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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

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This source lists 32 tasks, including 23 marked Core and 9 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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32 tasks shown

Core · Task 20390 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.

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Core · Task 3712 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.

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Core · Task 3703 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.

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Core · Task 3705 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.

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Core · Task 15224 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.

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Core · Task 3704 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.

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Core · Task 3702 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.

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Core · Task 3706 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.

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Core · Task 19772 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.

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Core · Task 19771 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.

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Core · Task 3707 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.

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Core · Task 20391 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.

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Core · Task 3711 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.

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Core · Task 3709 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.

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Core · Task 19763 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.

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Core · Task 3713 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.

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Core · Task 21176 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.

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Core · Task 20393 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.

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Core · Task 15226 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.

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Core · Task 19765 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.

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Core · Task 3716 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.

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Core · Task 19767 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.

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Core · Task 19766 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.

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Supplemental · Task 19768 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.

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Supplemental · Task 20392 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.

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Supplemental · Task 19761 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.

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Supplemental · Task 19764 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.

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Supplemental · Task 19760 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.

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Supplemental · Task 3714 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.

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Supplemental · Task 19762 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.

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Supplemental · Task 19769 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.

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Supplemental · Task 19770 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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