Also advise in areas such as waste management and selection of sites for construction purposes. These professionals work in government, universities, manufacturing and telecommunications companies, utilities, laboratories, hospitals, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and pulp and paper industries, petroleum and mining companies, and consulting and other organizations. They may specialize within their fields. Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate and identify hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources, to plan and implement programs of hydrocarbon and mineral extraction and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Employment in these occupations is not very sensitive to overall economic conditions and not seasonal.
Some geologists spend the majority of their time in an office.
Others divide their time between fieldwork and office or a laboratory. Treks to remote areas are not unusual, and job relocation is not uncommon. Most of these professionals require a bachelor's degree in their science or a related discipline. Those conducting research or teaching in a post-secondary establishment usually require a master's or doctoral degree. Geologists and geophysicists may require registration by a provincial or territorial association.