Geochemist

Geochemists use physical and inorganic chemistry to investigate the amount and
distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. They also study the movement
of those elements into soil and water systems. They use organic chemistry to study the
composition of fossil fuel deposits.
Their research guides oil exploration, can help improve water quality and is also used to
develop plans to clean up toxic waste sites. They can be employed by oil and gas
companies, consultancies, research facilities and education institutions.

Responsibilities
Laboratory tasks usually include:

 analysing the age, nature and components of rock, soil and other environmental
samples;
 conducting sample tests and checks, including gas chromatography, carbon and
isotope data, viscosity and solvent extraction;
 working with a range of specialist equipment as part of research, including mass
spectrometers, microscopes and electron microprobes;
 undertaking field visits to collect site samples;
 generating computer models using specialist software;
 mapping specific geochemical areas for research and analysis;
 interpreting a variety of data and analysing results;
 liaising with geologists, petroleum engineers and commercial managers;
 providing support and recommendations to mainstream geologists;
 developing databases to track and organise information;
 providing data and feedback to clients;
 undertaking long-range theoretical and applied research;
 using written sources of information, such as journals and the internet, as part of
the research process;
 writing technical reports and papers for journals;
 teaching and lecturing on specific areas within geochemistry;
 giving presentations at conferences and other events;
 keeping up to date with developments and new research.

Salary
 You can expect to earn around £20,000 to £30,000 in an entry geochemist role.
 Typical salaries at senior level and with experience range from £32,000 to
£50,000, while consultancy work could command considerably more.
Salaries vary according to employer, location and the nature of the work and are likely
to be considerably higher for those working in multinational organisations, particularly
those who are prepared to live and work in more remote locations.
Larger companies usually provide additional benefits, such as private healthcare,
childcare allowance and a company pension scheme.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours
Working hours often extend outside normal office hours, particularly when geochemists
are on field trips. Consultancies and larger employers tend to provide flexible working
schemes. Interpretation and consultancy work demand out-of-hours work.

What to expect
 At junior level, work is mainly laboratory-based with fewer opportunities to do
offshore research work. At more senior levels, the work involves more
administration and operations management and fewer research-focused
activities. Consultants are more likely to work in an office-based environment.
 Working environments vary, but in addition to a professional and organised
approach, the teamwork required in geochemistry often creates an informal,
friendly working environment.
 Field work can be very physically demanding.
 Self-employment or freelance work is an option.
 Field trips and site visits requires geographical mobility.
 Travel within the working day and overnight absence from home are occasionally
needed.
 Geochemists at more senior levels within industry may be required to travel
overseas on a regular basis.

Qualifications
Relevant degree subjects include physical, mathematical and applied sciences and
engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:

 chemical engineering;
 geochemistry;
 geology;
 geophysics or geotechnology;
 marine sciences or oceanography;
 mineral or mining engineering.

A degree in geology or mineral or mining engineering is usually required for

employment in mining and mineral extraction.
In research and academic institutions, laboratory-based technical staff with HNDs in
science and engineering subjects, together with relevant work experience, can enter
geochemistry. However, further qualifications in the subject areas listed above will be
required for career progression.
A postgraduate qualification can be an advantage, especially for making contacts, but
having one does not necessarily guarantee employment. If you are thinking of taking a
postgraduate course, consider its relevance for the specialist career area you are
interested in. Search for postgraduate courses in geochemistry.
For example, courses in petroleum geochemistry are the most appropriate for a career
in the petrochemical industry and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain
(PESGB) provides grants for relevant postgraduate study.

Skills
You will need to show evidence of the following:

 strong interpersonal skills;

 the ability to work as part of a team;
 networking skills;
 research skills and the ability to manage a project or study;
 a conscientious, methodical approach for analysing samples and collating data;
 good IT and database skills;
 laboratory skills, such as general technical ability and safety awareness;
 intellectual and personal flexibility.

Work experience
Practical experience in temporary employment may be more beneficial in certain
industries, whereas public research bodies generally require a relevant PhD.
Strong competition for vacancies means that any relevant work experience is extremely
valuable, as it demonstrates interest and commitment to potential employers and will
also help you to find out what the work is really like. Work shadowing and volunteering
are great ways of gaining experience and skills, as well as making contacts.
The number of jobs in this field is limited, particularly in academic and environmental
research institutions, so competition for work can be intense. It is therefore a good idea
to apply early in your penultimate year for vacation work with oil and gas operators,
service companies and small consultancies. It is also advisable to apply for advertised
vacancies, as well as making speculative applications.
Relevant internships and placement opportunities, as well as ideas for arranging your
own work experience can be found through the Geological Society - Work Experience
and Placements. The Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-
Base) advertises its own vacation work placements, which aim to enable students to
gain valuable experience in the more practical aspects of geology and geochemistry.
Employers
You should be ready to research potential employers and to start applying for graduate
jobs early in the autumn term, checking company websites for details of graduate
training schemes and visiting the university's careers service for information, advice and
guidance.
The job market fluctuates with oil prices and the status of existing and proposed
projects, so changes in the industry should be regularly monitored by prospective
applicants.
Typical employers include:

