REALISTIC ADVICE FOR THE NEW GEOLOGIST
on factual geologic maps as amoeboid ovals. Downloading GPS waypoints from an easy walk around the outcrop and generating base maps on the office GIS platform will never replace careful field observations. The geologist’s role – in almost any context – is fundamental- ly building models. These models will always be imperfect. Those done through shortcuts will be more imperfect.
Interpretive models are never fully complete and should be challenged at all major decision points. In particular, don’t blindly rely on the previous (n + 2) interpretations of n project geologists. A geologist who is newly responsible for an established study area should re-evaluate historic factual data and ensure “one voice” in interpretation. A unified interpretation by you or a small, calibrated team may prove to be wrong, but at least it will be consistently wrong, and a batch correction can be applied. Reserves of core or drill chips are like books that should be re-read by a new project geologist, for example. This can be a big job, one which I’ve observed some geologists are averse to, but it’s often more cost effective than collecting new data. However, never discard the previous work of others. Their work may be needed and helpful someday to refine your own.
Consider the economics of your cho- sen career specialization. For instance, the customer of a process mineralogist doesn’t care about the genetic origins of the rocks or the geologic history, but instead focus on the physical properties and proportions of mineral grains in concentrate or whole-rock that impact a specific process flowsheet or product. Jobs are based on what the world needs, and there are more career opportunities for high-demand niches of the profes- sion, where there is a demand for skills but there isn’t a ready supply of trained geologists. If you’re hoping to be a prac- ticing paleontologist or want a career in pure research, you’d better be the best. Happily, while your passions may not always align with your responsibilities, there is such a thing as free time.
Know the ultimate customer of your department or firm. He or she is prob- ably not a geologist, and is likely to be an engineer if you work in industry. Consider avoiding the age-old rivalry between geologists and engineers, even in jest. Give respect to other professional disciplines and expect it in return. But what your boss or the customer loves, you should at least like. Therefore, speak the
language of mathematics. If you seek a career in industry, but your coursework does not include the full complement of math curriculum through advanced calculus, then supplement it. Geology is not separate from its governing physical processes, nor should geologists dis- tance themselves from those who apply them. Even gentle antagonism with other professions leads to gaps where “it’s not my job.” Too often, for example, the geotechnical field is neglected as “engineering” by geologists or “geology” by engineers, when in fact the geologist should be interested in all physical char- acteristics of rocks and the engineer in how to manipulate these characteristics. There has been recent crossover success with the evolution of geometallurgy, in part due to geologists who (with mineral processing colleagues) saw a similar interdisciplinary gap and filled it.
Present yourself appropriately for the environment. We are justly proud of the tangible symbols of a geologist—the compass, the rock hammer, the hand lens. But I know of no other profession where some practitioners so stubbornly shout out their affiliation in every set- ting. Medical doctors don’t wear lab coats to conferences. Determinedly sporting a faded field vest and blue jeans, with hand lens prominently displayed on a loop about your neck, is probably not appropriate for the boardroom. A key to any career is building relationships, not building an island. We establish our credentials and respect for the profes- sion through competent application of professional tools and knowledge, not a display of totems to non-geologists who don’t care.
It’s not enough to be passionate about learning the science and practice of geol- ogy. As well as a professional geologist’s license, today you need to cultivate per- sonal tools for a social license to oper- ate. You must evaluate the implications for safety, environment, and commu- nity – beyond the minimum regulatory requirements – for all you do. Social license advocacy may even be a central societal value of the role for geologists in the environmental field. The social and professional licenses intersect at ethics and should never conflict. The dynamic aspects of social license work can outwardly appear tedious and are frequently challenging compared with the relative familiarity and pleasure of geologic practice, but if you aren’t com- mitted to help build a strong relationship between your organization and commu-
nity, there may be no opportunity to practice geology.
Be willing to utilize the principles of exploration and inquisitiveness you’ve learned to all tasks to which you employ yourself. Geologists can explore data, and not necessarily geological data, as well as rocks. Our ability to apply three-dimensional critical thinking and interpretation in an extra-geological context is a powerful tool that, when exercised, can enhance the value of a geologist to any organization. A sum- mary of what makes a successful career in geology would likely parallel one given by professionals in any other field – it’s largely about developing meaningful relationships of mutual respect as well as core skills. If you have built a working relationship with an experienced mentor geologist, treasure it. If you don’t, AIPG and other industry organizations are good places to find one.
So the future is yours to make. If asked, mentors will help guide you around the pitfalls they’ve had to navi- gate in their own early careers. And, professional geologists are important contributors to society, even if society doesn’t always recognize it.
Michael Orobona, CPG-11099, gradu- ated from Colorado School of Mines with a
B.Sc. in Geological Engineering in 1991, and he completed a
M.Sc. in Geological Sciences from Queen’s University in 1996. Between 1991 and 2002, he was employed by Newmont Mining Corporation on gold exploration and mine geology projects in Nevada and the Northwest U.S. He joined Cliffs Natural Resources in 2003, where he currently works as Principal Geologist, following mine-site and corporate roles supporting North American iron ore operations and in management of nickel, copper, and direct-shipping iron explora- tion projects in British Columbia, Mexico and Western Australia. He is currently on the advisory board of the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) and a Mentor for the Society of Economic Geologists.
New York State to License Geologists – NYSCPG Past- President John Nadeau (CPG- 11181) announced that NY Governor Cuomo signed the bill to establish the profes- sion of geology on November 21, 2014. Visit
http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/ geo/
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