Job description Geophysicist in the Vancouver Island and Coast Region
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Find out what work is like for a geophysicist in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Geoscientists and oceanographers (NOC 21102).

Geoscientists and oceanographers

Description

Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Geoscientists are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Geoscientists and oceanographers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

Geoscientists
Conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution
Plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs
Plan and conduct seismic, geodetic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs
Plan, direct and participate in analyses of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross sections
Develop models and applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data
Plan and conduct analytical studies of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age
Assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits
Identify deposits of construction materials and determine their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications
Conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development and advise in areas such as site selection, waste management and restoration of contaminated sites
Recommend the acquisition of lands, exploration and mapping programs and mine development
Identify and advise on anticipated natural risks such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
May supervise and coordinate well drilling, completion and work-overs and mining activities.
Oceanographers
Conduct theoretical and applied oceanographic research programs and expeditions to extend knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological properties and functioning of oceans
Plan, direct and participate in sampling and analysis of seawater, plankton, fish, sediments and rocks
Study physical properties of oceans to develop models, charts and computer simulations of ocean conditions, such as tides, waves, currents and sediment transport
Explore ocean floor and submarine geological structures, conduct seismic surveys and study formation of ocean basins and other structures to map ocean floor, coastal erosion, sediment accumulation and areas for offshore oil and gas exploration
Plan and conduct investigations on ocean chemical properties and processes, ocean floor and marine atmosphere and undersea volcanoes to study impacts of environmental changes
Study marine life and interaction with physical and chemical environments to assess impacts of pollutants on marine ecology and to develop ecologically-based methods of seafarming.