Geologist

Most often described as the field hands of science, Geologists are specialists who analyze the Earth; specifically, they hold jobs that analyze the solid aspects of the Earth. By examining the role of the geologist, it is possible to learn more about the geology career paths and jobs that exist in the work force, the salary and wage differences these specialists experience, as well as the contributions that the Geologists, Mineralogists, and other scientists have made and will continue to make in the world and within the realm of science.

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History of the Geologist
Geologists are not strictly limited to modern beings. Theophrastus, who lived from 372 to 287 B.C. and who was a student of Aristotle, was considered for millennia to be the ruling authority on geology. His work, Peri Lithon, which translates to mean On Rocks, was translated into a number of different foreign languages, including Latin. Theophrastus’ work and his interpretation of fossils were overturned only after the Scientific Revolution.

Since these ancient times, geology itself has been able to generate a number of answers to important questions. The most important jobs of Geologists in the 1800’s seemed to revolve around the burning desire of mankind to uncover the actual and exact age of the planet Earth. In 1960, the theory of plate tectonics was revealed, which helped to explain the changes of the planet as it grew and changed over time. This theory helped to explain the large scale motions of the lithosphere of the Earth. Despite the fact that the idea of the continental drift had been proposed in 1908 by the geologist Frank Bursley Taylor and expanded upon in 1912, it was not until the theory of plate tectonics was explained that the idea of the continental drift was accepted on a worldwide or mass scale.

Schooling
Since the geologist is embarking on future jobs and career options based in science, their workload in school will obviously contain a number of classes that deal with science. In the earlier stages of education, the academic jobs and work of the student would likely include such courses as physics, chemistry, and biology. As the science-minded students progress in their education, their classes will likely evolve to become more detailed and specialized. Some of the more advanced classes future Geologists might encounter include petrology, sedimentology, hydrogeology, mineralogy, and palaeontology.

However, the geologist will not need to be well-versed solely in science. Some other courses that may prove useful to individuals interested in a career based in geology may also include those which are geared towards exploring geographic information systems and other mapping techniques. Later, it will become clear to the students that internships are necessary and educational. Internships will provide a useful look at life as a geologist outside the classroom. For those who are interested, these experiences can provide a glimpse into the everyday life and experiences of a geologist since interns would be required to work under field conditions. Most colleges and universities will give students course credits for internships, but this varies from school to school and credits can be assigned or awarded on a case-to-case basis.

In order to succeed in the field of geology, it is almost a certainty that the individual will need to complete specified coursework and obtain a degree from a college or university. Whether an individual is a geologist or a mineralogist, they will need to have received a proper and refined education. Most individuals do not have the inherent understanding of all that takes part in the science of geology and this helps to explain why college and a higher education is so necessary and useful in this field.

Specialized Fields
Geologists are often educated extensively in a particular field in which the individual wishes to be specialized. For example, within the available career paths of Geologists, one can find Mineralogists, geochemists, pedologists, and sedimentologists. There are instances when a geologist will be educated in one or more area of expertise; it is up to the particular geologist how they would like to shape their career.

Choosing a specialty does not just help future Geologists figure out which classes and courses they need to complete in order to get their desired degree. The Earth is a very large area composed of a vast number of solid items. Within the planet there are all different types of minerals, rocks, metals, and other components that make up the Earth.

Geologists do not just study the types of solid items that exist on the planet. They are also able to use science, calculations, and ingenuity in order to help explain a number of different phenomena and situations. For example, if a geologist chooses a career based in palaeontology, the jobs that they would explore would deal with the classification and categorization of fossils. First, palaeontologists would classify the fossil that they have discovered, which can be challenging enough on its own. The fossil, like all living or once-living things, will receive a scientific name. Once this has been determined, the specialized geologist can date the fossil and catalogue the fossil on a timeline of the Earth that is based around the palaeontological history of the planet. This helps to explain when the fossil existed and by utilizing a timeline of the planet, the scientists can help to educate others about the conditions and environments of the Earth at that time.

Salary of Geologists
When it comes to the salary of a geologist, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration. Not only does the specialty of the individual need to be examined, but the wage or salary that the individual receives will also be heavily dependent upon the educational degree that the geologist possesses and the experience of the individual geologist. Geologists, like individuals in many other areas of the workforce, are more likely to receive higher wages if they have more experience in the field.

The salary of a geologist will also depend on where the individual is located and what the demographic is like within that location. Where there are less specialized and educated individuals, there is less competition between individuals. Due to the fact in such an area there is less competition in terms of successful candidates, the wages are more likely to be less competitive as well. However, if there is an area where there are a number of individuals competing for a single position, the wages may be equally as competitive. The aspect of a demand for individuals will also factor in to the salary of the geologist. Where there is more of a demand, Geologists will also likely see more competition in terms of salaries. Currently, the average salary for a fledgling geologist in the United States is approximately $38,441 a year.

