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Geologist
Description:
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Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth to increase
scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral
exploitation, civil engineering, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after
mining.
Typical Work Tasks (may include any combination of the following):
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Conducts preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with
prospectors, mining engineers, metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers;
prepares and supervises the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers;
conducts studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the
minerals contained in it; studies and dates fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge
of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications;
studies the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and
volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds.
Typical Work Environment:
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Works indoors in offices and laboratories in a wide range of locations including mining
sites, oil drilling sites, universities or research facilities. Indoor work is conducted in
adequately heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces. Outdoor work
sites may be dirty, muddy, smelly, hot and/or cold.
Frequently works outdoors to undertake surveying, monitoring and inspect geological
sites. When in the field works in all weathers.
Travel to fieldwork sites will be required.
Some environments may necessitate the use of protective clothing as sites may be
hazardous.
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Typical Physical and Mental Demands :
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Light to medium physical demand, with frequent sitting in office or in laboratories.
Stands and walks frequently on-site, in offices and laboratories. Field work may
require walking across difficult and/or uneven terrain.
Occasional lifting, carrying or pulling, and stretching, reaching, bending,
squatting or crouching when collecting samples and moving, carrying or assembling
research equipment on site within light to medium physical demand.
Occasional contact with skin irritants or water may be likely depending on the
worksite context.
Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when
using hand tools, hand-held objects and equipment including writing instruments,
computers, laboratory and research equipment that may include measuring equipment
and hand tools for sample collection and specialised compass.
Driving of vehicles may be required for fieldwork.
Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with technical,
computing, research, analytical, report writing, mathematical, mapping, communication,
interpersonal, planning, organisational, problem solving, critical thinking and decisionmaking capabilities.
Further Comments:
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There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.
Key Entry Requirements (Skill Level/Qualifications/Licenses):
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A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill
Level 1). In some cases particular experience and/or on-job training may be required.
This document is based on ANZSCO, 2013 (code 234411). Other sources of information that may have been
consulted are industry contacts, employers, newspapers and internet-based sources. For physical demand level
definitions see Matheson, L.N. (2003). Functional Capacity Evaluation.
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