Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Geoscientist
What geoscientists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a geoscientist?
Drive to a drill site. From there, the day usually includes map geology, collect samples, and analyze data. Full time, with field trips that can last days or weeks.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a geoscientist working full time.
- Drive to a drill site.
- Log a soil boring.
- Collect groundwater samples.
- Map outcrops.
- Build a GIS map.
- Model groundwater flow.
- Write a field report.
Where geoscientists work
Geoscientists split time between the field and the office.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with field trips that can last days or weeks.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Map geology
- Collect samples
- Analyze data
- Model groundwater
- Assess hazards
- Write reports
- Advise projects
Tools you’ll use every day
- Rock hammers
- GPS
- GIS
- Groundwater models
- Seismic software
- Field tablets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fieldwork outdoors
- Good pay
- Varied work
- Environmental impact
What’s hard
- Remote fieldwork
- Weather
- Energy industry cycles
- Travel
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love rocks and landscapes
- I like fieldwork
- I like data
- I can travel
- I care about the environment
- I like solving puzzles
Not sure? Take the free Geoscientist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow field safety plans
- Wear PPE at drill sites
- Watch for wildlife and weather
- Follow HAZWOPER rules