Skills
Geoscientist Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in geoscientists, and how to build and show them.
What skills do geoscientists need?
Geoscientists need technical skills such as geology, field mapping, and gis, plus people skills like observation and problem-solving. They also use tools such as Rock hammers and GPS.
Technical (hard) skills
- Geology
- Field mapping
- GIS
- Groundwater modeling
- Core logging
- Report writing
People (soft) skills
- Observation
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Independence
Tools, equipment and technology
- Rock hammers
- GPS
- GIS
- Groundwater models
- Seismic software
- Field tablets
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how geoscientists put their skills to work:
- How to log a soil boring
- How to collect groundwater samples for a site investigation
- How to make a geologic map
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Geology” and “Field mapping.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “observation,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as PG license near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our geoscientist glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Geoscientist training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.