Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Geologist

🎯 Role Definition

The Geologist is responsible for designing, executing and interpreting geological investigations to support exploration, resource definition, mine planning, environmental assessment, or hydrogeological projects. This role combines field mapping, core logging, sample collection, laboratory coordination, and 3D geological modelling to produce compliant resource estimates and technical reports (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101). The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical competence in structural geology, geochemistry, and geostatistics; proficiency with GIS and industry-standard modelling software; a rigorous safety mindset for remote fieldwork; and the ability to communicate findings clearly to geoscience and non-technical stakeholders.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate Geologist / Geology Intern
Field Assistant / Field Technician
BSc/MSc in Geology transitioning from academic projects

Advancement To:

Senior/Principal Geologist
Project Geologist / Resource Geologist
Exploration Manager / Chief Geologist
Technical Specialist (e.g., Geostatistician, Structural Lead)

Lateral Moves:

Hydrogeologist / Environmental Geologist
Geotechnical Engineer / Rock Mechanics Specialist
Geoscience Data Analyst or GIS Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead and execute geological field programs including reconnaissance mapping, detailed outcrop mapping, structure measurements, strike-and-dip data collection, and geologic logging of trenches and exposures to define lithologies and structural frameworks.
Plan, supervise and coordinate drill programs (diamond, RC, percussion), including drill pad logistics, hole orientation, collar surveys, downhole surveying, core handling, and chain-of-custody procedures to ensure high-quality samples for analysis.
Log, describe, photograph and sample drill core and cuttings with consistent lithological, alteration, mineralisation and structural detail to support resource modelling and metallurgical testwork.
Build and maintain digital geological and drillhole databases (CSV, SQL, Leapfrog, Datamine, Surpac) including hole collars, surveys, downhole geology, assays and QA/QC results to ensure integrity and traceability of exploration data.
Interpret multi-disciplinary datasets (geochemistry, geophysics, mapping, remote sensing) to generate cross-sections, stratigraphic models and conceptual 3D geological frameworks that guide targeting and resource definition.
Develop and deliver 3D geological and block models using industry-standard software (Leapfrog, Micromine, Surpac, Datamine), applying appropriate variography and geostatistical techniques to estimate mineral resources compliant with reporting standards (JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC).
Design and implement sampling and QA/QC programs (field duplicates, blanks, certified reference materials) and coordinate sample submission to laboratories, ensuring accurate chain-of-custody, and review of laboratory certificates and turnaround times.
Prepare technical reports, exploration updates, resource statements, and regulatory submissions with clear methodologies, assumptions, maps, tables and appendices suitable for internal stakeholders, management, investors and regulatory bodies.
Provide geological input to mine planning teams including geotechnical, grade control, and reconciliation processes to optimize ore extraction and minimize dilution.
Conduct structural geological analysis, fault and vein interpretation, and stress/strain assessments to inform exploration targeting, drilling orientation and underground stability considerations.
Perform geochemical data interpretation including pathfinder analysis, multi-element assays, and alteration mapping to refine exploration models and prioritize targets.
Integrate seismic, borehole geophysics and surface geophysical data into geological interpretations for hydrocarbon, geothermal or deep mineral exploration projects.
Manage and mentor junior geologists, field technicians and contractors on sampling protocols, logging standards, health and safety procedures and data quality expectations.
Oversee health, safety and environmental compliance for field programs including risk assessments, permits, emergency planning, site inductions and contractor supervision to uphold HSE standards.
Engage with regulators, landowners, Indigenous/First Nations communities and other stakeholders to obtain permits, discuss project activities, and maintain social license to operate while documenting engagement outcomes.
Coordinate and supervise laboratory testwork (assays, metallurgical testwork, geotechnical tests) including scope definition, sample preparation protocols and interpretation of results to support feasibility and metallurgical studies.
Conduct mineral resource reconciliation and grade control evaluation comparing modelled estimates to production and assay results, identifying sources of variance and recommending model updates.
Prepare and manage budgets, procurement and logistics for exploration campaigns including equipment hire, drill contractor management, fuel, accommodation and transport in remote settings.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, regulatory changes, and technical developments (e.g., geostatistics, machine learning applications to geoscience) and apply relevant innovations to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Ensure all geological deliverables meet internal QA requirements and external reporting standards, and participate in internal and external audits of data and systems when required.
Provide clear, concise technical presentations and written summaries to senior management, joint venture partners, investors and interdisciplinary project teams to inform decision-making and funding requests.

