Geoscientist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: PG license, ASBOG exams (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: rock hammers; GPS; GIS; groundwater models
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Geoscientist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow field safety plans
Wear PPE at drill sites
Watch for wildlife and weather
Follow HAZWOPER rules
Shadow an experienced geoscientist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: log a soil boring
Supervised practice: collect groundwater samples for a site investigation
Supervised practice: make a geologic map
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Map geology: independently
Collect samples: independently
Analyze data: independently
Model groundwater: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, PG license)
Discuss the career path: Staff Geologist → Project Geologist → Senior Geologist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Log a Soil Boring
Collect Groundwater Samples for a Site Investigation
Make a Geologic Map
Geology
Field mapping
GIS
Groundwater modeling

How to measure onboarding success

Time to independent work on instruments or projects
Documentation or data corrections required
Rework, out-of-spec results or failed audits
90-day retention

How Geoscientist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Geoscientist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Geoscientist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Geoscientist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Geoscientist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)