National Occupation Code (NOC): 21102

Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Geoscientists are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed.

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Employment Requirements for Geoscientists and oceanographers

• Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline.
• A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
• Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.
• Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination.
• Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.

Alternate Job Titles

• Biological Oceanographer
• Biostratigrapher
• Chemical Oceanographer
• Coal Geologist
• Consulting Geologist
• Consulting Geophysicist
• Development Geologist
• Environmental Geologist
• Exploration Geologist
• Exploration Geophysicist
• Fisheries Oceanographer
• Geochemist
• Geodesist
• Geological Oceanographer
• Geologist
• Geomorphologist
• Geophysicist
• Glaciologist
• Groundwater Geologist
• Hydrogeologist
• Hydrographic Surveyor - Geology
• Hydrologist
• Ice Specialist - Oceanography
• Marine Geologist
• Marine Geophysicist
• Micropaleontologist
• Mine Geologist
• Mineralogist
• Mining Geologist
• Oceanographer
• Oil Geologist
• Paleobotanist
• Paleoecologist
• Paleontologist
• Palynologist
• Petrographer
• Petroleum Geologist
• Petrologist
• Petrophysicist
• Photogeologist
• Physical Oceanographer
• Placer Geologist
• Prospecting Geologist
• Quaternarist
• Quaternary Scientist
• Quaternary Specialist
• Remote Sensing Geologist
• Sedimentary Geologist
• Sedimentologist
• Seismologist
• Stratigrapher
• Structural Geologist
• Volcanologist
• Wellsite Coordinator - Geology