Geochemist
A geochemist is a scientist who focuses on analyzing the chemical composition of the Earth and the processes that influence the distribution of elements within it. They engage in various activities, including geological surveys, studying water, soil, sediments, and rocks, and contributing to climate research. Geochemists play critical roles in multiple industries, such as mining, petroleum exploration, waste management, and agriculture. To pursue a career in geochemistry, individuals typically require a bachelor's degree in geosciences or related fields, with advanced degrees often necessary for higher-level positions or academia.
Daily tasks may involve fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data modeling, utilizing a range of traditional and advanced technologies. The job outlook for geochemists is promising, with a projected 5% growth in employment due to retiring professionals and increasing demand in scientific services. Average annual earnings for geochemists are competitive, particularly in the petroleum sector. As environmental issues gain prominence, geochemists are expected to play crucial roles in addressing the impacts of human activities on the natural world, making their expertise increasingly vital across various sectors.
Geochemist
Earnings (Yearly Median): $92,580 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
Employment and Outlook: 5% (Faster than average) (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
O*NET-SOC Code: 19-2042.00
Related Career Clusters: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Government & Public Administration; Manufacturing
Scope of Work
Geochemists analyze the composition of the earth as well as the chemical processes leading to and influencing the distribution of elements in the earth's core and crust. They support geological surveys and analyze the chemical composition of the earth's water, soil, sediments, and rocks. Geochemists also contribute to climate studies, including study of the effects of human behavior on the earth's climate.
Geochemists work in a wide range of industries and specialized fields, including ore mining, exploration and exploitation of natural resources, and agriculture. Some geochemists work in waste management, analyzing the effects of waste on groundwater or supporting geological disposal of nuclear waste. They may also serve as architectural and engineering advisers. Those working in the field of petroleum geochemistry, a branch of petroleum geology, support the oil and gas industry by locating and analyzing deposits.
Education and Coursework
A high school student interested in pursuing a career in geochemistry should take classes in geology and other earth sciences, chemistry, and physics. Courses in mathematics and computer science as well as English and communication are also useful. Many students may benefit from participation in extracurricular activities related to geology, such as mineralogy clubs or excursions to interesting geological formations.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for a career in geochemistry. An undergraduate student should work toward a sound education in geology, taking courses in physical and structural geology, petrology, mineralogy, sedimentology, geochemistry, geophysics, geobiology, and economic geology. In addition, students should take courses in organic and physical chemistry as well as physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. A student may obtain practical experience through an internship, during which he or she may work as a geological assistant or technician under the supervision of experienced professionals. Although a bachelor's degree in the geosciences is preferred by many employers, a degree in chemistry, physics, or even mathematics or computer science, when supplemented with significant coursework in geology, may also provide a suitable educational foundation for a geochemist.
To advance in the field, a geochemist may be required to obtain a graduate degree. When choosing a master's degree program, a student should determine their preferred area of specialization and choose a program with strengths in that area. Indicators of academic strengths are research areas and publications of a program's faculty members as well as the theses of prior graduates and their job placements. Students interested in working in a particular field, such as waste management, mining, or engineering services, should choose a program with faculty active in research in that field. When pursuing a PhD, a student must typically choose a particular area of expertise and write a thesis based on original research in geochemistry under the guidance of a faculty adviser. A PhD is usually required for those seeking to teach geochemistry at the postsecondary level.
Career Enhancement and Training
Some states require that a geochemist obtain a license before he or she can work as a registered geologist (RG). Requirements for becoming a registered geologist vary considerably from state to state. Typically, a geochemist must amass some years of work experience under a registered geologist before applying and must also pass an exam. After becoming a registered geologist, a geochemist must typically renew their license for a nominal fee, often annually. Some states require geochemists to complete continuing education courses as a condition of renewal.
Membership in professional organizations such as the Geochemical Society is highly recommended for geochemists. The Geochemical Society co-organizes the annual international Goldschmidt Conference, publishes the online newsletter Geochemical News, and co-publishes the magazine Elements. In addition to hosting various events, the society provides members with reduced-price subscriptions to various scholarly journals and access to job listings in the field. The organization is a member of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a professional association representing nearly 50 member societies and more than 250,000 geoscientists.
