Practice of Geology William J. Elliott, CPG-04194
If you are new or fairly new to geology, say a freshman with only one or two geology classes under your belt, or a junior about to begin work on your senior thesis, there are some aspects of being a professional geologist that you probably have not thought about or encountered yet in your academic studies. There is more to being a geologist than just what you have learned in text books, on field trips, or in professional meet- ings. The following is what may lie ahead after graduation.
If you are going to go out in the world to become a practical geologist, some of what follows should be of interest to you. The practice of geology is about more than just being able to identify rocks, work a three-point problem, and program a computer to solve a geophysical problem. It is also about being able to do all of these things well,
1) make sound judgments and decisions, 2) communicate information to your supervisor, 3) be a compatible team member.
The following paragraphs have been abstracted from and modified after an article by Burwell and Roberts, in the famous Berkey Volume (1950), one of the first monographs devoted to Engineering Geology. They remain as valid now as they were then.
“Doing all of these things well, in a word, translates to being a competent geologist. Without competence, there is no justification for occupying a position of responsibility in any organization. When you are the “go-to” geologist, your peers and supervisors expect you to provide the very best informa- tion, conclusions, and recommendations possible, oftentimes with very little hard and reliable data.
The “go-to” geologist must have the ability to render sound judgments and make important decisions. Sound judgment (opinion) requires understanding that there is a significant difference between established facts, inferences, and untested hypotheses. Separating the known from the unknown can sometimes be a daunting task, but keeping an open and critical
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mind can help the geologic investigator sort the wheat from the chaff.
The geologist of record must be able to simplify his/her discoveries and interpretations into everyday language that is easily understood and useful to his or her peers and supervisor. This ability to communicate does not come with more and more geological knowledge, but with a better understanding of the company or institution for which she or he works, and of the particular kinds of investigations and projects the company is hired to complete. It is imperative that the geologist step up to the plate to make these important decisions and interpre- tations, lest others less qualified will be forced to leave their comfort zone and make these decisions for him/her.
And now to the part of being a geologist they will never teach you in school. These are the psycho-social aspects, or personal qualities, that you will take to your work place every day. You may be the smartest and greatest geologist that ever lived, but if you cannot get along with your peers and supervi- sor, cannot convey and receive information with humility and gratitude, then you will likely be constantly looking for work. Make it a habit to approach your job and those you work with, with diplomacy, coolheadedness, tact, good judgment, and humility. These priceless personal qualities will pay bigger dividends than all the geologic knowledge you are currently stuffing into your head.”
Reference
Burwell, E. B., Jr., and Roberts, G. D., 1950, The Geologist in the Engineering Organization, Geological Society of America, pages 2-4, in Application of Geology to Engineering Practice, The Berkey Volume, Geological Society of America, Sidney Page, chairman.
Mr. Elliott is a retired Engineering Geologist living in Solana Beach, California
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