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What does my path have to look like in order to become an environmental geologist?
You can only search so much online, so I feel like I have the basis of what it might have to look like, but I've never had any one give their personal account. To know what someone went through, and to know their advice would be more than helpful for me. #environmental-geology #geology
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Ian’s Answer
For me I just fell into it. I did a geology undergrad at SHSU and wasn't committed at the time to attending grad school. The opportunity came along and it really was a great introduction to field geology, the upstream oil and gas industry, leadership, safety and a lot of other opportunities. A big thing about environmental jobs is understanding what kind of work you want to do and in what industries. Not all firms have all kinds of opportunities or clients so if you have a particular industry that you are passionate about, you will want to do some research on teh clients of your perspective employer.
The other part is traveling. A lot of new hire geologists are expected to do quite a bit of field work as you work your way up the ladder. That should be another question you ask about, as well as how overtime and extra hours are compensated (money vs comp time). If you are looking for more of a 40 hour per week office role, that may not mesh well with the typical expectations of new hire environmental geologist. The way you can get around that is other office based skillsets like being a very strong writer or a skill like GIS which is typically in high demand.
The other part is traveling. A lot of new hire geologists are expected to do quite a bit of field work as you work your way up the ladder. That should be another question you ask about, as well as how overtime and extra hours are compensated (money vs comp time). If you are looking for more of a 40 hour per week office role, that may not mesh well with the typical expectations of new hire environmental geologist. The way you can get around that is other office based skillsets like being a very strong writer or a skill like GIS which is typically in high demand.
Anne Harvey
Environmental Scientist at Philadelphia Water Department
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Anne’s Answer
The environmental field is really broad. Usually, firms seem to hire graduates with a general geology major. Much environmental work in the Mid Atlantic seems to revolve around industrial pollution, mostly of groundwater. I would suggest you take at least a couple of hydrology courses (surface water & groundwater focuses). I'm assuming you will also go to Field Camp as part of your final coursework - a good idea.
I did not go the environmental route, but many of my classmates did. They worked really hard at the beginning and were out in the field a lot, as Ian mentioned. You should learn a little about "billable hours" so you know what you might be getting yourself in for as a new employee in the environmental industry. Having report writing skills and knowledge of GIS will also help you in your career (like Ian said). A good science writing class is a good idea for undergraduates.
You're in oil country, and I don't know much about that. It seems the focus of environmental firms change a little, based on your geographic location. Where you choose to live, may have an impact on the type of job you get ultimately. Also...plans always change and life has a way of surprising you. Be flexible and you may be surprised what opportunities arise!
I did not go the environmental route, but many of my classmates did. They worked really hard at the beginning and were out in the field a lot, as Ian mentioned. You should learn a little about "billable hours" so you know what you might be getting yourself in for as a new employee in the environmental industry. Having report writing skills and knowledge of GIS will also help you in your career (like Ian said). A good science writing class is a good idea for undergraduates.
You're in oil country, and I don't know much about that. It seems the focus of environmental firms change a little, based on your geographic location. Where you choose to live, may have an impact on the type of job you get ultimately. Also...plans always change and life has a way of surprising you. Be flexible and you may be surprised what opportunities arise!