Careers in Geoscience: Government
About the role
State governments in Australia maintain geoscientific organisations (GSOs) that provide technical support to industry and government. GSOs acquire, collate and interpret geoscientific data and make it publicly available through publications, maps and digital data products. Data is acquired through surveys (geological mapping, airborne and ground geophysics, seismic and geochemical sampling) or collated from historical company exploration reports and integrating research by universities and other research organisations. GSOs also monitor exploration and mining activity and provide authoritative, independent advice to all levels of government and the community to enable informed decision-making associated with resource extraction. They also promote the resource potential of their States nationally and internationally to attract exploration and investment.
The Commonwealth Government's national geological survey, Geoscience Australia (GA), provides geoscience information, services and capability to the Australian Government, industry and other stakeholders. GA conducts research with a more national focus, working closely with State surveys, including research into natural hazards, Australia's maritime jurisdiction and Antarctica. CSIRO employs geoscientists in specialised research to facilitate cost effective exploration and discovery of new mineral resources through advances in detection technologies, mineral systems studies, resource characterisation and data analysis. Governments also employ hydrogeologists to conduct research on groundwater and surface water systems, usually within other parts of government.
Activities
Activities depend on the area of the GSO to which you are assigned. These areas could include Regional Mapping, Mineral Deposit Studies, Coal Geology, Petroleum and Gas, Basin Studies, Geophysics, Information Management, Industrial Minerals and Extractive Resources, Regional Planning and Biostratigraphy.
- Collating available geoscience information from a variety of published and unpublished sources
- Data-stripping from company exploration reports
- Interpreting remotely sensed data
- Regional geological mapping (including field work)
- Petrological studies
- Geochemistry (both exploration and whole-rock analysis)
- Integrating and analysing data sets
- Planning and overseeing regional geophysical surveys
- Seismic interpretation
- Lithostratigraphic and bio-stratigraphic interpretation
- Basin analysis
- Petroleum system analysis
- Core logging
- Mineral occurrence mapping
- Monitoring exploration and mining activities
- Regolith mapping
- Environmental geology
- Hydrogeology
- Producing syntheses in map and report form
- Database management
- Providing geoscientific or resource-related advice to external clients including consultants, exploration companies, other researchers and members of the public, and to Departmental managers, the Minister and other Government departments
Skills required
The job carries a high level of responsibility, because the geoscientific information needs to be accurate and presented clearly and succinctly. Government geological reports are often considered the most authoritative and standard reference on a given area and are likely to be consulted for many years. They will be used by companies and consultants to build exploration models, select ground for exploration and to base their own detailed surveys. Advice given to Governments at all levels needs to be accurate and unbiased.
- Strong knowledge of a range of Earth Science disciplines
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical support staff
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Computer literacy and ability to analyse numerical and graphical data
- Preferably skills in using GIS applications
A manual driver's licence is desirable and may be mandatory for some positions.
Qualifications
- For permanent employment: a B.Sc. with Honours majoring in Earth Science is considered a minimum requirement in most GSOs
- For some temporary jobs (such as data stripping): a basic degree may be sufficient
- Research organisations such as CSIRO generally require a PhD relevant to the field of research
Core subjects
- Geology
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Sedimentology
- Rock and Mineral Identification
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Economic Geology
- Field Studies
Specialty subjects
- Geochemistry
- Geophysics
- GIS
- Remote Sensing
- Palaeontology
- Specialised Mineralogy (clays etc.)
Residential/Lifestyle options
- Based in capital city or regional centre (e.g. Brisbane, Canberra, Maitland, Alice Springs)
- Work may be largely office-based with short field trips of one or two weeks at irregular intervals
- In the case of regional mapping surveys, geologists may spend 3-4 months per year in the field (generally on a rotation basis of 3-4 weeks in any one stint)
- Some tasks, such as data stripping/modelling or tenure review, may be entirely office based
Opportunities
- Opportunities for travel within Australia
- Varied work programs on interesting research projects
- Multi-skilling and multi-disciplinary teamwork required
- Presentation of research results at conferences
- Permanent employment, job security and generous superannuation
Drawbacks
- Government geologists are generally less well paid than industry counterparts, particularly in boom times when recent graduates employed in exploration are often paid more than government geologists in senior management positions
- Progression to positions of higher responsibility and salary are limited by restrictive public service structures
Work hours
Government employed geoscientists often are based in major or regional cities and travel to their work sites when field work is required. When working in the city office they work a regular day/week. When carrying out field work they may work for extended periods on a campaign basis and this may involve longer work days.
Collaboration
Extensive collaboration occurs between state Geological Surveys and also GA. Many data collection and research programs are run in collaboration (including with CSIRO, CRCs and industry) which involves liaison between geoscientists of the various partners. This involves planning, data collection, contractual arrangements, data preparation and analysis. There is also significant interaction between geoscientists of various disciplines and between different departments where legislation and regulations are being updated.
Career security
Traditionally employment with government organisations is on a permanent basis with advancement to higher levels based on merit but limited to available vacancies. Competition for these positions is generally fierce. Many positions in recent years have been project specific, based on project life and funding and are therefore temporary.
Further education
Opportunities for further studies can be arranged, particularly if that study is an area of interest of the department. This can be done by a leave of absence or by continuing part time work.
School subjects
A solid grounding of mathematics and science (in particular chemistry and physics) is important for all areas of geoscience practice. If Geology/Earth Science is available at school level it is highly recommended.
Physical fitness
Working as a geoscientist can be physically demanding. Field work generally involves various physical activities particularly in remote areas. Whether it be walking to get to a site, mapping, collecting and carrying samples, working around drill site or working from 4WD vehicles or helicopters, a good level of fitness is generally required.
Technology
Geoscience is often at the cutting edge of new technology. Many of the current gaming platforms were developed from 3D computing technology developed within the mining industry. New technologies are constantly being used and developed within the geoscience professions to enhance our knowledge of the earth. Modelling techniques, visualisation and the use of mobile technology are widely used.