las geoformas glaciares.

Adjunto la imagen de la zona de trabajo con los límites de la carta y una captura de la zona de la Sierra Velluda. He estado identificando lo que creo que son circos glaciares, pero me gustaría validar mi interpretación.

En particular, tengo dudas sobre este circo del centro que tiene mayor área. Por sus características (3 km, ubicación en cabecera sur y una lengua), creo que podría ser un 'Circo de cabecera', pero me gustaría saber si ustedes ven indicios de que pueda ser de 'tramo alto'. ¿Qué opinan?

Si alguien tiene experiencia en la zona o ha trabajado con imágenes similares, agradeceré mucho cualquier comentario. También me sirve saber si ven otras geoformas (como morrenas, valles colgados o artesas) que pueda estar pasando por alto.

¡Gracias de antemano!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YS8aUa5ChNHaY121A

https://preview.redd.it/hq6tkhxgzabh1.png?width=1911&format=png&auto=webp&s=21ad2679d444803f86be9f653c49f1fb321706f1

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https://preview.redd.it/ilc6d8npzabh1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=19c949f8e7b7ccb69756ee4c5c6e157dd57228b8

https://preview.redd.it/897a500rzabh1.png?width=679&format=png&auto=webp&s=d9269febc88c0e3c590a7794168bd4f05b8cdfb1

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Just finished senior year studying computer science at Tufts University. I still need 13 credits to complete my degree. I finished my major and distribution requirements so I can take the classes on any topic.

My senior design involved building a portable device that senses seismic P-waves. I’m thinking I want to explore more in environmental science but unsure what’s really out there.

My main motivation is to work in a research center in somewhere rather remote like the arctic/subarctic circle or Alaska. I love the cold, and I love nature. I’m probably romanticizing the idea of working in such remote and harsh conditions, but right now no other career path seems at all interesting.

Any inputs or thoughts would help!

Considering making a career change into geology. Currently I’m active duty military with about a year left on my contract but will be starting school soon.

I plan on attending Western Washington University and graduating with the Geology degree around if everything works out. Ideally I’d like to intern, do research, etc while in school. I’m interested in doing field work afterwards for a couple years before pursuing a masters (strong desire to go into a research scientist role).

From the anecdotal stories of others I’ve seen online on Reddit, YouTube, and forums it seems like a lot of people struggle to find employment in their field. I’m trying to understand if that’s representative of the field today, or if there are mistakes that make it harder.

Long term I’m interested in federal or (preferably) state science (Department of Ecology, USGS, NOAA, etc) rather than academia. However I’m still very early in exploring career options.

I have 0 interest in working in O&G but could see myself in exploration/mining. Obviously my thoughts on that could change after getting into the upper division courses. I’m specifically interested in building a career in WA, OR, or possibly AK.

My main questions are:

Why is it so hard to find jobs for recent geologist graduates? How can you be a competitive recent graduate?

Does anyone have experience in working for their states geology/ecology departments? If so, I’d love to chat about your experience and any advice you could give.

Would it be worth it to get a masters right after a bachelors vs working for a few years then pursing a masters? I’m well aware of WA’s licensure requirements/process.

For those that had a successful transition into geology, what do you think helped you the most? Research? GIS? Internships?

Thank you for any advice or answers!

I’ve been feeling pretty discouraged lately and wanted to hear from people who are actually working in geology, environmental consulting, mining, hydrogeology, GIS, or related fields in Canada.
A bit about me:
BSc in Geology and MSc in Geology from India.
Recently completed graduate certificates in Environmental Project Management and Sustainable Business Management in Toronto.
Did an online certificate on Climate action for GIS
Worked at HRD Diamond Lab as Machine Operator and was offered research assistant position but I came to Canada instead in search of better opportunities.
I’ve studied GIS throughout my bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificates, but I don’t have professional GIS experience outside of coursework.
Since moving to Canada, I’ve mostly worked customer service and hospitality jobs (Starbucks, dining supervisor, etc.) to support myself while studying.
I’ve been applying for geology, environmental, sustainability, GIS, and project coordination roles around the GTA with very little success.
What worries me most is that the longer I’m away from geology, the more I feel like I’m becoming less employable. It’s becoming a cycle where employers want experience, but I can’t seem to get that first opportunity.

For those who have successfully entered the industry in Ontario:
How did you get your first geology or GIS?
Are there certifications, software, or projects that employers actually care about?
Has anyone else broken into the field after spending a few years working outside their industry?
I’m located in Toronto and I’m open to relocating elsewhere in Canada if that’s realistically where the opportunities are.
I’m genuinely passionate about geology and environmental work, and I don’t want to give up on the field. I just feel like I’m standing at a crossroads and would really appreciate honest advice from people who’ve been through it.

Im 6'4". I recently spent 8 months getting from 170ibs to 190ibs as ive been trying to add bulk at the gym. Now I've been soil sampling for a month and i dropped to 165. All weight lost and then some. I've got months left. Im eating a ton of protein. I have huge dinners as my appetite has like doubled. For snacks we mostly have fast carbs and proteins and sugars. Barely have time to make sandwiches for lunch as im doing data entry until 11pm and we start again at 7am I usually have a big protein pancake and some vector serial for breakfast.

Only suggestion I get is peanut butter which I cant eat.

Anyone been here? Will my weight bottom out or am I just gonna keep losing this much weight. Im starting to look like a crackhead.

