Also called: Geologist (Environmental Consulting)
Studies soil and groundwater to track pollution and design cleanups.
An environmental geologist logs soil cores from a drill rig, installs monitoring wells, maps how a fuel spill is moving underground, and works with engineers on cleanup plans.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in geology; a state Professional Geologist license helps.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-2042: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps model pollution plumes; drilling oversight, sampling and licensed reports stay human.
Classes: Earth science, Chemistry, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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