Geoscientist, Professional

Exam

State + third-party exam

Education

Degree

Experience

Experience

Background check

Specific type of conviction prohibited

Geoscience is the science of the earth and its origin and history, the investigation of the earth’s environment and its constituent soils, rocks, minerals, fossil fuels, solids and fluids and the study of the natural and introduced agents, forces, and processes that cause change in and on the Earth. A licensed Professional Geoscientist (P.G.) is a person qualified in the non-exempt public practice of geoscience because of the person’s knowledge, acquired through education and practical experience of geoscience, mathematics, and the supporting physical, chemical, mineralogical and life sciences. Geoscientists in Texas are licensed in three disciplines of geoscience: geology, soil science, and geophysics. Examples of highly technical work performed by licensed Professional Geoscientists include: • Environmental geology: protection of groundwater resources and subsurface characterization to determine the suitability of sites for solid waste landfills and underground injection of waste or hazardous materials • Hydrogeology: exploration for new sources of groundwater and aquifer delineation, groundwater monitoring, and related activities • Engineering geology: surface and subsurface characterization for consideration in the design of engineered structures (such as dams, buildings, roads) and the investigation and analysis of natural hazardous processes (such as landslides, coastal erosion, and other natural hazards).