Probably just about all programs at universities and colleges say getting a good job upon graduation is a possibility. Getting a good job may be possible in a discipline but is it likely? It is likely in Geology.

Helicopter Drop Off

The majority of our graduates find good paying jobs in the Earth Sciences. Most work either exploring for new mineral and hydrocarbon deposits, or monitoring the environment and running clean-up projects on contaminated sites. Geoscientists have the option of working in the field, in the laboratory or combining both. The opportunities for travel are among the best of the scientific professions. Furthermore, the use of modern scientific equipment by geologists provides stimulating challenges to those interested in analytical chemistry, geophysics or computers. Summer jobs in Earth Science are also quite plentiful. In the last few years all our undergraduates, including 1^st year students, who wanted a summer job in the Earth Sciences got one. If you are interested in finding out what this work might involve then check out some of the photos here.

The following list gives a glimpse of what geoscientists do in these disciplines and a variety of sub-disciplines. Your undergraduate training in Geology at Lakehead University is the first step to pursuing careers in these fields.

Atmospheric Scientists

study the global dynamics of climate and the role of atmospheric chemistry in ozone depletion, climate change, and pollution.

GIS Specialists

work with geoscientists to produce accurate maps of the location and relationship between rock units of our Earth.

Economic Geologists

explore for and develop metallic and nonmetallic resources; they study mineral deposits and find environmentally responsible ways to dispose of waste materials from mining activities.

Engineering Geologists

apply geological data to the study of rocks, soils and ground water; they investigate geologic factors that affect structures such as bridges, buildings, airports and dams.

 
Sampling mine tailings for an environmental study.

Environmental Geologists / Geochemists / Geophysicists

study the interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and human activities. They work to solve problems associated with pollution, waste management, urbanisation, and natural hazards, such as flooding and erosion.

Exploration Geologists

use sophisticated equipment, geophysics, geochemistry, computer modelling and field mapping techniques to find new mineral resources.

Geochemists

use physical and inorganic chemistry to investigate the nature and distribution of major and trace elements in ground water and Earth materials.

Geochronologists

use the rates of decay of certain radioactive elements in rocks to determine their age.

Geologists

study the materials, processes, products, physical nature, and history of the Earth.

Geophysicists

apply the principles of physics to studies of the Earth?s interior and investigate Earth?s magnetic, electric and gravitational fields.

Glacial Geologists

study the physical properties and movement of glaciers and ice sheets.

Hydrogeologists

study the occurrence, movement, abundance, distribution, and quality of groundwater.

Igneous Petrologists

study the formation of igneous rocks resulting from volcanic activity and deep magmatic processes.

Marine Geologists

investigate the ocean-floor and ocean-continent boundaries.

Metamorphic Petrologists

study metamorphic rocks and minerals and the processes that operate deep beneath the Earth?s surface.

Mineralogists

study mineral formation, composition and properties.

Mine Geologists

map mineral deposits in underground and open-pit mines and manage the economic extraction of minerals.

Ore Deposit Geologists

study the processes involved in the formation of mineral deposits.

Paleontologists

study fossils to understand past life forms and their changes through time.

Petroleum Geologists

are involved in exploration for and production of oil and natural gas resources.

Planetary Geologists

study other planets and their moons to learn about the evolution of the solar system.

Seismologists

study earthquakes and investigate the Earth's interior by using seismic waves.

Sedimentologists

study the nature, origin, distribution, and alteration of sediments, such as sand, silt, and mud. Oil, gas, coal and many mineral deposits occur in such sediments.

Stratigraphers

investigate the time and space relationships of rocks, on a local, regional, and global scale throughout geologic time - especially the fossil and mineral content of layered rocks.

Structural Geologists

analyse Earth's forces by studying deformation, fracturing, and folding of the Earth?s crust.

Volcanologists

study volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to understand these natural hazards and try to predict eruptions.