Nature of work
A geodesist makes exact measurements and determines property boundaries. He/she provides data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes. Heshe studies size, shape, and gravitation of earth, establishes bench marks, performs gravimetric surveying to determine variations in earth's gravitational field. He/she provides data used in determination of weight, size, and mass of earth. He/she analyzes survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation. He/she calculates heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain. He/she also computes geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features. He/she develops criteria for survey methods and procedures, directs or conducts surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties. He/she establishes fixed points for use in making maps using geodetic and engineering instruments. Environment of work
Unsocial, irregular and long hours work may sometimes be required. A geoscientist may need to be contactable to assess data and assist the well site geologist in making decisions about drilling, which takes place many hours a day. Heshe is predominantly land-based, but makes occasional visits to rigs to collect data directly and carry out quality control checks on the sampling procedures. Self-employment and freelance work are sometimes possible. For example, freelancers may be able to get interpreting contracts. It is also possible to establish his/her own consultancy after considerable experience in a particular field, such as base metal exploration or sedimentology. It is less usual to find women working in this position. Professional life
Some companies have mentoring systems in place which link him/her to a senior member of staff, who can help plan his/her career and advise him/her professionally. Some also offer modular programs that cover all aspects of the work, induction and networking events and a variety of placements with opportunities to work at different sites and on a variety of projects. Relatively early positions of responsibility would be as team leader for an asset, such as an individual oil field or development prospect, coordinating the work of a geologist and a geophysicist. It is fairly easy to broaden his/her knowledge by moving between exploration and production. The role of the geoscientist is similar in both contexts. Depending on the company, career progression may lead to managerial or technical specialist positions. A geoscientist in oil companies may move into senior positions involving professional and technical management. It is also possible to move into consultancy. International mobility will be required throughout his/her career - the larger companies offer chances to take overseas assignments at an early stage.Range of typical starting salaries: 60000 SYP plus potential bonuses.
Getting the job
Relevant degree subject areas include the physical, mathematical and applied sciences. The following subjects in particular may increase his/her chances: geology; geophysics/geotechnology; geochemistry.Since a geoscience is a specialized career, it usually requires more than a good bachelor degree. An MSc and often a PhD, in a relevant area of geoscience (such as geophysics, petroleum geology or sedimentology) is usually essential for entry to this field, although there may be occasional opportunities for graduates with a bachelor's degree. Pre-entry experience is desirable. Entry without previous experience is possible, but vacation work or placements are likely to improve his/her chances.
Skills
There are many skills he/she needs to have and improve, such as:- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Mathematics - using mathematics to solve problems.
- Communicating orally and in writing effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience and to convey information.
- Critical Thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening - giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Coordination - adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Time Management - managing one's own time and the time of others.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:- www.iag-aig.org, International Association of Geodesy
- www.iugg.org, The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
- The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
- www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.