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Useful experience for geologists includes:

• computer-coding skills
• work in electronics
• work as a geological field assistant or science technician
• any practical fieldwork. 

Geologists may do some or all of the following:

• study the Earth's structure and processes such as how soils, rocks and faults form
• collect, examine and analyse rocks, minerals and fossils
• give advice and write reports on managing land effectively, resource management and risk of natural hazards such as landslides
• survey the land and seabed to help prepare geological maps
• draw maps using specialist computer software
• carry out geological research to locate natural resources such as minerals and groundwater
• monitor and investigate changing climate conditions
• monitor the geotechnical conditions of mine sites
• write up research results and present findings
• teach at universities.

Climate change and environment focus for geologists 

Opportunities for geologists working to protect the environment are growing steadily. This is because the main focus of geology has changed from extracting oil, gas and minerals to managing natural hazards and monitoring human impacts on the environment.

Environmental geologists do a range of work, including:

• using computer modelling to increase understanding of the natural world 
• developing New Zealand's geothermal energy resources
• locating water sources as droughts increase
• dealing with pollution and waste disposal.

According to the Census, 852 geologists worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

Increase your chances of finding geology work

Qualifications and experience in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geothermal geology are particularly useful for environmental work. If you are studying geology, it’s useful to consider doing a joint degree in subjects such as geography, environmental science, business or finance.    

As a geology graduate you can increase your chances of finding work by:

• getting work experience during your training and having employers supervise your research
• having your research published in peer-reviewed publications 
• building your network of contacts by attending and presenting at conferences 
• having good technical skills and being able to operate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) equipment   
• being adaptable – for example, taking an entry-level role as a technician.

Geologists can apply for postgraduate scholarships, internships and summer scholarships at research organisations such as GNS Science.  

Consultancies main employers of geologists

Most geologists work for consultancies and private companies, including engineering firms.

Geologists may also work for:

• Crown research institutes (CRIs) such as GNS Science (the largest CRI employer of geologists), the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
• local authorities such as regional and city councils
• universities, as teachers and lecturers
• mining and drilling companies.

Engineering New Zealand

(04) 473 9444 - hello@engineeringnz.org - www.engineeringnz.org

GNS Science

(04) 570 1444 - www.gns.cri.nz

Geologists may specialise in:

• engineering – investigating sites for infrastructure projects, and managing natural hazards, and those created by human activity
• mining – analysing geological data to locate new mineral resources, and advise on mine production plans
• environmental geology – helping to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater
• volcanology – studying how volcanoes form and erupt
• marine geology – studying hazards (such as earthquakes) and their effects on coastal areas, ocean resources, and coastal and marine ecosystems
• paleontology – using fossil remains to understand extinct and living organisms, and their environment.

Geologists need to be:

• patient and observant
• motivated and methodical
• good at maths and able to solve problems
• good at planning and organising
• skilled communicators for writing reports and other publications.