Geoscience Career Exploration

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There are many careers in the Architecture and Engineering field that are related to geoscience and contribute work towards a variety of SDGs by addressing the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Most include work towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) as Architects and Engineers may design and construct resilient and sustainable infrastructure or they may improve the quality of life in urban areas by promoting energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Agricultural Engineers

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Civil Engineers

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Environmental Engineers

Geodetic Surveyors

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Industrial Engineers

Landscape Architects

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Materials Engineers

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Surveyors

Transportation Engineers

Water/Wastewater Engineers

Wind Energy Engineers

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media careers are rarely directly related to geoscience, but they can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and the general public, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with the Earth's natural systems. Depending on the specific job, they can contribute to the global efforts towards achieving any of the SDGs through their creativity, storytelling, and ability to engage audiences.

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Photographers

Technical Writers

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Careers in the Business and Financial Operations field can benefit from knowledge about geologic and environmental hazards and conditions that could affect things such as the construction of new buildings, availability of or access to raw materials, and the long-term viability of their energy usage. Geoscience-related careers in this field work toward SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by relaying decisions from other sectors about such things as supply chains, fair labor practices, and circular economy principles.

Compliance Officers

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Logistics Engineers

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Sustainability Specialists

Careers in the Personal Care and Service field relate to geoscience by promoting geotourism and environmental awareness. All geoscience-related careers in this field contribute towards SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering engagement and increasing awareness of natural and/or protected areas, and helping people relate to the environment and its value.

Tour Guides and Escorts

Travel Guides

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Computer and Mathematical careers can support the geosciences with the analysis of data and/or the production of maps, simulations, and models to help geoscientists explain natural phenomena. Depending on the specific job, a career in this field could work towards any SDG, especially those that directly address the areas in which many geoscientists collect data: 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).

Computer Programmers

Data Scientists

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Statisticians

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There are many careers in the Construction and Extraction field that are related to geoscience. These careers can involve conducting geological surveys, locating and mining natural resources, assessing land stability and suitability for building, as well as geohazard (i.e., landslides, earthquakes, and sinkholes) management and mitigation. Most geoscience-related careers in this field contribute toward SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by planning the sustainable use of resources to construct resilient infrastructure.

Earth Drillerrs, Except Oil and Gas

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Rock Splitters, Quarry

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Stonemasons

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

Tile and Stone Setters

Careers in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry are related to geoscience in that many of them require knowledge of soil science, climate and weather patterns, water resource management, geospatial technologies, geohazard risk assessment, and sustainability and conservation. Most of these jobs contribute toward SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). These careers require the knowledge of sustainable practices to produce food and raw materials while reducing human impact on the environment.

Agricultural Inspectors

Fallers

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Forest and Conservation Workers

A career in the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical field can be related to geoscience when dealing with environmental factors that affect human health, natural disaster and emergency response, occupational health and safety, and the use of maps to identify hotspots and analyze how diseases can spread. These careers contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing access to healthcare to all people and increasing knowledge of human health concerns.

Allergists and Immunologists

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A career in the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair field can relate to geosciences in that it may require knowledge of technical instruments that collect data/information on energy sources, land surveys, and environmental monitoring. This field contributes toward SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by managing sustainable energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

Commercial Divers

Geothermal Technicians

Geoscience-related careers in the Legal field often deal with environmental law, the exploring, extracting, and managing of natural resources, and land use and zoning issues. Depending on the specific job, a career in this field could contribute to any of the SDGs. These careers can help to preserve not only ecosystems and the resources they provide, but also the rights of the people living on these lands.

Lawyers

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Careers in Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance directly impact the environment and so a knowledge of geoscience-related factors such as soil composition, drainage patterns, and erosion control is vital for minimizing human impact on local landscapes and biodiversity. Careers in this sector contribute towards SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 15 (Life on Land) by promoting the efficient use of resources and sustainable building practices to maintain outdoor spaces.

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

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There are many careers in the Management field related to geoscience. Managers can make decisions about the use of natural resources, the planning of land development, and the installation of mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of natural hazards. Careers related to geoscience contribute towards SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable business practices, including supply chains, production schedules, and impact measurement and reporting.

