Geochemist

Sara Kotomski

=__Geochemistry__ =


 * Job Description** - Geochemists must understand the chemical composition of rocks, liquids, and gases found in the earth in order to make important decisions about industrial and scientific research applications. For instance, understanding the chemical composition of rocks allows oil companies to know where to drill for oil, enables scientist to develop theories about the way the earth is changing, assists environmental management comanies in deciding how to despose of toxic or hazardous wastes, and steers mining companies toward using natural resources that have a mininum environmental impact.


 * Personality Characteristics** - Geochemists generally have a natural curiosity about the way the earth works. Geochemistry can be described as a puzzle and geochemists must be able to work in a team where each person contributes an expertise towards completing the puzzle. This field is also ideal for those who like to work outside.


 * Working Conditions** -Most geochemists spend much of their time outdoors, gathering and analyzing the data they find. Some geochemists may also travel, especially in environmental areas that extend nationwide or overseas. Geochemists holding government positions generally follow a regular schedule. In industry, especially in environmental managemet, the hours are long and some scientist may be on call during the weekends to respond to emergencies.




 * Places of Employment** -There is a large number of Geochemists employed by the government, particularly in the U.S Department of Energy. Historically, the geochemistry branch of the USGS also has been a major employer, but this has leveled off in recent years. Geochemists are usually employed in areas near oceanographic institutes, mining companies, the U.S Bureau of Mines, and colleges and universities.


 * Job Outlook** -While competitive, there are positions in Geochemistry opening up in government. It is possible for more positions to open if oil company profits increase and exploration efforts are broadened. *

$36,580 || **Average Salary:** $67,470 || **Maximum Salary:** $133,310 ||
 * Salary Information** -
 * **Entry Level Salary:**


 * Recommended Education and Training** - It is recommended to have a solid formation in analytical chemistry. Other environmentally related areas such as toxicology, hydrology, and sedimentology would also be good preparation for a career in geochemistry. If you wish to go into research, a Ph. D. and postdoctoral work are necessary. A career focusing on industry or environmental management do not require an advanced degree.

The El Group. "Geochemist." __Universities and Colleges__. 29 Apr. 2009 []. "Geochemists." __American Chemical Society - The world's largest scientific society.__ 29 Apr. 2009 [_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=1188&content_id=CTP_003391&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=1e402f2c-b210-4055-9fd1-77a35e7618d8|http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content? _nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=1188&content_id=CTP_003391&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=1e402f2c-b210-4055-9fd1-77a35e7618d8]. "Geochemists." __American Chemical Society - The world's largest scientific society.__ 29 Apr. 2009 []. "Google Image Result for http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Geochinv/images/eddie.jpg." __Google Image Search__. 29 Apr. 2009 []. __IFG__. 29 Apr. 2009 .
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