Geologist
- Jonathan Kim
Field: Geology
Job Title: Geologist
Place of Employment: Vermont
Geological Survey, Waterbury, Vermont
What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am a Geologist with the Vermont
Geological Survey (a state agency) in Waterbury, Vermont. I have a number
of duties that focus on the relationship of geology to human health (radioactivity,
arsenic, and nitrates in ground water), mitigation of geologic hazards (erosion,
landslides, and earthquakes), and educational outreach (to the public and schools).
In order to approach health and geologic hazard problems, it is often necessary
to collect geologic data in the field and to construct geologic maps. The geologic
maps and data are then put into Geographic Information System (GIS) software
to provide a context for understanding the problem(s). I also do a considerable
amount of geochemical analysis of ground water, rocks, and soils.
In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?
I interact frequently with geologists at universities, consulting firms, and
other state and federal agencies. In addition, I communicate regularly with drinking
water engineers and toxicologists at the Vermont
Dept. of Health.
For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?
The use of geospatial technology is only part of my job. As I geologist, I
use Geographic Information Software (GIS) daily. This software allows one to
overlay multiple geologic data sets on maps in the computer in order to assess
complex geologic problems. In addition to geospatial software, I also regularly
use graphics software. The necessary geospatial technology skills can be learned
either through formal classes or on-the-job.
For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?
Since I am first and foremost a geologist, a rigorous and diverse background
in the geological sciences is necessary (at least to the Master’s level).
My training also includes a number of years constructing geologic maps in the
mountains of Vermont and Massachusetts.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
After my junior year at Colgate University, we were required to spend twelve
weeks outside studying field geology in the Northeast. The different modules
took us to the Connecticut Valley (Massachusetts), the Taconic Mountains (New
York), the St. Lawrence lowlands (New York), and the Adirondacks (New York).
After that I was hooked. Although I tried four years in the oil exploration industry
after my M.S. and traveled around the world, I had the itch to get back to field
geology. I finished my Ph.D. in 1996, studying the bedrock geology of part of
the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.
What do you like most about your career?
I really like to be able to work outside in the mountains during the summer
and fall making geologic maps. Since I get to do high-level geology year-round
and diverse projects, my level of enthusiasm stays high. I get to work with undergraduate
geology majors from local colleges throughout the year. The fact that the geologic
work that I do directly addresses human health and geologic hazard issues.
What do you like least about your career?
When working in a state agency system, it can often take longer to get things
done than one would like.
What do you do to relax?
I am an avid skier, biker, and hiker. I like to read a lot.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Although there are a number of outstanding geologists that I know and admire,
the mentors I have had over the years have made the greatest difference to me.
At each step of my academic career, I had an advisor who really took time to
provide guidance and support. Without these mentors, I never would have made
it to the next level.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest
in pursuing a career in your field?
I would say to get a solid background in science in high school and then pursue
a rigorous geology curriculum in college. Having a genuine love of the outdoors
is essential.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I would say that opportunities in geology are roughly staying the same overall.
Employment for geologists tends to be cyclical. Since state and federal budgets
fluctuate due to economic issues, getting a job at a state or federal geological
survey usually depends on"being in the right place at the right time".
With the high price of oil, petroleum geologists are in higher demand now. The
Environmental Consulting business has been cyclical as well.
E-mail: jon.kim@state.vt.us
Salary Range: $40-60,000
Degree |
Major |
Institution |
B.A. |
Geology |
Colgate University |
M.S. |
Geology |
University of South Florida at Tampa |
Ph.D. |
Geology |
State University of New York at Buffalo |
|