In the second post in our series of offshore career guides, we take an in-depth look into the role of a geophysicist.
Job Breakdown
Geophysicists measure, study and interpret the earth’s physical properties and movement by utilising special tools and methodologies. The data they collect and analyse is used for specific goals depending on the industry they work in.
General tasks for geophysicists include:
- Identifying locations for surveying
- Designing geophysical surveys, including data collection and processing methods
- Arranging survey activities, including estimation of operation costs and equipment setup
- Overseeing field operations
- Controlling the quality of geophysical survey data
- Interpreting geophysical survey data
- Writing survey reports, compiling charts and presenting them to management
- Providing technical support and guidance
Specialisation is expected in the work of geophysicists. As such, they may provide any of the following services:
- Assess the viability of a site for construction
- Map out seismic hazards like geologic faults and subsidence
- Design early warning systems for earthquake-prone areas
- Identify new water supplies
- Assess groundwater quality
- Measure reservoir volumes
- Locate mineral deposits and energy sources like oil and gas
- Evaluate the potential yield of mineral deposits and energy sources
- Consult on landfills and nuclear waste storage
Working Hours and Environment
Geophysicists tend to split work between office and outdoor environments. On the one hand, research-focused geophysicists usually work in an office or laboratory with regular hours from Monday to Friday. Shift work might be involved in some laboratories that demand round-the-clock operations.
Data collection, on the other hand, is done in the field and remote locations. Geophysicists doing fieldwork can be subjected to harsh weather conditions and hazardous situations for long hours that stretch well into the night and weekends. Holidays may not be guaranteed.
Offshore work is a common avenue for geophysicists, and this can entail up to six months on and off ships or rigs. The typical length of a workday is 12 hours. Some geophysicists are also expected to deal with cramped quarters while living and working alongside other crew members.
Contracting is also becoming more popular, with short-term jobs paid on a daily rate.
Job Entry and Qualifications
An undergraduate degree in science with a major in the following subjects is generally required to get an entry-level position such as a geophysical technician or research assistant. Qualifying degrees include:
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Geoscience
- Environmental planning
Note that a double major in geology and physics is also acceptable. Geophysicists are expected to have studied and done coursework on:
- Structural geography
- Stratigraphy
- Mineralogy
- Ecological science
- Classical physics
- Electromagnetism
- Gravity
- Quantum mechanics
- Mathematics
- Logic
Entry-level geophysical technicians can supplement their qualifications by earning a relevant diploma or certificate from the Institute of Science & Technology. Experience doing fieldwork and going on research trips will also help employment prospects for new geophysicists. Multinational companies, meanwhile, offer paid internships and summer vacation work, which count towards work experience.
Geophysicists should be knowledgeable in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering science and technology
- Specialised computer software
- Data collection
- Modelling and mapping programs
- Information management
- Analysis programs
Skills and characteristics that employers look for include:
- Patience
- Keen observational skills
- Strict attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Methodical problem-solving mindset
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Flexibility in work environments
- A reasonable level of physical fitness to do fieldwork and work offshore
- Willingness to work with a team
For senior positions, more employers are requiring a relevant Master of Science degree, such as in geophysics or geoscience. An MSci in petroleum geophysics and exploration geophysics can be useful in the offshore industry. Conducting senior research and teaching in universities requires a relevant Ph.D.
Salary
An entry-level geophysicist can have an annual salary starting from £20,000 to £35,000. The starting rate depends on the particular kind of work a geophysicist has to do:
- Field seismologists can start at £28,000
- Seismic interpreters can start at £25,000
- Geophysical technicians and data processors can start at £20,000
Geophysicists with experience can have an annual salary starting from £35,000 to £100,000. Again, this depends on what their exact role is:
- Field seismologists at the senior level can make £75,000 to £100,000
- Seismic interpreters with experience can make £50,000 to £75,000 or more
- Geophysical technicians and data processors with experience can make £35,000 to £50,000
Rates for offshore jobs can also vary depending on where the work is being done. For instance, private energy companies adjust their pay as the prices of oil and gas go up and down.
Geophysicists who do freelance consulting can make more than their employed peers.
Training and Development
Employers provide basic training for safety and fieldwork to new geophysicists. There are major energy companies that offer comprehensive two-year training programmes, placing trainees in different teams to get practical experience across multiple specialities.
Membership with the following professional organisations provides access to the latest industry news, educational programmes and networking opportunities:
- The Geological Society
- International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
- Society of Exploration Geophysicists
- Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain
Employment Prospects
Geophysicists can find work with the following employers:
- Private companies in mining, energy, construction and landscape design
- Local and national government authorities in land development
- Environmental agencies
- Landfill sites
- Non-profit organisations
- Organisations involved in archaeological exploration
- Public and private research groups
- Universities and academic research institutes
Experienced geophysicists can find work as independent consultants or as part of geological and geophysical consultancies. They can also work with scientific organisations that hire people on a contractual basis.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen and the south-east coast of England are home to geophysical exploration companies in the UK.
Offshore Opportunities
Working in the offshore industry means overseas opportunities. The North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea continue to be the central locations for oil and gas companies in Europe.
The western and central regions of the Gulf of Mexico are the main spots of US and Mexico offshore operations. Down south, surveys are conducted in the Gulf of Venezuela and the Orinoco Petroleum Belt.
In Asia, China runs exploration and development projects in the East and South China Sea, as well as the Bohai Sea. The Arabian Gulf presents a constant stream of job prospects.
West Africa and Angola are promising areas for their deepwater fields.
Career Trajectory
Geophysicists begin their career by training with more experienced colleagues and receiving regular performance reviews. With enough experience of their own, they become senior geophysicists.
Geophysicists with experience tend to focus on one area of specialisation for about five years. During this period, there is typically an informal learning process of other geological systems through work and personal study. Accumulation of new skills and knowledge helps in advancing their careers.
Senior geophysicists can choose to continue specialising or become generalists with more duties. They can also transition into a managerial role, with new responsibilities including:
- Project design and scheduling
- Budgeting
- Identifying trends in analyses of survey results
- Attending meetings with management
- Supervision of subcontracted work
- Training
- Advising public/private sector clients
- Research and development of surveying and interpreting data
More than five years into their careers, geophysicists can move onto freelancing, consulting work or scientific research.
If being a geophysicist is the line of work you’d like to pursue, head over to our jobs page where you can find on and offshore opportunities in this field.
