Future hot jobs: Geological scientists and hydrologists

Although the United States added the recent decline in unemployment, but the national unemployment rate remains high. Experts estimate that the recovery of the U.S. job market at least one to two years. Nevertheless, some industries are still optimistic about employment prospects. In today's series of reports, we introduce you to: geological scientists and hydrologists.

Geological scientists and hydrologists use of precision instruments of the Earth's soil, rock, and water, study the Earth's structure, composition and other physical characteristics. Many scientists and hydrologists geological survey work is surface water, groundwater, minerals, metals, and oil and gas and other natural resources. They also have some environmental scientists to work together and protect the Earth's environment and ecological balance.

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Geologists in the laboratory analysis of soil samples


Geological Sciences from the geology, geophysics, and hydrology were three major Subjects. Geologists study the Earth's composition, evolution and history; geological physicists use physics, mathematics, and chemistry of surface, underground, atmospheric, ocean, and Earth's magnetic field; Hydrologists study water storage, distribution and circulation.

U.S. Department of Labor statistics, in 2008, the United States 30 003 600 Geological thousand and 8 thousand 100 scientists, hydrologists. From 2008 to 2018, geological scientists and hydrologists is expected of jobs will increase by 18 percent, much higher than the national average level of employment growth.

Department of Geology, Georgia State University Professor and Deputy Head of Paul Schroeder (Paul Schroeder) told VOA that in recent years, he noted that the number of elective geology students increased rapidly.

Professor Schroeder, geological and hydrological needs of the professional job market, mainly from two aspects.

He said: "Our industry is now at a stage. I call this stage 'baby boom echo' (echo baby-boomer) period. In other words, many geologists baby boomers start to retire, need new blood to add. In addition, environmental protection, energy, and pollution also increased the economic importance of the promotion of geological sciences professionals demand. "

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the 2010-2011 Industry Guide to the report, in addition to water and environmental protection and responsible land management, the next 10 years there will be more professional geological and hydrological sciences into consulting.

In addition, the near term, the Labor Department that gave birth to a large number of economic stimulus plan highways and other infrastructure projects the industry will bring additional employment opportunities.

In the oil and gas fields, geological sciences job market with the economic cycle fluctuations. But in the long run, Professor of Geology, University of Georgia, Deputy Head of Schroeder that the world's growing energy needs of the industry provides a fundamental guarantee of employment.

He said: "The next 10 years, we can say that the global demand for natural resources will continue to be strong, difficult to satisfy. Geological science is dependent on exploitation of natural resources is one of several major disciplines. And now, the exploitation of natural resources is in a more environmentally friendly manner. So you can say that not only the geological scientists provider of these resources, while also responsible for green mining. "

Right now, some 23% of the geological and hydrological professionals employed in the construction, engineering, and related industries, 19% of people engaged in the oil, gas, and other mining areas. Geological state and local government sector employs about 9% of professionals and about 8% for the federal government.

Oregon Bureau of Geology and Mines (ODGMI) person in charge of public information hot Nawa Baker (Geneva Beck) on the Voice of America said that as a tight budget, Oregon this year will not hire new geological scientists.

Department of Geology, Georgia State University Professor and Deputy Head of Schroeder said, in the United States Department of Geology, University of geological and other scientific institutions, budget cuts have led to the hiring freeze very common phenomenon. In his view, geological and hydrological professional employment prospects mainly from the private sector.

He said: "To be sure, state and local government jobs are not good. I think that most jobs will come from those engaged in pre-assessment of pollution clean-up and engineering companies. Of course, the mining industry, mining industry is the work of the In fact, many opportunities. I do not have specific numbers, but this is my observation. I often students of the department, if you are willing to work, often do not mind moving, then you will be able to find a job. "

Professor Schroeder said the industry in recent years, high income also select the number of students of geological science major reason for the increase.

U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that in May 2008, the U.S. Geological scientists median annual income is 70 009 thousand 160 U.S. dollars. Among them, the oil and gas industry, the median income of geological scientists as much as $ 560 thousand 120,007.