Networking through participation in professional conferences, attendance at special lectures, and use of online media is often essential, as it helps geochemists remain aware of advances and new research in geochemistry and the related fields. As many geochemists work on field excursion teams composed of scientists from a variety of disciplines, basic awareness of related sciences is advantageous. Networking may also prove beneficial for geoscientists seeking to advance in the field or enter a new industry.
Daily Tasks and Technology
Geochemists typically work in the field, a laboratory, an office, or a classroom. During field excursions, they generally work as part of a team made up of geoscientists and other scientists. In the field, they may be responsible for collecting rock, soil, water, or atmospheric samples and observing and documenting geological features. Locations can be remote, ranging from tropical jungles to Antarctica, and working in the field requires a certain level of physical stamina.
After obtaining samples, geochemists may examine the samples in a laboratory. Analysis of their findings is done in a computer-supported environment and often requires geochemists to design models and theories explaining the significance of their data. Some geochemists focus on analyzing data provided by colleagues, including planetary scientists. Geochemists are often expected to present their results in academic papers or at industry conferences.
Geochemists use both traditional and very advanced tools. When in the field, they may use tools such as hammers, chisels, and augers to collect rock samples; however, they may also use ground-penetrating radar and sonar equipment and other technology. In the laboratory, geochemists rely on a wide array of spectroscopy and gas chromatography applications and instruments to analyze the chemical composition of samples. Neutron activation analysis may be performed to determine the composition of sample materials. Geochemists may also perform mathematical modeling when developing theories to explain chemical distribution processes. Their work may rely greatly on analytical and scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) programs, and graphics, photo imaging, and map creation software.
Earnings and Employment Outlook
Demand for geochemists, as for all geoscientists, is expected to experience average growth between 2022 and 2032. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated employment growth of 5 percent in the geosciences during this period. Meanwhile, the AGI has noted that as the geoscience community continues to age and large numbers of scientists retire, it is likely that there will be significant demand for geochemists to fill the open positions. Job growth is expected to vary based on industry, with the professional, scientific, and technical services industry projected to experience the highest growth.
Salaries for geochemists also vary greatly, with the petroleum industry typically offering the highest average annual wages. In general, geoscientists tend to earn more on average than chemists and biologists and less than physicists. Average salaries have increased relatively steadily despite fluctuations in the US economy.
Related Occupations
• Geologists:Geologists study the formation, history, shape, and composition of the earth, analyzing geological features such as rock formations and natural phenomena such as plate tectonics.
• Petroleum Geologists: Petroleum geologists use geoscientific procedures to locate oil and gas deposits for petroleum extraction and use as fuel.
• Geophysicists: Geophysicists study the physical properties of areas such as the earth's magnetic field.
• Seismologists: Seismologists specialize in the study of earthquakes and their effects, including tsunamis.
• Engineering Geologists: Engineering geologists combine geology with civil and environmental engineering, taking the composition and properties of the earth into account when planning projects.
Future Applications
Geochemists will see much demand for their work as human activities increasingly affect the natural environment. As nonrenewable energy resources are used up, the discovery and extraction of additional resources will require the input of geoscientists in a variety of disciplines. Of particular relevance to geochemists is the petroleum industry, which will likely rely on increasingly sophisticated scientific methods of exploration and production.
The increasing public and governmental interest in remediating humanity's effects on the environment is also expected to create new employment opportunities for geochemists. Such scientists may work in a variety of industries, including mining, petroleum production, and atmospheric and space science.
Bibliography
"Comparison of STEM and Geoscience Occupation Growth Over the Next Decade." American Geosciences Institute, 11 Dec. 2014, www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/currents/comparison-stem-and-geoscience-occupation-growth-over-next-decade. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Geoscientists." Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics, United States Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192042.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Summary Report for: 19-2042.00 - Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers." O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, 9 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2042.00. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.