Geophysicists use the principles of physics to measure and assess the properties of the earth and its environment in order to manage exploration and development projects on land and at sea. They plan, oversee and analyse complex land and marine surveys.
Geophysical technicians undertake practical field and laboratory work to support geophysical exploration and development work.
Geophysicists usually work as part of a team with engineers, geologists, engineering geologists and geophysical technicians.
They spend time in an office analysing data on a computer or they may be based in a laboratory, undertaking sample tests and research. Those involved in data collection may operate from a field camp, where they spend their day outside. Geophysicists are also employed to work offshore.
Salaries for geophysicists range from around £20,000 to £50,000, and for geophysical technicians start at around £14,000.
Geophysicists need:

The largest employers of geophysicists are companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production. Geophysicists also work for companies that undertake engineering, environmental and marine surveys. Some geophysicists work in universities.
Most geophysical technicians have physics A level/H grade, or equivalent qualifications. It may be possible to start an Apprenticeship with four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). Geophysicists need a degree in a subject such as geology, physics, geophysics or geophysical sciences. Entry requirements for a degree course vary according to the subject and university, but for a degree course in geophysics they generally are A levels/H grades in maths and physics at grades B/C or above, in addition to one other A level/H grade or two AS levels.
Training depends on the type of employer or company. Many employers will provide in-house training and larger companies may provide a long-term training programme.
With experience, geophysicists may take on further management and supervisory responsibilities. Some may have the opportunity to work overseas. Some move into consultancy work or become self-employed. Geophysical technicians may be able to progress into supervisory/management roles, overseeing the work of a team of technicians.

What is the work like?
Geophysicists use the principles of physics to measure and assess the properties of the earth and its environment in order to manage exploration and development projects on land and at sea. They plan, oversee and analyse complex land and marine surveys.
In industry, some geophysicists are involved with planning and setting up geophysical surveys, whilst others use specialist equipment to carry out the surveys. They analyse and assess the information gained from surveys, and write detailed reports. They may also be responsible for the quality control of geophysical survey information. Geophysicists may be involved with the whole survey process or be responsible for one part of it.
Geophysical technicians undertake practical field and laboratory work to support geophysical exploration and development work.
Geophysicists usually work in four key roles, though these activities may sometimes overlap in one job:
Engineering geophysicists: analyse the shallow structure of the earth in preparation for the development of buildings, pipelines and cables. They also investigate potential hazards such as subsidence.
Exploration/development geophysicists: explore and identify sources of energy such as oil and gas, and assist in the exploration of new mineral deposits.
Interpretation/processing geophysicists: analyse detailed information from sites on land or at sea, and produce profiles and models using specialist computer software.
Seismologists: investigate earthquakes and use this information to study the internal structure of the earth and develop seismic hazard maps that help in the planning and development of new construction projects in earthquake-prone areas.
Geophysicists usually work as part of a team, with engineers, geologists and engineering geologists, and often supervise the work of geophysical technicians.
Starting salaries for geophysicists are around £20,000 and for geophysical technicians around £14,000.

Hours and environment

Working conditions vary according to the type of company. Geophysicists employed by environmental and engineering companies on land usually work about 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They spend time in an office analysing data on a computer or they may be based in a laboratory, undertaking sample tests and research. Those involved in data collection may operate from a field camp, where they spend their day outside, sometimes in poor weather conditions.

Geophysicists are employed all over the world and some jobs are undertaken on a short-term contract basis.
Geophysicists are also employed to work offshore (at sea) based on ships or oil or gas platforms. They may stay on an offshore installation for a month or more at a time. They have limited space and need to be able to cope with living and working in close contact with others. 
Geophysical technicians may spend time outside collecting samples, and spend the rest of their time in the laboratory.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Skills and personal qualities

Geophysicists need:

Interests

Geophysicists should be interested in:

Getting in

The largest employers of geophysicists are companies involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas, requiring the specialist skills of geophysicists to identify and assess oil and gas reserves.
Geophysicists also undertake engineering, environmental and marine surveys for companies involved in construction, mining and minerals extraction, land development, and environmental monitoring and development. Organisations doing archaeological explorations also need geophysicists and some geophysicists teach at universities.
Geophysical technicians are employed in the same areas, though the number of vacancies is smaller.
Vacancies are advertised through the national press, and through specialist publications, agencies and websites for particular sectors, eg the oil and gas industry.

Entry for young people
There are two levels of geophysicist:
Technician level:
Most geophysical technicians have an A level/H grade in physics, or equivalent. It is also possible to enter this field with qualifications such as Intermediate GNVQ/GSVQ Level II, or a BTEC First Diploma or Certificate in Science. With four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) it can be possible to start on an Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log on to www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact the local Connexions Partnership.
There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.
Professional level:
Professional geophysicists need a degree in a subject such as geology, physics, geophysics or geophysical sciences. Entry requirements for a degree course vary according to the subject and university. Generally for a geophysics degree A levels/H grades in maths and physics at grades B/C or above, plus one other A level/H grade or two AS levels are required. For entry to a geology degree, at least two A levels/H grades are required from relevant subjects including biology, chemistry, maths, physics, geography or geology. It is possible to enter a degree course with a relevant Access course.
It is also possible to undertake a four-year Masters degree in geophysics. Many geophysicists also have a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in petroleum geoscience and exploration geophysics. They may also gain a PhD in specific areas of geophysics.

Entry for adults
Mature applicants are usually welcome and entry requirements are the same as for younger entrants. It is possible to apply for degree courses with relevant alternative qualifications.

Training

Training depends on the type of employer or company. Many employers will provide induction training including an introduction to relevant company systems. Larger companies may provide a long-term training programme.
Geophysical technicians may be able to study for technical NVQs/SVQs (Levels 2, 3 or 4), BTEC National or Higher National Diplomas/Certificates or a geophysics degree on a part time basis. Technicians can also gain relevant qualifications through the Institute of Science Technology including an institute-validated Ordinary Diploma and Ordinary Certificate.
Geophysicists need to keep up to date with industry developments and with their technical skills. Professional organisations provide the opportunity for geophysicists to do this through attending conferences, workshops and courses. 

Getting on

There is a wide range of opportunities, but career progression may depend on the nature of the company and the sector. With experience, geophysicists may progress to take on further management and supervisory responsibilities.
Experienced geophysicists employed by large international oil and gas exploration and production companies may have the opportunity to work overseas.
Some move into consultancy work or become self-employed.
Experienced geophysical technicians may be able to progress into supervisory/management roles, overseeing the work of a team of technicians.

Further information

British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG.  0115 936 3100. Website: www.bgs.ac.uk
COGENT (Sector Skills Council for the Chemical, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Petroleum and Polymer Industries), Minerva House, Bruntland Road, Portlethen, Aberdeen AB12 4QL. 01224 787800. Website: www.cogent-ssc.com
Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7AR. 020 7467 7100.  Website: www.energyinst.org.uk
The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG. 020 7434 9944. Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), 1 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DB. 020 7451 7300. Website: www.iom3.org
The Institute of Science Technology, Stowe House, Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6TJ. 01543 266823. Website: www.istonline.org.uk
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), 5 Lower Belgrave Street, London SW1W ONR. 020 7824 5520. Website: www.imca-int.com
Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Website: www.seg.org
Society of Petroleum Engineers. Website: www.spe.org

Further reading

Working in science - Connexions
Energy: Careers in the Oil and Gas Industry: an overview - Energy Institute
Earth Work: Careers in Geoscience - The Geological Society
(Some may be priced)

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http://www.connexions-direct.com/

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