Topic

What can I do with a degree in Geology?

25 October 2024

As a Geologist, you can help save our planet by meeting societies future challenges. Geologists manage our environment by understanding our planets processes.

HOW TO APPLY

Geology in the twenty-first century is a fascinating, diverse and multidisciplinary subject and New Zealand is one of the best places on Earth to study geological processes relating to plate tectonics, climate change, natural hazards, and sustainability. Geologists also search for the natural resources which sustain our technological society, not least of all, water.

The construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams and reservoirs requires geological expertise.

Through their Geology degree, graduates gain a valuable set of transferable skills such as:

Scientific analysis of the outdoors
Independent thinking
Critically assessing and synthesising literature and data
Capacity to think creatively, logically and quantitatively
Oral and written communication
Planning and organisation skills
Teamwork and leadership.

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available in this major, through field courses and trips that utilise UC field stations at Cass, Harihari and Westport. Such experiences deepen your skillset, awareness of others, working knowledge and employability.

Geology graduates are employed in national and local government, planning and conservation, teaching and research, mining and petroleum industries, museums and science centres, energy companies, consulting and engineering firms, research institutes and exploration firms.

Recent UC graduates have been employed by:

Professional engineering and geotechnical engineering consultancies eg, Pells Sullivan Meynink, Pattle Delamore Partners, Opus International, ENGEO Ltd, Coffey Geotechnics, KGA Geotechnical
Government eg, Environment Canterbury, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, regional councils, North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery
Geological, geophysical and environmental consultancies eg, Geological Solutions, Southern Geophysical Ltd, CRL Energy, Geos Mining Mineral Consultants
Engineering contractors eg, Fulton Hogan, Downer
Energy companies eg, Mercury Energy Ltd
Natural resources exploration and production eg, Vermilion Energy, Oceanagold Corporation, Terra Search, BHP Billiton, Orica Mining Services, Baker Hughes, Laneway Resources
Research institutes eg, GNS Science, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Software eg, ARANZ Geo, International Earth Sciences IESE Ltd
Agriculture eg, Agri Optics NZ
Secondary schools.

Geology graduates monitor and assess hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis, and play a vital role in land planning and assessing environmental impact, and hazard and disaster risk and resilience.
Geoscientists also search for the natural resources which sustain our society, including water. The construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams and reservoirs requires geological expertise in the investigation of foundations.

Some specific geoscience jobs are listed below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Engineering geologist

Conducts field investigations
Advises on site selection using geological maps, aerial imagery and remote sensing
Uses specialised software to assess ground suitability
Provides advice on construction materials and materials testing

Natural hazards analyst

Carries out site-specific hazard and risk assessment
Gathers and maintains natural hazards data
Advises relevant managers and local authorities

Environmental scientist

Develops scientific solutions to environmental problems in land and water use
Carries out field and lab tests, records data
Conducts analysis and writes technical reports
Interprets regulations and monitors compliance

Mining geologist

Tests ore blending and block modelling
Facilitates grade control programmes
Liaises with engineers and managers

Petroleum geologist

Carries out research to find natural resources
Collects geological information on site
Interprets geological data for petroleum exploration and resource assessment
Plans and coordinates drilling

Geophysicist, field seismologist

Locates seismic equipment to investigate subsurface geology and earthquake seismicity
Analyses geological and seismological data and writes reports

Soil technician

Monitors, collects and tests soil samples
Analyses soil data and writes reports

Field / laboratory technician

Plans and carries out research experiments in the lab and the field
Maintains/calibrates field or lab equipment
Liaises with scientists and industry personnel
Collects and collates data, and drafts reports

Project manager / coordinator

Manages a project plan, budget and schedule
Supervises project progress and manages risks
Liaises with project staff and clients

Entrepreneur and CEO

Develops an idea to form their own business
Offers their services as a consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here

As they progress in their studies and into a career, our students and graduates often join professional bodies specific to their area of interest. These organisations offer graduates the opportunity to network and collaborate with others within the same community. Other relevant organisations are also listed below.

Social media networks, such as LinkedIn (including LinkedIn groups), Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues for students and graduates to keep up-to-date with current industry knowledge and ‘best practice’, networking opportunities, industry-related events and job vacancies.