__ Investigative Occupations: Hydrologists
or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other
environmental problems. May study the Earth’s
internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans
and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational
forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers,
paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and
seismologists. A na ly ze a nd interpret geologica l, geo-
chemical, and geophysical information from sources
such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, and aer-
ial photos. Locate and estimate probable natural
gas, oil, and mineral ore deposits and underground
water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or
research and survey results. Plan and conduct geolog-
ical, geochemical, and geophysical fi eld studies and
surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing
programs used to collect data for research or appli-
cation. Analyze and interpret geological data, using
computer software. Search for and review research
articles or environmental, historical, and technical
reports. Assess ground and surface water movement
to provide advice regarding issues such as waste man-
agement, route and site selection, and the restora-
tion of contaminated sites. Prepare geological maps,
cross-sectional diagrams, charts, and reports con-
cerning mineral extraction, land use, and resource
management, using results of fi eld work and labo-
ratory research. Investigate the composition, struc-
ture, and history of the Earth’s crust through the
collection, examination, measurement, and classi-
fi cation of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Conduct geological and geophysical studies to pro-
vide information for use in regional development, site
selection, and development of public works projects.
Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity
and magnetic fi elds, using equipment such as seis-
mographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, and mag-
netometers. Inspect construction projects to analyze
engineering problems, applying geological knowl-
edge and using test equipment and drilling machin-
ery. Design geological mine maps, monitor mine
structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining
crews. Identify risks for natural disasters such as mud
slides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, provid-
ing advice on mitigation of potential damage. Advise
construction fi rms and government agencies on dam
and road construction, foundation design, or land
use and resource management. Test industrial dia-
monds and abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their
geological characteristics, using optical, X-ray, heat,
acid, and precision instruments.
GOE—Interest Area/Cluster: 15. S c i e nt i fi c
Research, Engineering, and Mathematics. Work
Group: 15. 0 2. Phy s i c a l S c i e n c e s. Other Jobs in! is
Work Group: Astronomers; Atmospheric and Space
Scientists; Chemists; Geographers; Hydrologists;
Materials Scientists; Physicists.
Skills: Systems Analysis; Science; Systems Evalua-
tion; Mathematics; Writing; Operation Monitoring;
Speaking.
Education and Training Programs: Geology/
Earth Science, General; Geochemistry; Geophysics
and Seismology; Paleontology; Geochemistry and
Petrology; Oceanography, Chemical and Physical;
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Related Knowledge/Courses: Geography; Engi-
neering and Technology; Physics; Chemistry; Math-
ematics; Design.
Work Env ironment : More often indoors than out-
doors; sitting.Hydrologists...................................................................
! Personality Code: IR
! Education/Training Required: Master’s
degree
! Annual Earnings: $68,140
! Beginning Wage: $42,450
! Earnings Growth Potential: Medium
! Growth: 24.3%
! Annual Job Openings: 687
! Self-Employed: 2.4%
! Part-Time: 5.3%Research the distribution, circulation, and physi-
cal properties of underground and surface waters;
study the form and intensity of precipitation, its
rate of infi ltration into the soil, its movementInvestigative–
H