Studies physical aspects of the earth to determine its structure and composition, and to locate and advise on the extraction of minerals, petroleum or ground water.
Tasks Include:
conducts studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and of the minerals contained in it
studies and dates fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, or to assess their commercial applications
studies the effects of natural events such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
examines and analyses geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
interprets remote sensing data to identify geological formations and anomalous areas for prospective exploration
determines the economic viability of extracting mineral resources in cooperation with other professionals and the possible impact on the geological environment of development proposals
determines the environmental impact of resource extraction proposals
interprets research data from laboratory studies or exploration and prepares geological reports and maps
prepares or supervises the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers
supervises the work of technical officers, technicians and survey hands