Environmental geologist

An Environmental Geologist is a scientist who applies geological principles to address environmental challenges. They study the interactions between the Earth’s geological systems and human activities, focusing on understanding and mitigating environmental issues such as soil and water contamination, land degradation, natural hazards, and resource management. Environmental Geologists work in various sectors, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.

Duties

Environmental geologists typically perform the following tasks:

• Conduct environmental site assessments to determine the extent of contamination in soil, groundwater, and surface water.
• Collect and analyze samples of soil, water, and air to identify pollutants and assess their impact on the environment.
• Create detailed geological maps and models to understand subsurface conditions and the distribution of contaminants.
• Evaluate the potential risks associated with contaminated sites, natural hazards, and other environmental issues, providing recommendations for mitigation.
• Develop and implement plans for the remediation and restoration of contaminated sites, using techniques such as bioremediation, soil vapor extraction, and groundwater treatment.
• Ensure that projects comply with environmental regulations and standards set by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Conduct studies to assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed construction projects, mining operations, or other developments.
• Prepare detailed reports, including findings, analysis, and recommendations, for clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in public consultations and provide expert advice to communities, developers, and policymakers on environmental issues and sustainable practices.
• Engage in research to develop new methods and technologies for environmental monitoring and remediation.

The following job titles also refer to environmental geologist:

environmental consultant
geologicial engineer
environmental geology studies scholar
environmental geology studies research scientist
mineralogical analyst
environmental geology studies research analyst
environmental geology scholar
environment geologist
environmental geology scientist
environmental geology studies researcher
environmental geology geological consultant
environmentalist
minerals analyst
environmental geology research scientist
environmental geology analyst
environmental geology researcher
environmental geology science researcher
environmental geology research analyst
environmental geology studies analyst
environmental mineralogist
environmental geology studies scientist

Environmental Geologists work in a mix of outdoor fieldwork and indoor office settings. Fieldwork involves traveling to various sites, sometimes in remote or challenging environments, to collect samples and conduct assessments. This can require physical activity and working in different weather conditions. Office work includes analyzing data, preparing reports, and developing remediation plans. The role often involves collaboration with other scientists, engineers, and environmental professionals, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Working hours can vary, with the possibility of overtime or irregular schedules, especially during field investigations or project deadlines.

A bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master’s degree or higher. Relevant coursework includes hydrogeology, geochemistry, environmental law, and soil science.

Practical experience through internships, fieldwork, or entry-level positions in environmental consulting or regulatory agencies is highly beneficial. Proficiency in using geographic information systems (GIS), environmental modeling software, and other analytical tools is essential. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for interpreting data and conveying findings effectively.

Continuous professional development and staying updated with advancements in environmental regulations and remediation technologies are important for career progression. Certification or licensure, such as becoming a Registered Professional Geologist (RPG) or obtaining certification through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Environmental geologist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to environmental geologist.

exploration geologist
mine geologist
environmental mining engineer
geochemist
hydrogeologist

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of environmental geologist.

• Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.

These skills are necessary for the role of environmental geologist.

• Examine geochemical samples: Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rocks or soil.
• Advise on mining environmental issues: Collaborate with engineers, surveyors, geotechnical staff and metallurgists, involved in environmental protection and land rehabilitation after mining activities.
• Conduct sediment control: Manage sediment control processes and projects. Plan sediment control actions to prevent eroded soil from polluting nearby waterways.
• Develop site remediation strategies: Conduct field studies and provide advice on areas with polluted soil or groundwater at industrial sites and mining sites. Devise methods to store excavated soil. Develop strategies to rehabilitate exhausted mining sites back into a natural state.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Conduct erosion control: Manage erosion control processes and projects. Plan erosion control actions to control or prevent erosion from occurring and avoid water pollution or soil loss.
• Communicate on the environmental impact of mining: Prepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.
• Address problems critically: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
• Study groundwater: Prepare and conduct field studies in order to determine groundwater quality. Analyse and interpret maps, models and geographical data. Compose a picture of area groundwater and land contamination. File reports on issues with landfill groundwater, e.g. area pollution caused by coal combustion products.
• Manage environmental impact: Implement measures to minimise the biological, chemical and physical impacts of mining activity on the environment.
• Conduct environmental site assessments: Manage and oversee environmental site prospection and assessments for mining or industrial sites. Designate and demarcate areas for geochemical analysis and scientific research.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of environmental geologist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Archaeology: The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
• Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of environmental geologist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Communicate on minerals issues: Communicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.
• Negotiate land access: Negotiate with landowners, tenants, mineral rights owners, regulatory bodies or other stakeholders to obtain permission to access areas of interest for exploration or sampling.

2114 – Geologists and geophysicists

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References

1. Environmental geologist – ESCO
2. How to Become an Environmental Geologist | EnvironmentalScience.org
3. What Is an Environmental Geologist – Learn.org
4. Environmental Geologist | ECO Canada
5. Featured image: By James St. John – https://www.flickr.com/photos/47445767@N05/49942123641/, CC BY 2.0