Career Outlook
In the future, the need for Geologists and Mineralogists is expected to increase about as fast as the average need has been progressing. This progression will last at least throughout the year 2012 and the need for a geologist could potentially extend beyond this time. There will not only be a need to replace retiring Geologists but, due to increased environmental concern, there will also likely be a need for Geologists to be hired as consultants for an increasing amount of industries, corporations, and businesses.

The expansion of available jobs related to careers centered in geology can most often be traced to the increased need for information about the Earth and its environment. With the increased number of environmental laws and regulations, Geologists and Mineralogists will need to be hired in order to make sure that the company or industry will be adhering to the environmental mandates that have been set forth by governments. For example, gas and energy source companies are often looking for new sources and locations to get their raw materials. Geologists and Mineralogists can help these companies locate new sites by analyzing the dirt and minerals found in a particular location.

Fieldwork and Promotions
Many Geologists and Mineralogists will be required to log a great deal of time doing fieldwork. Fieldwork is anything that is done by the geologist or mineralogist that takes place outside the office or laboratory, especially if the object or area is being analyzed in its original and natural location. While many Geologists and Mineralogists have to log a great deal of hours in the field, this is usually tapered off as the geologist or mineralogist gains more experience and is potentially promoted within their field. Scientists who are able to achieve success within a specific field are more often than not able to graduate to a more normal and easy work schedule.

When starting off, Geologists and Mineralogists need to spend a large amount of time working in the outside environment and working long hours. Not all of the natural environments of the Earth are accommodating to man or woman, and as a result, fieldwork can be cold, lonely work. However, many Geologists and Mineralogists consider this period of learning and activity to be a payment of dues in their field or fields of expertise. In order to move ahead, individuals need to learn as much as they can in a particular area so that they are knowledgeable enough to begin work at a more advanced level. While Geologists and Mineralogists that are starting out work long and potentially unorganized hours, those who are experienced often enjoy more traditional work hours and benefits.

Fractals and Geologists
A fractal is the name given to a mathematical formula that contains a pattern that repeats itself over and over. It exhibits a wide range of sizes and time scales. As a result of the work of Benoit Mandelbrot, a professor of mathematical science at Yale University, more and more Geologists, Mineralogists, and other scientists are using fractals in order to determine different events within the Earth. Benoit Mandelbrot initially used the systems of fractals in order to determine the order of complex systems found within nature. One such example would be the natural coastline of an area. Despite the fact that it seems arbitrary, Mandelbrot was able to use fractals in order to come up with a type of management and order to that which seems completely random and subjective. A geologist could use fractals in order to give order to something that may have previously seemed to have no sense of order.

Now, scientists such as Geologists and Mineralogists can use fractals in order to try to determine the size, timing and location of such natural disasters as floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. While statistics and statistical methodology has been used in the past in order to determine such events, fractals allow scientists a level of understanding and information that has not previously been accessible. Despite the fact that fractals are mathematical in nature, they can be helpful to Geologists and Mineralogists who are looking to protect the solid makeup of a particular location. This is particularly important when trying to determine potential landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

Practical Application
Many people might wonder, for all their education and specialization, what use does the geologist actually represent? While the fields of geology and mineralogy may seem abstract, the application of their applied sciences is very important in the world today. The findings of Geologists are often used in order to determine the future of certain sites and plans.

To illustrate this point of application in the real world, consider the construction of a building. The owners of a building are going to want it placed on a stable and secure area, not somewhere that the dirt is liable to shift or sway. This would potentially nullify the creation of the building. Instead, owners are going to want to construct their buildings on an area that is secure and safe.

The findings of Geologists are not just used when it comes to building construction. They are also used when it comes to the planning of environmental protection mandates and regulations, as well as the exploration for new sources of coal, metal products, petroleum, and gas. Geologists, Mineralogists and other scientifically based individuals studying the solid makeup of the Earth can be hired by private or public industries, including governments. Mineralogists and Geologists may also work for colleges and universities or museums.

The Lessons of Geologists
Over time, the geologist and the mineralogist, as well as many other scientists related to the field and career of geology, has been able to supply civilization with the answers to questions that man has pondered for nearly as long as documentation has existed. Not only have Geologists, Mineralogists and other related scientists managed to help narrow down the age of the planet Earth, they have also helped to explain and illustrate the changes and movements of the Earth, such as that which has been exhibited by the continental drift. Perhaps even more relevant to these modern times, Geologists and Mineralogists have also been able to help companies, both publicly and privately owned, to locate the usable and potential sites of needed resources. This can include, but is not limited to, natural gasses and sources of energy.


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