Hi everyone! I graduated with a degree in Geology in 2020, but I'm still looking for an opportunity to work in the field. I have an interview for an entry-level position at a phosphate mine. My professional experience is as a Geotechnical Technician. Could anyone share some information about phosphate mining operations and any tips for the interview? I would really appreciate any advice. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I recently graduated with a geology degree in December and landed an interview for an entry-level geologist position. The role involves reviewing groundwater and soil data, petroleum contamination from underground storage tanks, remediation strategies, site investigations, and technical report writing.

The problem is that I feel like I've forgotten a lot of what I learned in school, especially due to the fact i took a couple year gap in between (took my last semester in December after 4 year gap) and I'm getting nervous about being unqualified and because this is my first official interview. I know the basics, but I definitely need a refresher.

For those of you who work in environmental consulting:

• What topics should I prioritize reviewing before the interview?
• What technical questions are commonly asked for entry-level geologist positions?

I'd really appreciate any advice or resources that helped you prepare. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I'm looking for work and am feeling lost in this process. I feel like my skills and experience (shared below) don't match well with my Earth & Climate Science degree and that it boxes me out from a lot of roles. I have spent the last couple years unsuccessfully applying to grad school (PIs in Planetary Science and Astrophysics this year and last told me they wanted to admit me but didn't have the funding to do so). This fall will be my fourth -- and likely last -- time applying to PhD programs, but I'm tired of putting my life on hold in the interim.

I have a B.S. in Earth & Climate Sciences with a concentration in Geology and a minor in Astronomy that I earned in 2024 from a state school in northern New England. For my capstone, I conducted field work in and around the Juneau Icefield with a focus on ice core and bedrock sampling for pollen analysis and cosmogenic isotope dating, respectively.

My experience, on the other hand, is not centered in the geosciences. It's mostly been astronomy research with some project management sprinkled in. I've done some other work too (TA, planetarium show presenter) but these positions I've held are the most representative of my skills.

• NASA internship (3 months, 2019) where I determined instrumentational discrepancies for trace gas aerosol spectrometers by integrating meteorology (cloud cover and cloud type) into data confidence analyses with Python.
• NASA internship (6 months, 2022) where I synthesized federal reporting and literature to identify research gaps related to the detection and study of Earth-sized exoplanets and to evaluate the state of the field for the extreme-precision radial velocity detection method. I also contributed to planning and operations of a virtual, three-day, 100+ person workshop.
• NASA internship/student consultancy (13 months, 2023-24) where I conducted one-dimensional simulations of exoplanet atmospheres using Python to generate atmospheric spectral data of terrestrial Solar System planets and potential false positives for evaluation of biosignature evaluation capabilities for a future flagship space telescope. I also created and judged a NASA Space App Challenge that received over 1,100 team submissions (the most of any challenge that year).
• NASA postbac research assistant (12 months, 2024-25) where I conducted one-dimensional exoplanet atmospheric simulations with Python and Fortran to evaluate the production of oxygenated species due to CO2 photolysis for Mars-like planets. This position resulted in a first-author manuscript that I am currently revising for re-submission to a journal in the fall.

Once I knew my postbac position was ending last year I applied for nearly 100 jobs, with a lot of them being entry level geology positions and was either rejected or ghosted. I made it to final round interviews at a MBB consulting firm but didn't receive an offer. I was unemployed for nearly two months, moved back home, and have been working in customer service in retail since October. I hate it. On one hand, my current position enables me to take courses at a local university to boost my graduate applications (I took differential equations in the spring and plan to take mechanics and partial differential equations in the fall). On the other hand, the more time I spend working in retail the harder it will be to pursue a career built upon the skills and experiences I've gained in astronomy and geology.

I've tried looking into atmosphere-related jobs (meteorology, Earth-observing satellites, etc) but don't meet many of the qualifications. My Python skills aren't robust enough for tech sector software jobs, and I don't have an active clearance which renders me ineligible for most jobs I'm seeing in defense. I used GIS for one class in college. I want to be able to use my degree in some fashion and find joy in what I do for work again.

Do you all have ideas on positions or sectors I should look into for jobs?

Pants like KUHL Free Radikl Pants

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some field pants like the KUHL free Radikl Pants. I love these pants and their slim fit, but they tend to rip out on me with a few months.

I'd love to hear some recommendations on field pants that are more slim vs. baggy that breathe well for work. Thanks.

Olá a todos, sou bem novato neste assunto e peço desculpas se o que estou perguntando for óbvio ou já tiver sido muito discutido aqui.

Tenho muito interesse na área de geologia. É algo que realmente me chama a atenção. Já pesquisei bastante sobre algumas das diferentes áreas e definitivamente parece algo que eu gostaria de fazer. No entanto, há uma coisa que me deixa um pouco hesitante.

Sei que a carreira envolve muito trabalho de campo e, honestamente, isso me assusta um pouco. Estou preocupado em acabar em um emprego onde só vejo minha família por uma semana por mês, ou onde fico frequentemente longe de casa por 2 a 3 semanas seguidas. Infelizmente, sei que isso é bem comum, mas é exatamente por isso que estou fazendo esta postagem.

Gostaria muito de saber se existem áreas dentro da geologia que sejam mais locais e não exijam passar semanas longe de casa com tanta frequência. Também gostaria de saber se essas áreas são relativamente acessíveis apenas com uma graduação em geologia, sem a necessidade de cursos ou qualificações adicionais.

A área realmente me interessa muito, mas tenho um pouco de receio da distância/viagens, e não gostaria de desistir da geologia por causa disso.

Edit: I forgot to mention, i have a technical degree in chemistry. Could that help me in any way within the field?