Geochemist
Geochemists study the amount and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. They also study the movement of those elements into soil and water systems. Their work guides oil exploration, can help improve water quality and is also used to develop plans to clean up toxic waste sites.
They can be employed by oil and gas companies, consultancies, research facilities and education institutions.
Typical work activities in the laboratory include:
Relevant degree subjects include physical, mathematical and applied sciences and engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:
A degree in geology or mineral/mining engineering is usually required for employment in mining and mineral extraction.
In research and academic institutions, laboratory-based technical staff with HNDs in science and engineering subjects, together with relevant work experience, can enter geochemistry. However, further qualifications in the subject areas listed above will be required for career progression.
A postgraduate qualification can be an advantage, especially for helping to gain contacts, but having one does not necessarily guarantee employment. If you are thinking of taking a postgraduate course, consider its relevance for the specialist career area you are interested in. For example, courses in petroleum geochemistry are the most appropriate for a career in the petrochemical industry and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB) provides grants for relevant postgraduate study.
Practical experience in temporary employment may be more beneficial in certain industries, whereas public research bodies generally require a relevant PhD.
Strong competition for vacancies means that any relevant work experience is extremely valuable, as it demonstrates interest and commitment to potential employers and will also help you to find out what the work is really like. Work shadowing and volunteering are also great ways of gaining experience and skills, as well as making contacts.
The number of jobs in this field is limited, particularly in academic and environmental research institutions, so competition for work can be intense. It is therefore a good idea to apply early in your penultimate year for vacation work with oil and gas operators, service companies and small consultancies. It is also advisable to apply for advertised vacancies as well as making speculative applications. Geological Society - Work Experience and Placements lists relevant internships and placement opportunities, as well as ideas for arranging your own work experience. The Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-Base) advertises its own vacation work placements, which aim to enable students to gain valuable experience in the more practical aspects of geology and geochemistry.
Finalists should be ready to research potential employers and to start applying for graduate jobs early in the autumn term, checking company websites for details of graduate training schemes and visiting the university’s careers service for information, advice and guidance.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
The job market fluctuates with oil prices and the status of existing and proposed projects, so changes in the industry should be regularly monitored by prospective applicants.
The exploration and extraction industry is international, which means there are opportunities to live and work abroad. Major employers recruit internationally, attracting many applicants from the US and Europe, where a higher degree is the normal qualification for entry to a professional career.
Recruitment, training and job titles vary from company to company. Some employers do not distinguish at entry level between, for example, petroleum, drilling and support engineering. Instead, candidates who demonstrate broad potential are recruited and then deployed after training. Recruitment is often informal, via contacts, networking and reputation. For example, an employer may recognise the quality of someone’s work and their expertise during a project or contract and offer them a job as a result.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Although training varies between employers, it is generally provided on an informal basis while working. Learning on the job usually involves gaining additional skills and knowledge by working closely with a more experienced or senior colleague. New recruits are expected to pick up additional laboratory or other practical research skills quickly. For consultancy work, being able to develop an understanding of business issues, such as project management and budgets, is essential.
Some employers provide the opportunity to gain further qualifications if they are likely to enhance an individual's work. Employers may also provide formal training in the form of in-house and external courses on topics such as business, personal development and safety training. Technical and IT training is also usually provided. For jobs that involve field work, employers are likely to provide training in survival skills, such as crevasse rescue.
Membership of professional bodies and specialist organisations, such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and the Geological Society , can provide professional development opportunities.
Professional accreditation is obtained through the Geological Society, which offers chartered geologist (CGeol) and chartered scientist (CSci) status. If you are an undergraduate on an honours degree course in geology, you can join the Society as a Candidate Fellow during your studies and for up to one year after graduation, at a heavily discounted cost of £15 per year or £40 for the whole duration of study.
It is essential that geochemists keep up to date with new research and commercial developments, because there are frequent changes in the industrial and academic fields. It is therefore useful to attend relevant short courses, seminars, conferences and networking events, and to subscribe to professional journals.
Geographical mobility and a flexible attitude to work are both useful, especially during the early stages of a geochemist’s career. Being willing to move around in order to gain relevant experience will help build up a strong portfolio and lead to more opportunities.
Career development may be challenging because of the demand for specialist knowledge within each sector of the industry, and progress will depend on individuals’ interests and chosen sector. For example, a postgraduate degree in petroleum geochemistry is usually required in order to progress within the oil industry. This need for specialist knowledge, qualifications and skills means that it is possible to become restricted to one area of employment, so it is important that geochemists who wish to keep their options more open move around in order to gain as much experience as possible.
Oil and gas specialists may progress into consultancy-based project work. Analysts can move into environmental work, for example, investigating chemical contamination of land at a landfill site, disused industrial site or agricultural site.
Geochemists are also employed by mining companies to assist in developing sites. This may include, for example, mapping the location, concentration and movement of chemicals over large areas of land to help locate resources, such as coal or uranium, leading to exploratory mining or drilling. Again, relevant experience is important to develop a career in this area.
Career progress within the academic field depends upon the successful development of the research undertaken. Occasionally, individuals within academia move into consultancy work or employment with an environmental body or oil and gas company.
Self-employment and freelance work also provide possible avenues for career development, as outsourcing creates opportunities for geochemists. Oil industry related contracts are determined by project status and oil prices. Other possibilities include environmental consultancy, such as advising on the construction, operation or closure of landfill sites. Building up a network of contacts through contract or project work, and by attending events and conferences, is crucial to successful freelancing.
Typical employers include:
Your choice of employer is likely to be influenced by both your degree subject and your area of specialist interest.
Opportunities to work for major oil operators or service companies are currently fairly limited due to the increase in outsourcing. However, this does mean that there has been an increase in vacancies within oil and gas consultancies. Given the broad scope of work covered by such consultancies, there may be opportunities to develop expertise in a range of areas.
You can also go directly to employers’ websites. Reference resources such as Oil and Gas and the Oil Directory provide contact details for oil and gas companies.
Recruitment agencies sometimes handle vacancies. See entries in the specialist press and links from professional websites.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet