Geologist (Geoloog)
Information on this skill...
A geologist is a scientist who studies geology. Geology relates to the design of the earth. This includes the history of the earth and the processes that shaped the earth. The field of a geologist belongs to the earth sciences, which consists of different disciplines and subfields. In short, we can describe the work of a geologist as studying the earth, the earth's soil and the soil composition, such as rocks and loose sediments. Loose sediments include sand, silt and clay. Graduate geologists are scientists who can work for various companies, institutions and governments. For example, a geologist can work for a mining company and conduct research into the quality of the soil and implement this data so that raw materials can be extracted, such as oil or gas. In that case, a geologist is therefore responsible for the search for suitable oil extraction areas or gas areas that can be commercially exploited. In addition, a geologist may be responsible for conducting scientific research. A geologist usually works within a laboratory, but can also be regarded as a field worker. As a geologist, you will use soil research and soil samples to investigate how exactly earth layers were formed, where minerals are located or conduct research into soil quality. A geologist may also be responsible for investigating how and when mountains formed or conducting research on tectonic plates to determine the risk of earthquakes. What exactly a geologist will investigate can differ per geologist, because the study earth sciences has different disciplines and specializations.
A geologist is therefore a scientist who has the study earth sciences. The study earth sciences is a broad study, which consists of different disciplines, which usually have common ground with each other. Think, for example, of paleontology, volcanology, geomorphology and seismology. These studies all belong to the earth sciences and all have to do with the earth and the history of the earth. The field of a geologist can therefore be called broad. It does not only have to relate to research into the shape of the earth or the history of the earth. Consider, for example, research relating to natural disasters. This concerns natural disasters caused by the earth, such as a tsunami as a result of an earthquake. As described earlier, a geologist can also work for the business community. If a geologist works for an oil or gas company, he or she is responsible for locating oil extraction areas and/or gas extraction areas. These types of extraction areas have everything to do with the geological past of the earth, in which oil or gas were formed. A geologist can use scientific research to determine where there may be extraction areas. This type of research is important for the oil and gas companies, because the actual drilling costs a lot of time and money.
WORKING AS A GEOLOGIST
Most geologists work within laboratories, but in most cases a geologist can also be considered a field worker. In that case, for example, you are responsible for carrying out soil drilling in order to be able to investigate the composition of the soil later on. By means of soil examinations, a geologist can determine the composition and structure of soil. It's not that a geologist is solely responsible for finding oil or gas. A geologist may also look for water abstraction areas or look for rock or coal. In addition, a geologist is responsible for investigating how exactly a landscape was created. In that case, a geologist will conduct research into geological traces that have created a landscape. Think of the ice age, rivers, tectonics, sea and possible natural disasters.
WHAT DOES A GEOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A GEOLOGIST
Those who aspire to a career as a geologist can best choose the university study earth sciences. Within this study it is possible to choose the direction of geology. The geology course consists of different specializations. Think of the specialization oil, ore and rocks, the specialization climate and environmental science and the specialization surface. The study earth sciences can be followed at various universities in the Netherlands, but the programmes can differ from one another. For more information, see also the Dutch Geological Society. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A GEOLOGIST CAN WORK
As a geologist, you can work for different types of companies, institutions and governments. Think, for example, of oil and gas companies, water boards, education, nature conservation organizations or consultancy firms. Where exactly you work as a geologist depends on the chosen specialization. As a geologist, in many cases it will also happen that you work abroad.
COMPETENCES GEOLOGIST
As a geologist, you are a scientific researcher and you will need to have research skills. In addition, it is desirable within this profession that you have a good condition, because field research will occur regularly. As a geologist, communication also plays an important role, because you will regularly work with other scientists such as archaeologists, seismologists and volcanologists. Generally important competencies are analysis, analytical, perseverance, insight, independence, performance and graphic imaging. The competences of a geologist can differ per specialisation, because not every specialisation will require the same competences.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A GEOLOGIST
The labour market perspective of a geologist is generally very good, also because it is a specialist study. How good the labour market perspective is as a geologist depends on the chosen direction. The career opportunities as a geologist should be seen in obtaining a managerial position or obtaining a PhD. There are no real career opportunities, also because it is already a heavy study.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY GEOLOGIST
There are no examples of specific employment conditions, because as a geologist you can work for various companies, institutions and governments with different collective agreements. An employed geologist will typically earn a salary between 3500 and 5,000 gross per month, depending on age, education and specific responsibilities. A higher salary is certainly conceivable within this profession, for example at oil and gas companies.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Geologe auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Geologo en español.
Lees deze informatie over Geoloog in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl