geoscientist (geology)

A geoscientist interprets geophysical, geochemical and geological data to develop models of the earth's subsurface with the aim of discovering commercially viable and exploitable reserves of natural resources, such as oil and gas. Geoscientists provide the foundation for the exploration and production of natural resources and for the discovery, development and management of water supplies. They are also involved in the production of reserves and may provide specialist advice for engineering projects.
Geoscientists work in a variety of roles within the natural resources sector. Terms such as geophysicist, geochemist and sedimentologist are also used for specialist roles within geoscience.

Typical work activities

In the natural resources sector, geoscientists find commercially viable oil and gas reserves by assessing the characteristics of the earth's subsurface. They are involved not only in the exploration and appraisal of new areas, feasibility studies and field development planning of the discovered fields, but also in optimising recovery from the producing field.
Although geoscientists’ roles vary, tasks typically include:

• collecting information in the field, from seismic and well data and other sources;
• monitoring the acquisition of data to ensure consistent quality;
• interpreting data to determine subsurface geology and the economic importance of natural resources, using sophisticated technical software;
• developing geological models of the earth's subsurface to understand the geological structure, rock characteristics and the likely distribution of oil/gas/mineral-bearing strata;
• interpreting the results in consultation with other earth science professionals;
• assessing the potential quality of mineral and hydrocarbon resources;
• collaborating with drilling engineers to determine drilling locations on the basis of the interpretation of the data and models developed;
• producing and presenting geological maps and reports;
• performing detailed geological risk analysis of proposed exploration targets;
• planning and undertaking an exploration drilling programme, after collecting and modelling all available data;
• planning the location and trajectory of development wells and putting well proposals together in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team;
• creating new opportunities to access remaining reserves;
• implementing new technologies in geological modelling and seismic processing;
• advising engineers and senior management on geological factors affecting exploration.

The day-to-day tasks of geoscientists working in exploration and production are similar, but those working in exploration deal with a larger number of sites and a wider spread of data and use satellite imagery, and gravity and magnetic surveys to evaluate a whole basin. In production, geoscientists concentrate on sites that are already operational, making assessments on the basis of well core and well fluid samples.
As oil resources decline, the role of the geoscientist will change from exploration-dominated to production-dominated employment.

Range of typical starting salaries: £30,000 - £35,000, depending on level of qualification on entry (salary data collected Jun 09). This usually increases significantly following completion of necessary training.

Range of typical salaries at senior level: £50,000 - £70,000 rising to £60,000 - £120,000 at management level with over ten years’ experience (salary data collected Jun 09).

Salaries vary considerably according to sector, employer's business and location, and level of qualification (graduates will generally have either an MSc or PhD). When positions are based offshore or in risky or remote locations, this is often reflected in higher salaries. The best paid jobs are in major oil companies, but some consultancies pay well too. It is usual to receive a variety of benefits, such as overseas allowances and share options. Pay is occasionally performance-related.

Unsocial, irregular and long hours may sometimes be required and are a common feature of work overseas. Geoscientists may need to be contactable to assess data and assist the wellsite geologist in making decisions about drilling, which takes place 24 hours a day.

Physical conditions may sometimes be tough and demanding. Geoscientists are predominantly land-based, but make occasional visits to rigs to collect data directly and carry out quality control checks on the sampling procedures.

Self-employment and freelance work are sometimes possible. For example, freelancers may be able to get interpreting contracts. It is also possible to establish your own consultancy after considerable experience in a particular field, such as base metal exploration or sedimentology.

Women are quite well represented in European-based processing and appraisal work with oil companies, and their numbers are increasing, particularly at entry level, although it is still less usual to find women working in positions overseas.

Jobs are available in restricted locations. In the UK, interpreting is mainly based in South East England and Aberdeen. Positions are available worldwide in oil and mineral exploration and there are small specialist consultancies across the UK. Minerals exploration is almost exclusively overseas