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Biofuels Production Managers

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Chief Sustainability Officers

Compliance Managers

Construction Managers

Emergency Management Directors

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Geothermal Production Managers

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Natural Sciences Managers

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Water Resource Specialists

Wind Energy Development Managers

Wind Energy Operations Managers

A career in the Office and Administrative Support field can help to manage geoscience-related data, prepare reports, plan conferences and workshops, run operations for geoscience organizations, or support funding and permits required to conduct geoscience research. Depending on the specific job, work in this career could contribute towards any SDG, especially SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) due to their support in creating inclusive and functional workspaces for other career fields.

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

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There are many careers in the Production field related to geoscience. These careers often deal with the management or use of raw materials, energy production, and waste management. Many careers in this field work towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) because they encourage the development of new technologies to help in the construction of sustainable infrastructure, the efficient use of resources, and the sustainable sourcing of materials.

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Gas Plant Operators

Gem and Diamond Workers

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Potters, Manufacturing

Pourers and Casters, Metal

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Careers in the Sales and Related field can be indirectly related to geoscience when involved with geoscience equipment and technology and sustainable energy sources. These careers in this field contribute towards SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) as the products they sell require the use of raw materials as well as the production of waste products that may negatively affect the environment.

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

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There are many careers in the Life, Physical, and Social Science field that are geoscience careers or are directly related to work in the geosciences. These careers include geoscientists as well as roles that work to understand the environment (e.g., the atmosphere, water resources, biodiversity) and human history. The top four SDGs which this field contributes towards include SDG 13 (Climate Action), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, justice, and Strong Institutions), and 15 (Life on Land) by studying and increasing understanding of Earth’s systems, how these systems work together to sustain life, and the impacts of people.

Agricultural Technicians

Anthropologists and Archaeologists

Astronomers

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Conservation Scientists

Environmental Economists

Environmental Restoration Planners

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Epidemiologists

Forest and Conservation Technicians

Foresters

Geographers

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Hydrologic Technicians

Hydrologists

Industrial Ecologists

Materials Scientists

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

Park Naturalists

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Range Managers

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Remote Sensing Technicians

Soil and Plant Scientists

Transportation Planners

Urban and Regional Planners

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Careers in the Protective Service field related to geosciences by often requiring a knowledge of natural hazards and how they affect cities and populations. Depending on the career, work might contribute towards SDG 3, (Good Health and Well-Being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 15 (Life on Land), or 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by protecting communities during natural disasters and improving preparedness to ensure public safety and human rights.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Intelligence Analysts

A career in the Community and Social Service field may not require direct geoscience expertise but can benefit from collaboration with geoscientists to consider how understanding geoscience-related issues is crucial for effective community service and sustainable development. This career contributes towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by helping to provide basic services and improve the quality of life for all.

Community Health Workers

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There are many careers in the Educational Institution and Library field that are related to geoscience. These careers provide informal and formal learning opportunities for a variety of audiences, increasing exposure to the geosciences, as well as funding and promoting new research that expands upon the geoscience knowledge base. Depending on the specific job, a career in this field could contribute towards any SDG, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), helping to improve equitable access to educational materials and training opportunities.

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Curators

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Farm and Home Management Educators

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

There are many careers in the Transportation and Material Moving field related to geoscience. These careers can involve land surveys, mining operations, environmental remediation, and waste transportation. Geoscience-related careers in this field contribute towards a variety of SDGs such as SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by allowing for the efficient transportation of raw materials to develop new infrastructure.

Related Jobs

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

Things I Like to Do....

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Agricultural Engineers

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Civil Engineers

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Environmental Engineers

Geodetic Surveyors

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Industrial Engineers

Landscape Architects

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Materials Engineers

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Surveyors

Transportation Engineers

Water/Wastewater Engineers

Wind Energy Engineers

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Photographers

Technical Writers

Compliance Officers

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Logistics Engineers

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Sustainability Specialists

Tour Guides and Escorts

Travel Guides

Computer Programmers

Data Scientists

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Statisticians

Earth Drillerrs, Except Oil and Gas

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Rock Splitters, Quarry

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Stonemasons

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

Tile and Stone Setters

Agricultural Inspectors

Fallers

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Forest and Conservation Workers

Allergists and Immunologists

Commercial Divers

Geothermal Technicians

Lawyers

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Biofuels Production Managers

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Chief Sustainability Officers

Compliance Managers

Construction Managers

Emergency Management Directors

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Geothermal Production Managers