Geophysicist/field seismologist : Job description
Job descriptions vary according to the area of employment. The work may include:
- working within a research institute to investigate seismological structures and provide seismological information to the public and government;
- undertaking seismic exploration and producing controlled source seismic data for an oil company or consultancy;
- providing environmental consultancy, e.g., investigation of landfill sites, using geophysical techniques;
- supporting an equipment pool for UK academic seismologists within academia.
Typical work activities
Geophysicists work in the field, which may be onshore or offshore and typical work activities include:- pre-planning projects before going on site;
- deciding on suitable seismic measurement and data processing techniques;
- taking equipment out to various locations around the world and deploying seismometers;
- observing the reaction of recording equipment to detect irregularities;
- using computers for data management, quality control and communication between the office and field locations;
- interpreting and reporting on collected data to the team, clients, senior managers or partners at meetings and presentations;
- thinking quickly and independently to solve problems, often with limited resources in remote locations;
- designing, testing, modifying and repairing seismic equipment; adapting data collection procedures;
- working closely with a small team of scientists and other staff who may be away in the field or offshore for several weeks at a time;
- compiling charts and reports;
- writing documentation and work logs;
- training and advising other users (mainly academics and PhD students);
- improving existing techniques in data acquisition and mathematical processing, as well as seeking to develop new techniques and methods
- Range of typical starting salaries: £22,000 - £25,000 with a first degree and around £24,000 - £30,000 with an MSc/PhD (salary data collected April 09).
- Typical salary at senior level (after about six years), where the post holder is in charge of one or more major projects: £40,000 - £60,000 (salary data collected April 09).
- Salaries vary between industries. Salary levels will be approximately 10% - 30% higher in commercial companies, such as oil service companies.
- In a UK office-based role, hours are generally nine to five, but you will be expected to be flexible. At sea, the working day is 12 hours. You may also be called on during your free time if there is an urgent need. Sea trips typically last for four to six weeks but may take considerably longer or be as short as one day.
- Working arrangements vary between companies and roles. Geophysicists who work in offices and laboratories can expect safe, comfortable working conditions and 40-hour work weeks. Those who are involved in exploration geophysics can expect very different working conditions, which may involve time abroad or at sea followed by a similar length of time on leave and then the same length of time office-based. In an exploration role as a contractor, you can generally expect six weeks on and six weeks off.
- Part-time work is very rare but freelance consultancy or setting up your own consultancy practice are real possibilities, provided you make the right contacts.
- The proportion of men working in the sector is higher than women. Women can join and be represented by the Royal Astronomical Society Committee for Women in Astronomy and Geophysics (RAS CWiAG), www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/rascwiag/.
- Geophysical exploration companies are based across the UK, with a high proportion in Aberdeen and on the south-east coast of England.
- Dress code depends on whether you work in an office or on site.
- Site work will involve extensive absence from home and overseas work and travel as well as high levels of responsibility and stress. There are possibilities for relocation but this very much depends on your career choices and plans.
- The role can involve lots of travel working abroad or at sea depending on whether you work in exploration or laboratories and academia.
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