Geologists work in a variety of areas, discovering new sources of fossil fuels, minerals, and economically important rocks. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landforms, surface and subsurface water, earth history, and fossils are all subjects for study.

Geologists may work as members of an interdisciplinary team in planning construction projects, sanitary landfills, mine land reclamation, and other environmentally-oriented projects. Employment opportunities for geologists exist in private industry, state and federal government agencies, and teaching at all levels.