Research organisations such as Universities and CSIRO generally require a PhD relevant to the field of research the candidate is to be employed in. For teaching roles, a sound understanding of all of the core subjects is required with a specialist subject to be studied at an advanced level.
Full members of the AIG can sign off on ASX reports given that they have sufficient experience to satisfy the “competent person” designation (under the JORC Code 2012) for the commodity and information on which they are reporting. A Graduate Member can transition to Full Membership once they have achieved a minimum of five years relevant experience.
The JORC Code states that “a Competent Person must have a minimum of five years relevant experience in the style of mineralisation or type of deposit under consideration and in the activity which that person in undertaking”. Further information can be obtained from the JORC website and copies of the code can be downloaded.
Full members of the AIG can become registered as a Registered Professional Geoscientist (RPGeo). In several states, government organisations may require either Full membership of the AIG or registration as RPGeo to report to various authorities. Further information on these requirements should be found at the relevant state authority.
Registration as RPGeo is recommended for geoscientists practising in these areas. For further information go to https://www.aig.org.au/about-aig/membership/rpgeo-program/
Residential/Lifestyle Options
Residential/Lifestyle Options
Residential/Lifestyle Options
Residential/Lifestyle Options
Residential/Lifestyle Options
Mineral exploration geoscientists often are based in major cities and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. When they are carrying out field work they may work on a roster or on a campaign basis and this may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
Field work is generally organised in rosters/cycles which can vary but commonly are 2/1 (2 weeks working followed by 1 week off) or 8/6 (8 days working followed by 6 days off). Some companies work on a campaign basis (period of field work based on a task such as a drilling program) which is variable depending on the job. A graduate geoscientist can expect to spend up to 70% of their time collecting data/samples/drilling in the field.
Junior Field Geologist
Project Geologist
Senior Geologist
Chief Geologist
Exploration Manager
Technical or Managing Director
Yes, mineral exploration is active on all the continents (except Antarctica) and Australian geoscientists have a good reputation in this field. Factors that may influence where mineral exploration geoscientists may work are the commodity of interest and also any language skills the person may have (French is widely used in Canada and Africa, Spanish and Portuguese in South America).
Hydrogeologists often are based in major cities and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. There is a strong field work component to work in hydrogeology. Hydrogeologists may carry out field work for short periods of time although larger projects such as installation of a bore field may take much longer periods and may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
Entry level hydrogeologist (generally field based work)
Hydrogeologist (leads recent graduates and runs small projects including modelling)
Senior Hydrogeologist (runs large projects)
Principal Hydrogeologist (modeller or practical hydrogeologist, technical specialist)
Yes, water is becoming a scarce commodity around the world and better water management practices are needed in most countries as well as Australia. A factor which may influence where hydrogeologists work is any language skills that person may have (French is widely used in Canada and Africa, Spanish and Portuguese in South America).
Hydrogeologists are an integral part of construction, development and mining team environments. They provide essential input to engineers, town planners and developers and need to provide timely advice and information to ensure the development manages the ground water resources in a safe and practical manner and are therefore an important part of the development management and planning teams.
Most academics do some research. Field work is generally organised in campaigns and is often aligned with semester breaks. These periods of field work are important for data collection and mapping which provides a basis of field data on which analytical and petrographical research is carried out during semesters.
Generally a PhD is required for teaching and research roles at a university although some roles can be satisfied by an MSc and significant previous research performance.
Yes, academic geologists work on all the continents (including Antartica) and Australian geoscientists generally have a good reputation. Your field of interest may influence where you work – thus a porphyry copper specialist is more likely to work in South America, Western USA or Eastern Australia while a nickel specialist more likely to work in WA and a coal specialist in QLD. This is not always a hard and fast rule and most universities try and have staff with a broad range of experience.
Teaching is a major part of an academic’s role. Some academics specialise in teaching and carry out less research. Teaching performance depends principally on the demand for those particular subjects. Research performance is generally measured on number and importance of publications.
Coal exploration geoscientists often are based in major cities and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city/regional offices they would work a regular day/week. When they are carrying out field work they may work on a roster or on a campaign basis and this may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
Depending on location, field work is generally organised in rosters/cycles which can vary but commonly are 2/1 (2 weeks working followed by 1 week off) or 8/6 (8 days working followed by 6 days off). Some companies work on a campaign basis (period of field work based on a task such as a drilling program) which is variable depending on the job. A graduate geoscientist can expect to spend up to 70% of their time collecting data/samples/drilling in the field.
