Latest release
Unit Group

2445 Geoscientists and Hydrologists

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

2445 Geoscientists and Hydrologists

Study the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the Earth and other planetary bodies to increase scientific knowledge and to locate, model and advise on planetary processes and the extraction of minerals, petroleum and ground and surface water.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

244531 Geologist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral exploitation, civil engineering, space exploration, environmental protection, and rehabilitation of land after mining.

Specialisations

  • Engineering Geologist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Geochemist
  • Mine Geologist
  • Petrophysicist
  • Project Geologist
  • Research Geologist

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Studies physical attributes of the surface and subsurface of the Earth or other planetary bodies
  • Studies the different chemical and physical processes involved in the evolution of the Earth or other planetary bodies
  • Collects Earth or planetary materials, and analyses their composition, structure and other physical properties
  • Studies and analyses the properties of reservoirs and deposits of resources such as oil, gas or minerals, to estimate their volumes and potential for extraction
  • Estimates how rocks, fossils and other geological materials formed, and infers their age and the conditions in which they formed
  • Builds an understanding of the evolution of the Earth or other planetary bodies and how it may impact upon people
  • Studies and monitors the effects of anthropogenic processes such as resource extraction on Earth or other planetary bodies
Occupation

244532 Geophysicist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies, locates materials such as minerals, petroleum and ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

Specialisation

  • Oceanographer

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Studies, measures and analyses seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces, and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies
  • Designs and improves methods and procedures for geophysical measurement, data collection and data processing
  • Plans, analyses and assesses geophysical surveys to assist in locating and understanding water, petroleum and other mineral-bearing sources
  • Studies the internal structure of the Earth or other planetary bodies to understand their composition, and predict volcanic and tectonic activity and their associated risks
  • Studies the physical conditions and processes of oceans, such as density, temperature, water currents, and the interactions of the atmosphere and the ocean
Occupation

244533 Hydrologist

Monitors, measures, analyses, models, describes and quantifies the Earth's underground and surface water systems, and their interactions with the water cycle, including human use and management of water resources.

Specialisations

  • Hydrogeologist
  • Groundwater Modeller

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Collects, analyses and interprets groundwater or surface water data
  • Studies the distribution, and physical and chemical properties of surface water and groundwater
  • Identifies the location of groundwater reservoirs and other water bodies, and assists in their exploration
  • Studies the quality of water, and develops methods to ensure water is safe for human consumption or other applications
  • Assists in the planning and development of water supply to urban areas
  • Uses models to predict the impact of human activities such as mining and construction on groundwater and surface water, and advises on the avoidance or mitigation of those impacts