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Geoscientists

A Career with an Earthy Feeling

Fertile Ground for a Fine Career ... A Region Rich in Opportunity for Geoscientists. The Gulf Coast region's oil and gas industry depends on geoscientists. Houston and the surrounding Gulf Coast region lead the United States in oil and gas production services and many other segments of the energy industry. Yet, the industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled professional and technical workers - or geoscientists. So, what does a geoscientist do? Most in the Gulf Coast region study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth for the purpose of oil and gas exploration. Others find additional opportunities in education, mining, government, and the environmental industry.

The Gulf Coast region's oil and gas industry depends on geoscientists. Houston and the surrounding Gulf Coast region lead the United States in oil and gas production services and many other segments of the energy industry. Yet, the industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled professional and technical workers - or geoscientists.

So, what is a geoscientist?

Geosciences are a large group of Earth-based scientific disciplines that study the physical composition, structure, and processes of the Earth. Many geoscientists in this region gather data from the Earth to explore for oil, natural gas, water, and stability , making them most useful in mining, extraction, and building industries in this region.

Most often working as a part of a team, geoscientists split their time in the field, in laboratories, and in offices, traveling around the world (or just the Gulf Coast) to study the earth beneath their feet. With a wide variety of tools at their disposal, geoscientists will take samples, make x-rays or sensing equipment, or geographic information systems software to supervise and guide technicians on the ground.

It's a Growing Field of Opportunity for Geoscientists.

Estimates show an annual job opening of 605 the Gulf Coast Region.

Growth 41 Retirement 96 Transfer 468

8% Growth

The Gulf Coast Region Geoscientists get paid up to more than THREE TIMES the regional average with a median wage of $154,423.

Entry $76,778 Median $134,090 Experienced $193,953

Is this career right for you?*

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career as an insurance sales agent. The numbers below describe the relative important of each knowledge/skill area to the occupation.

               85.2%

Science & Mathematics

Knowing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and scientific theory and their real-world applications to solve problems

                80%

Reasoning, Problem Solving and Comprehension

Identifying problems and reviewing related materials about it to evaluate options and solutions moving forward based on research, logical thinking, and data analysis.

               78.5%

Geography

Principles and methods for describing features of land, sea, and air masses, including physical characteristic, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of flora and fauna

*Source: Texas Career Check

Pathway to Becoming a Geoscientist

Endorsement: STEM
Start in high school by taking advanced math and science classes along with those courses along the STEM endorsement.

Geoscientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, provided that the coursework includes geology, for most entry level positions; however, some entry-level jobs do require a master's degree. Good courses to include in an incoming geoscience repertoire are those with field and laboratory experience or computer mapping and data analysis techniques.

While certifications are not required for geoscientists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists offer certifications that demonstrate specializations in either coal or petroleum.

Helpful Tech to Learn

  • Analytic and Scientific Software: RockWare Geochemist's Workbench (GWB), Gemcom Surpac
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software: Atoll GeoCAD, Evolution Computing EasyCAD, Trimble Terramodel
  • Mapping & Map Creation Software: ESRI ArcView, Geosoft Oasis montaj, MineGeo software
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint

Start Early and Stay Informed

Competition for these high-paying positions can be very intense, making it necessary for interested candidates to stay on top of their game plan! Employers generally require a master's degree in general geology or earth science, but in some cases they accept a bachelor's degree for a few entry-level positions. Most college teaching positions as well as high-level research positions require a Ph.D. Many colleges offer a bachelor's or higher degree in geosciences. Persons best prepared for this career are those who have strong computer skills with knowledge of computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.

Additional Information:

Gulf Coast Region - Geoscientist Programs

Gulf Coast Region - Geoscientist ProgramsUniversities

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

Related Occupations: Petroleum Engineers, Environmental Scientists & Specialists, Chemists and Material Scientists, Mining and Geological Engineers

 If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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