In Australia, working in coal exploration you are most likely to be based out of capital cities or in major coal producing regional centres such as Newcastle, Singleton or Wollongong in NSW or Mackay, Moranbah or Emerald in QLD.
Yes, coal exploration is active all over the world and Australian geoscientists have a good reputation in this field. Coal exploration is particularly carried out in Indonesia, India, China and USA.
Engineering geoscientists often are based in major cities or regional centres and travel to their work/construction sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. They may carry out field work for short periods of time although larger projects such as site drilling/testing projects may take much longer periods and may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
Yes, major infrastructure, construction and mining projects are occurring all around the world. These infrastructure developments cannot happen without input from engineering geoscientists. A factor which may influence where engineering geoscientists work is any language skills that person may have (French is widely used in Canada and Africa, Spanish and Portuguese in South America).
Engineering Geoscience and Geotechnical Engineering fields broadly overlap. Geotechnical Engineers are generally engineers who utilise their knowledge of geology in the design and construction of a project whether it be a civil or mining development. They principally deal with soil, rock and ground water engineering and have mostly completed an engineering degree with minor studies in geoscience. Engineering Geoscientists have a dominantly geoscientific education/background with additional education/training in geotechnical engineering and geo-environmental science and are more likely to work in mining rather than construction where their geological knowledge can be used to develop 3D rock models/studies that will then be utilised by engineers.
Environmental geoscientists often are based in major cities or regional centres and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. They may carry out field work for short periods of time although larger projects such as base line data collection or drilling projects may take much longer periods and may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
A good knowledge of the environmental regulations in the jurisdiction where you work would be an advantage. Mostly this will be learned on the job especially working in a government authority.
Yes, environmental considerations are becoming more important all around the world as population growth and urban expansion impact on the natural environment. Most countries are improving their ecosystem, water management and waste disposal practices with an increasing requirement for input from environmental geoscientists. A factor which may influence where environmental geoscientists work is any language skills that person may have (French is widely used in Canada and Africa, Spanish and Portuguese in South America).
Hydrogeologists and Environmental Geoscientists often work closely together with the Hydrogeologist working principally on the quality and quantity and flow patterns of the water resources. Environmental Geoscientists principally look at the impact and changes in chemistry in the water systems (during developments) crossing over to the effects this may have on biodiversity and ecology. As such they need a broader knowledge of the biology, botany and ecology of the environments in which they are working. Multi-disciplinary consultancy firms often employ both Environmental Geoscientists, Hydrogeologists and Engineering Geologists.
Government employed geoscientists often are based in major or regional cities and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. When they are carrying out field work they may work for extended periods on a campaign basis and this may involve longer work days.
Extensive collaboration occurs between state Geological Surveys and also GA. Many data collection and research programs are run in collaboration (including with CSIRO, CRCs and industry) which involves liaison between geoscientists of the various partners. This involves planning, data collection, contractual arrangements, data preparation and analysis. There is also significant interaction between geoscientists of various disciplines and between different departments where legislation and regulations are being updated.
Traditionally employment with government organisations is on a permanent basis with advancement to higher levels based on merit but limited to available vacancies. Competition for these positions is generally fierce. Many position in recent years have been project specific, based on project life and funding and are therefore temporary.
Yes, opportunities for further studies can be arranged, particularly if that study is an area of interest of the department. This can be done by a leave of absence or by continuing part time work.
Mine geologists are often are based in major cities and travel to their work sites on rosters/cycles which can vary but commonly are 2/1 (2 weeks working followed by 1 week off) or 8/6 (8 days working followed by 6 days off). They may also be residential or regionally based with work areas locally. When residential based they may have a regular day (although often shift based and up to 12 hours per shift) and a more regular week (weekends off). Where regionally based they may work at site during the week but have regular weekends off.
A graduate geoscientist can expect to spend up to 70% of their time on site operations reducing to around 20% for experienced and management geoscientists.
Graduate or Junior Mine Geologist
Mine or Projects Geologist
Senior Mine Geologist
Chief Mine Geologist
Technical Services Manager
Technical or Managing Director
Mine Geologists are an integral part of a mining team environment. They provide essential input to Mine Engineers and Metallurgists and need to provide timely advice and information to ensure the mining operation is a continuous process and are therefore an important part of the mine management and planning teams.
For office-based roles, yes. The majority of mid- to top-tier oil and gas companies employ office-based geoscientists who generally work 8.30 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday. This may vary depending on your duties. Geologists can be on-call for certain rigs or when drilling certain well designs. Rigs drill 24/7 so this may involve additional work to be completed at anytime of the day or night.
Field based roles work on a roster and often involve either 12-hr shifts (day or night) or a floating shift (required to be working for certain decision points while drilling the rig).
