31 Geoscience Careers for New Geoscience Graduates

Saturday, 21 March 2020
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lake Fairfax

SURPRISE - TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PETROLEUM/HYDROGEOLOGY GEOSCIENTISTS OPENS MANY DOORS TO ADDITIONAL CAREERS

Paper number: 31-11
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Authors

  • Donna Willette Presenting Author
    Illinois State Geological Survey - Energy and Minerals Research, Champaign, IL

Abstract

It is likely that anyone thinking about a career as a geoscientist needs to think ‘outside the box’. No matter what career track is pursued, a person should anticipate at least 4 – 8 changes in job circumstances throughout your working life. This has both positive and negative aspects, BUT there is power to create your own path and it starts with the training you receive at the front-end.

In the energy sector – traditional job pathways are moving from exploration to downstream resource sectors. According to AGI (American Geosciences Institute), by combining mining and petroleum reserves, it is estimated that over 400 years of energy resource already exist in the United States. The focus is trying to develop efficient and sustainable ways for extraction. Classic training in the geosciences needs to be augmented by specialized training in subsurface geomechanics, geochemistry, geospatial applications, Python coding, geostatistics and data analytics, geophysics (both near-surface and deep), and fluid systems in the subsurface. This background provides opportunities in Carbon Capture and Storage Projects, Methane Gas Storage Fields and the regulatory agencies that oversee them (there are over 400 in the United States), and companies that are re-developing old petroleum fields looking for Residual Oil Zones (ROZs). The integration of engineering, geology, geophysics and geochemistry will provide skills that are transferable and marketable.

In the environmental sector – there is a predicted geoscience job increase of 11.4% by 2030 related to monitoring, permitting, and regulation of unconventional petroleum shale resources, as well as, established mining projects within the U.S. In addition to the technical education listed above, training in hydrogeology, tracer hydrogeology, land-use hydrology, and monitoring technology will be highly marketable. Internships can provide hands-on field experience in these technical areas. Both state and federal governmental agencies and private industries will be offering those opportunities.

Finally, drones are being used in both research, monitoring, and data visualization capacities in the geosciences. A potential employer in both the energy and environmental sectors will look favorably on potential employees with an FAA license to operate drone vehicles.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 52, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2020SE-344003

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