How to Become a Petroleum Geologist

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Petroleum Geologist

What does a Petroleum Geologist do?

A Petroleum Geologist studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify new gas and oil deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine feasibility of drilling. Being a Petroleum Geologist estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Petroleum Geologist typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Petroleum Geologist gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Petroleum Geologist typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Petroleum Geologist responsibilities

A petroleum geologist may work alone or with a team of other professionals, exploring land and ocean seabeds for oil deposits.

12/21/2019: Pine Bluff, AR

Modern petroleum geologists frequently employ global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to help them identify and record the locations of new reserves.

02/19/2020: Huntington, WV

Using information gathered by GIS and GPS devices, three-dimensional graphing software, and physical samples, a petroleum geologist can determine the exact location of a crude oil deposit, the likely yield, and the depth to which companies should drill.

12/02/2019: Newark, NJ

Geologists usually consider the environment and ecosystems surrounding a potential drill site, and promote careful drilling practices to minimize pollution and disturbances to the earth.

02/11/2020: Fort Myers, FL

To become a petroleum geologist, a person must typically receive at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

02/16/2020: Brockton, MA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Petroleum Geologist

Best tips for those who want to become a Petroleum Geologist

Here are some tips to become a Petroleum Geologist.

People's Opinions on best tips

Supervises the geophysical, geological, engineering, economic, and legal studies needed to effect the review and/or approval of all royalty requests which includes deep water, end-of-life, "special case", and shallow water deep gas; applications for lease suspensions of production and operations (SOP's and SOO's) applications and to ensure the sequence and timeliness of the scheduled development activities that minimize the time necessary to commence production on the lease, etc.

02/11/2020: San Antonio, TX

Serves as a chief technical expert advisor and consultant to the Region, Agency, Department of Energy, Bureau of Land Management, Inspector General's Office, Department of Justice, state and local authorities, private industry and public organizations on the Development Unit responsibilities.

01/28/2020: Idaho Falls, ID

Proposes program, policy, and regulatory changes related to the Development Unit responsibilities.

12/18/2019: Lawrence, MA

Supervises the collection of statistical data relative to the Development Unit functions.

02/16/2020: Los Angeles, CA

Supervises Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience assignments requiring premature abandonment analysis, lease paying quantities analysis, field studies as related to reservoir drainage, and the gathering of engineering, geological, geophysical, and economic data for preparation of technical reports and presentations to support management decisions.

12/23/2019: Knoxville, TN
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Petroleum Geologist

Best colleges and universities for Petroleum Geologist

  • Oral Roberts University
  • Warner Pacific University
  • Colgate University
  • United States Naval Academy
  • Wesleyan University
  • University of California--Los Angeles

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Petroleum Geologist

Is being a Petroleum Geologist Worth it?

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My role in CGG is working on the Basins & Plays tool, a play fairway and petroleum systems database designed to help companies with exploration.

12/24/2019: Abilene, TX

Of particular importance are his works in the field of geology of petroleum reservoirs, petrophysics, sedimentology; and petroleum engineering.

01/24/2020: High Point, NC

His method of identifying oil-rich rock by analyzing the ratio of calcium to magnesium in core samples is considered to be one of his greatest contributions to the petroleum industry and lead to the discovery of one of Iran's largest oil fields.

01/06/2020: Augusta, GA

His research interests included large-scale magnetic surveys in the Scottish highlands and studies based on seismic data released from the petroleum industry.

01/03/2020: Portland, OR

It is a development of material given to students on the MSc course in Petroleum Geology at Aberdeen University and takes the form of a course manual rather than a systematic textbook.

12/22/2019: Idaho Falls, ID
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Petroleum Geologist

What skills do you need to be a Petroleum Geologist?

When looking into a role like this one, you need to take account of your skills and abilities.  The ability to succeed in this role depends upon the possession of the following skills: Feasibility Study, Geospatial (GIS) Analysis, Predictive Analytics and Modeling, Risk Assessment, Risk Analysis.  During an interview, try to convey your knowledge of these skills.

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Check out this petroleum geologist CV example for great ideas on writing and formatting your best CV ever.

12/22/2019: Sioux Falls, SD

Experienced petroleum geologist who specializes in unconventional basin projects and other challenging extraction environments.

12/01/2019: Laramie, WY

Petroleum Geologists are amongst the highest paid geologists thanks to industry profitability.

01/17/2020: Stamford, CT

Senior petroleum geologists have a breadth of experience that allows them to be effective project managers.

02/07/2020: Gary, IN

Once they have amassed experience as petroleum geologists, they may add the following duties to their job descriptions.

12/11/2019: Daytona Beach, FL
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Step 6: View average salary for Petroleum Geologist

How much does a Petroleum Geologist make?

The average salary range for a Petroleum Geologist is from $124,446 to $146,825. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Petroleum Geologist
$124,446 to $146,825

Step 7: Find relevant Petroleum Geologist jobs, and apply.

Looking for Petroleum Geologist jobs?

Here are some Petroleum Geologist jobs in the United States.

Search Petroleum Geologist Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Petroleum Geologist

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Petroleum Geologist? Petroleum Geologist II