Secondary Functions

Support long-term data management initiatives including standardization of logging codes, metadata capture, data backups and migration to centralized geological data platforms.
Assist in the preparation of environmental baseline studies, permit applications and closure planning by supplying geological and hydrogeological data required for environmental assessments.
Digitize paper logs, maps, and historical reports and integrate legacy datasets into modern GIS and 3D modelling environments to preserve institutional knowledge and improve targeting.
Participate in interdisciplinary project meetings and planning sessions to ensure geological considerations are integrated into drilling schedules, budget forecasts and project milestones.
Provide technical input for geoscience-related procurement, tender evaluations and contractor scope-of-work documents to ensure clear deliverables and compliance with geological standards.
Deliver training sessions and field workshops for colleagues and contractors on core logging standards, structural measurement techniques, data entry protocols and safety practices.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators for exploration programs, such as meters drilled, samples submitted, assay turnaround and QA/QC performance.
Support community engagement efforts by attending meetings, preparing plain-language summaries of geological findings, and responding to community queries about field activities.
Maintain and service field equipment, ensure calibration of survey instruments and coordinate GIS/GPS data capture protocols for accurate spatial positioning of geological observations.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by documenting lessons learned from field campaigns and proposing process improvements for logistics, data capture and reporting.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Geological mapping and structural geology: advanced competence in field mapping, structural measurements and interpretation to define lithology and deformation patterns.
Drill core logging and sampling: proven experience logging diamond and RC core, sample selection for assays, and maintaining rigorous chain-of-custody and QA/QC protocols.
3D geological modelling: proficiency with Leapfrog, Surpac, Datamine, Micromine or equivalent for building wireframes and block models.
Resource estimation & geostatistics: practical knowledge of variography, kriging, IDW, conditional simulation and preparing resource statements compliant with JORC, NI 43-101 or local codes.
GIS and spatial data analysis: advanced use of ArcGIS, QGIS, and spatial data management for mapping, geoprocessing and presentation.
Geochemistry interpretation: ability to interpret multi-element assays, alteration assemblages and pathfinder elements for exploration targeting.
Geophysical data integration: familiarity with magnetic, gravity, IP, EM and seismic datasets and basic processing/interpretation workflows.
Data management & databases: experience maintaining drillhole databases (CSV, SQL, Datashed, acQuire or Leapfrog Geo databases) and ensuring metadata integrity.
Software & scripting: comfortable with MS Office, Excel modelling, and scripting in Python, R or SQL for data cleaning, visualization and basic statistical analysis.
Regulatory & reporting standards: direct experience preparing technical reports and disclosures under JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC or local mineral reporting frameworks.
Laboratory coordination and QA/QC: experience implementing sampling plans, submitting samples to labs, reviewing lab certificates and resolving analytical issues.
Geotechnical and hydrogeological fundamentals: working knowledge to liaise with specialists around slope stability, groundwater impacts and mine site infrastructure.

Soft Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical geology into clear reports and presentations for non-technical stakeholders.
Leadership and people management: aptitude for supervising field crews, mentoring junior staff, and coordinating contractors in remote locations.
Problem-solving and critical thinking: analytical mindset to interpret incomplete datasets, propose hypotheses, and iterate exploration models.
Attention to detail and data discipline: meticulous approach to logging, data entry, QA/QC and record keeping to ensure data reliability.
Project and time management: ability to plan multi-component programs, prioritize tasks and meet delivery milestones within budget constraints.
Safety-oriented mindset: commitment to HSE standards, risk assessment and proactive hazard mitigation during field campaigns.
Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy: experience working with landowners, regulators and Indigenous communities in a culturally sensitive manner.
Adaptability and resilience: comfortable with extended fieldwork in remote and challenging environments and changing project priorities.
Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork: ability to work closely with mining engineers, environmental scientists, geophysicists and data teams.
Presentation and training skills: experience delivering technical briefings, workshops and on-the-job training for peers and contractors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Master’s (MSc) or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, Structural Geology, Geostatistics or related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Geology / Earth Sciences
Geological Engineering
Geophysics
Environmental Science (with strong geoscience focus)
Hydrogeology / Geotechnical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level: 0–2 years (Graduate/field geologist)
Mid-level: 2–7 years (Exploration/Resource Geologist)
Senior-level: 7+ years (Senior Geologist / Project Lead / Manager)

Preferred:

3–10+ years of progressive experience in exploration, resource modelling or mine-site geology, with demonstrated field leadership, experience in drilling campaigns and a track record of producing compliant resource estimates and technical reports.