FiFoDiDo

FiFoDiDo Editorial · 14 October 2026

Apprenticeships & graduatesGetting a FIFO job

How to Become a Geologist

Geologists find the deposits that mines are built on and keep track of the ore once mining starts. Here's how to get into exploration or mine geology.

Geologist

Geologists study rocks to work out where minerals are and how much is there. In mining, they plan drilling programs, log drill core and build a picture of the orebody before and during mining. It mixes outdoor fieldwork with computer modelling and data work.

At a glance

  • Where you'll work: exploration camps, operating mines, core yards, labs, consultancies.
  • Usual way in: a science degree majoring in geology or geoscience.
  • Uni needed? Yes, for geologist roles. Field assistant and core yard jobs don't need one.
  • Time to qualify: usually three years, plus an optional honours year.
  • Rosters: FIFO and camp-based rosters are common in exploration and on mine sites.

What the job involves

  • Mapping rocks and collecting samples.
  • Planning and supervising drilling programs.
  • Logging drill core and checking the data.
  • Building 3D models of the orebody.
  • Telling engineers and production teams where the ore is.

Exploration or mine geology? Exploration geologists look for new deposits, often in remote areas. They do regional mapping, soil sampling and exploration drilling. Mine geologists work at an operating mine. They separate ore from waste, guide day-to-day mining and keep the orebody model accurate.

At school

  • Chemistry and physics.
  • Maths.
  • Geography or earth science, if offered.
  • English, for reports.
  • Computing, especially mapping, data or coding.

How to qualify

The usual route is a bachelor's degree in science with a geology or geoscience major. You'll study:

  • Minerals, rocks and how they form.
  • Structural geology: faults, folds and how rocks move.
  • Geochemistry and geophysics.
  • Ore deposits.
  • Field mapping, GIS and 3D modelling.
  • Drill-core logging and resource estimation.

An honours year helps if you want to move into exploration, research or more technical roles.

Your first job

Geology is practical, so get field experience early. University field camps, vacation work, and core-yard or field-assistant jobs all count.

Job titles to search for:

  • Graduate Geologist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Mine Geologist
  • Field Geologist
  • Geological Assistant
  • Core Yard Technician
  • Sampling Technician

Tickets and training

  • A manual driver's licence and four-wheel-drive experience. Many exploration jobs ask for both.
  • First aid.
  • Remote area safety training.
  • Site inductions and a medical.
  • GIS, database and modelling software skills.

Where it can lead

Graduate or Field Geologist → Exploration or Mine Geologist → Senior Geologist → Resource or Principal Geologist, or Exploration Manager → Chief Geologist or Exploration Director

Some geologists specialise in resource estimation, geophysics, hydrogeology, geotechnical work or environmental management.

What employers look for

  • Careful observation and accurate records. Drilling decisions worth millions depend on them.
  • Strong safety habits when working remotely.
  • Comfort with heat, dust, long drives and camp life.
  • Clear communication with drillers, engineers and managers.

Is it for you?

It suits you if you love science, want to work outdoors and are happy to spend time in remote places.

Pay, rosters and jobs

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