What Do Professional Geologists Do?

Geologists do much more than study rocks. A geologist gathers and interprets data about the Earth and uses that knowledge to improve the quality of human life. They help find and develop our natural resources such as drinking water, minerals, and oil  and gas in ways that safeguard the environment. Geologists provide critical information to protect us from natural and man-made hazards including earthquakes, landslides, flooding, and chemical spills – all of which have dominated the recent headlines in New York State.

Do All Geologists Need to be Licensed?

You will need to be licensed if you are or want to become…

• An owner, officer, etc. of firms offering geological services;
• An individual providing professional geological services; or
• Future New York State officers and employees of a certain grade.

You will not need to be licensed if you …

• Are an employee working under a Professional Geologist;
• Are an employee of a firm offering engineering services (firm cannot offer or advertise geologic services); or
• Were a current state official and employee became effective in 2016.

What Industries Do Professional Geologists Serve?

• Natural Resource Exploration and Extraction (Oil, Gas, Mining)
• Environmental Engineering, Remediation and Consulting 
• Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
• Civil Engineering and Construction 
• Waste Management
• Soil Management
• Land and Water Resources
• Nuclear Research
• Academia
• Natural Hazard Management
• Oceanography
• Local and regional planning organizations
• State-level geological surveys
  
• Transportation industry
  
• Government Agencies
• • United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
  • NASA
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
  • • Division of Environmental Remediation
    • Division of Materials Management
    • Division of Mineral Resources
    • Division of Water
  • New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
  • • Geotechnical Engineering Bureau
    • Materials Engineering Bureau
  • New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
  • • Division of Environmental Health Assessment
    • Division of Environmental Health Protection
  • National Park Service (NPS)