 oil and gas companies;

 consultancies;
 mining companies;
 environmental consultancies;
 universities and research institutes;
 specialist environmental bodies, such as the British Geological Survey
(BGS) (part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)) and theBritish
Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Your choice of employer is likely to be influenced by both your degree subject and your
specialist area.
Opportunities to work for major oil operators or service companies are currently fairly
limited due to the increase in outsourcing. However, this does mean that there has been
an increase in vacancies within oil and gas consultancies. Given the broad scope of
work covered by such consultancies, there may be opportunities to develop expertise in
a range of areas.
Look for job vacancies at:

 Earthworks Jobs
 Geological Society: careers
 Jobs.ac.uk
 New Scientist Jobs
 Oil and Gas Job Search
 Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB)
 Rigzone
 World Oil

Recruitment agencies sometimes handle vacancies. See entries in the specialist press
and links from professional websites.
The exploration and extraction industry is international, which means there are
opportunities to live and work abroad. Major employers recruit internationally, attracting
many applicants from the US and Europe, where a higher degree is the normal
qualification for entry to a professional career.
Recruitment, training and job titles vary from company to company. Some employers do
not distinguish at entry level between, for example, petroleum, drilling and support
engineering. Instead, candidates who demonstrate broad potential are recruited and
then deployed after training. Recruitment is often informal, via contacts, networking and
reputation. For example, an employer may recognise the quality of someone's work and
their expertise during a project or contract and offer them a job as a result.
Get more tips on how to find a job, create a successful CV and cover letter, andprepare
for interviews.

Professional development
Although training varies between employers, it is generally provided on an informal
basis while working. Learning on the job usually involves gaining additional skills and
knowledge by working closely with a more experienced or senior colleague. New
recruits are expected to pick up additional laboratory or other practical research skills
quickly. For consultancy work, being able to develop an understanding of business
issues, such as project management and budgets, is essential.
Some employers provide the opportunity to gain further qualifications if they are likely to
enhance an individual's work. Employers may provide formal training in the form of in-
house and external courses on topics such as business, personal development and
safety training. Technical and IT training is also usually provided. For jobs that involve
field work, employers are likely to provide training in survival skills, such as crevasse
rescue.
Membership of professional bodies and specialist organisations, including theInstitute of
Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and the Geological Society, can provide
professional development opportunities.
Professional accreditation is obtained through the Geological Society, which offers
chartered geologist (CGeol) and chartered scientist (CSci) status.
It is essential that geochemists keep up to date with new research and commercial
developments because there are frequent changes in the industrial and academic fields.
It is therefore useful to attend relevant short courses, seminars, conferences and
networking events, and to subscribe to professional journals.

Career prospects
Geographical mobility and a flexible attitude to work will be assets in the early stages of
your career. Being willing to move around in order to gain relevant experience will help
build up a strong portfolio and lead to more opportunities.
Career development may be challenging because of the demand for specialist
knowledge within each sector of the industry, and progress will depend on your interests
and chosen sector. For example, a postgraduate degree in petroleum geochemistry is
usually required in order to progress within the oil industry.
This need for specialist knowledge, qualifications and skills means that it is possible to
become restricted to one area of employment, so it is important that geochemists who
wish to keep their options open move around in order to gain as much experience as
possible.
Oil and gas specialists may progress into consultancy-based project work. Analysts can
move into environmental work, for example, investigating chemical contamination of
land at a landfill site, disused industrial site or agricultural site.
Geochemists are also employed by mining companies to assist in developing sites. This
may include, for example, mapping the location, concentration and movement of
chemicals over large areas of land to help locate resources, such as coal or uranium,
leading to exploratory mining or drilling. Again, relevant experience is important to
develop a career in this area.
Career progress within the academic field depends on the success of any research you
have done. Occasionally, individuals within academia move into consultancy work or
employment with an environmental body or oil and gas company.
Self-employment and freelance work also provide possible avenues for career
development, as outsourcing creates opportunities for geochemists. Oil industry related
contracts are determined by project status and oil prices. Other possibilities include
environmental consultancy, such as advising on the construction, operation or closure
of landfill sites. Building up a network of contacts through contract or project work, and
by attending events and conferences, is crucial to successful freelancing.