Most of the field work in oil and gas is contracted out to service companies, where you would work as a well-site geologist. You would work in set rosters. Onshore, this is typically 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Offshore, this is typically 1 month on, 1 month off.
Junior Geologist
Project Geologist
Senior Geologist
Staff Geologist
Chief Geologist
Exploration Manager
Technical or Managing Director
Yes, economical oil and gas is found on all the continents (except Antarctica). Overseas work is highly dependent on the company you work for, so put time into researching their ‘areas of operation’ if international work is your career objective.
Resource Geoscientists often are based in major cities and travel to their work sites when field inspections are required. When they are working in the city office they would work a regular day/week. When they are carrying out field work they may work on a roster or on a campaign basis and this may involve longer work days and/or shift work.
Field site inspections are generally required however the Resource Geoscientist is there to review the geology, methodologies and data collection practices of the geoscientists on site. These reviews on site are generally a small proportion of the overall task but time on site can vary depending on the standards in place and parameters of the project.
Resource Geoscientists commonly come from a Mine Geology role with a number of years of experience becoming an expert in a mining software package and its application. The Mine Geologist needs to generate grade control models on a regular basis and have a high level of software skills. A post graduate geostatistics course is a key to having recognition that you understand the estimation methodologies.
Generally Resource Geoscientists work in a wide range of commodities/companies/mines and locations. Often the Resource Geoscientist may become a specialist in a particular commodity after working in that commodity or deposit style for several years.
Yes, mineral exploration and development is active on all the continents (except Antartica) and Australian geoscientists have a good reputation in this field. Factors that may influence where Resource Geoscientists may work are the commodity of interest and also any language skills the person may have (French is widely used in Canada and Africa, Spanish and Portuguese in South America).
Yes, a solid grounding of mathematics and science (in particular chemistry and physics) is important for all areas of geoscience practice. If Geology/Earth Science is available at school level it is highly recommended.
Working as a geoscientist can be physically demanding. Field work generally involves various physical activities particularly in remote areas. Whether it be walking to get to a site, mapping, collecting and carrying samples, working around drill site or working from 4WD vehicles or helicopters a good level of fitness is generally required.
Geoscience is often at the cutting edge of new technology. Many of the current gaming platforms were developed from 3D computing technology developed within the mining industry. New technologies are constantly being used and developed within the geoscience professions to enhance our knowledge of the earth. Modelling techniques, visualisation and the use of mobile technology are widely used.
The following are video and You Tube links that are relevant to this career path.
A panel of exploration geochemists talk about how and why they became geochemists, what they do, geochemists roles in industry and how they transitioned to be a specialist, sampling and data problems and unusual geochemical methods.
A panel of experienced geoscientists in hydrogeology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geophysics and the consulting sector talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industry sectors, demand for geologists in their sector and interesting aspects of their work.
Yet to be up on You Tube
A panel of experienced hydrogeologists talk about their career experiences, how they became hydrogeologists, considerations for further studies, opportunities in this career path, accreditation and other issues impacting on hydrogeologists and water management.
A panel of experienced geoscientists in hydrogeology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geophysics and the consulting sector talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industry sectors, demand for geologists in their sector and interesting aspects of their work.
Yet to be up on You Tube
A panel of experienced hydrogeologists talk about their career experiences, how they became hydrogeologists, considerations for further studies, opportunities in this career path, accreditation and other issues impacting on hydrogeologists and water management.
A panel of experienced geoscientists in hydrogeology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geophysics and the consulting sector talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industry sectors, demand for geologists in their sector and interesting aspects of their work.
Planned for 22nd July
A panel of experienced exploration geologists talk about state of play in mineral exploration in Australia, declining mineral Discovery rates, the number of companies involved, tools being used, deeper search spaces and implications for mineral exploration
Consultant Geophysicist Kate Hine talks about Electromagnetics and IP, how they work, uses in mineral exploration, downhole examples, discoveries by EM and IP, with examples from Broken Hill, Cobar and Woodlawn.
A panel of experienced geoscientists from the Coal, Oil and Gas and CSG industries talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industries, demand for geologist in their sector and tips for breaking into their sector.
A panel of experienced geoscientists from the Coal, Oil and Gas and CSG industries talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industries, demand for geologist in their sector and tips for breaking into their sector.
A panel of experienced geoscientists in hydrogeology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geophysics and the consulting sector talk about what they do each day, how they broke into the industry, transferring between industry sectors, demand for geologists in their sector and interesting aspects of their work.
Planned for 22nd July
