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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
