Green Job Series: Careers in Geothermal Energy [First Installment]

Geothermal power uses groundwater found deep in underground cracks and reservoirs. The Earth's natural heat has brought these underground reservoirs to temperatures of 225 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (107 to 315 degrees Celsius).

Geothermal plants capture and use this heat to generate electricity for the power grid. The plants subsequently release the cooled water back into the ground, where it seeps back into the underground reservoir, is reheated by the Earth, and can be reused by the plant.

Through this full cycle, geothermal power provides a renewable and inexhaustible source of energy.

Many different workers are required to get a geothermal plant up and running. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series profiles key science occupations in geothermal energy.

Science Occupations

Scientists work in offices where they study charts and maps of geothermal resources. They might also travel to the field to examine proposed geothermal sites. Scientists work on teams with other scientists in various disciplines. Geothermal companies employ some scientists full-time, while others are hired as consultants.

Job Duties

Environmental scientists work with geothermal plant developers to help them comply with environmental regulations and policies and to ensure that sensitive parts of the ecosystem are protected. They use their knowledge of the natural sciences to minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the nearby population. These scientists produce environmental impact studies necessary for a geothermal project to earn its building permits.

Geologists spend a large part of their time in the field, identifying and examining the topography and geologic makeup of a geothermal site. Geologists also study maps and charts to ensure that a site will be able to supply adequate geothermal energy. Geologists use their knowledge of different kinds of rock to make recommendations on the most cost-effective areas to drill. Some specialized geologists might help to monitor a plant's location for seismic activity and attempt to predict the threat of earthquakes.

On geothermal projects, hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and other properties of water below the earth's surface. They help decide where to drill wells and analyze the groundwater that is pumped from the underground reservoirs to the surface.

Wildlife biologists evaluate a geothermal plant's effect on local animal life and their ecosystems. Although geothermal plants are not inherently destructive, construction of the related infrastructure, such as plants, roads, and transmission towers, can be disruptive to the natural environment. Wildlife biologists ensure that the plant's impact on local animal populations is minimal.

Education

Although a master's degree is often preferred, a bachelor's degree, depending on the specialty, is typically sufficient for an entry-level position for geologists, environmental scientists, and wildlife biologists. Hydrologists typically enter the occupation with a master's degree. A Ph.D. is desirable for scientists who oversee environmental impact and site suitability studies.

Most scientists must have excellent computer skills because they use computers frequently for data analysis, digital mapping, remote sensing, and computer modeling. Scientists in certain specialties, such as geologists, are usually certified or licensed by a state licensing board.

Wages

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently does not have wage data specific to the geothermal industry. However, BLS does have wage data for the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry group. The following table shows wages for science occupations in that industry group for May 2011. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health	$87,160
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers	$77,460
Hydrologists	$75,680
Zoologists and wildlife biologists	$57,420

For more detailed information on science occupations in the geothermal industry, click the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's geothermal industry series installment: Engineering Occupations.

Green Job Series: Careers in Water Conservation [First Installment]

Water conservation pertains mostly to fresh water, because it is a limited resource. It helps to ensure that available water supplies are used in the most efficient ways possible. Water conservation focuses on household, municipal, commercial, industrial, and agricultural water use.

Many different types of workers are involved in water conservation. They are employed within various industries, including federal, state, and local governments; utilities; construction; and agriculture, among others. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series profiles key science occupations in water conservation.

Science Occupations

Scientists who work in water conservation devise technical solutions for reducing water use and develop ways to tap into new sources of fresh water. They plan strategies to conserve water resources and ensure that water is used as efficiently as possible. Scientists are also involved in reducing water use and ensuring that our water is safe. They measure levels of pollution and chemical contamination. Some scientists are involved in preserving water ecosystems and habitats.

Scientists generally work as part of a team that includes other types of scientists, engineers, and science technicians. Science technicians work under the supervision of scientists and assist them in their duties.

Scientists often work in an office or laboratory, and many spend time working outdoors. They may be employed by government agencies, universities, or private companies. Some scientists are hired as advisors for special projects.

Job Duties

Microbiologists work in laboratories studying water samples to ensure that the samples are free of harmful parasites, and that any microorganisms found in the water are not harmful to humans or the natural environment. Microbiologists study these microorganisms and their effects on the environment and human health. They may devise ways to remove harmful microorganisms from our drinking water, or use them clean up pollution.

Water conservationists are conservation scientists who give technical help to people concerned with the conservation of water. They help private landowners and governments by advising on water quality, preserving water supplies, preventing groundwater contamination, and conserving water.

Chemists analyze the chemicals found in water to make sure it is safe for use. They also handle water purification, using chemicals to kill harmful microorganisms and processes to remove harmful chemicals.

Environmental scientists and specialists protect natural water sources from pollutants and other contamination by studying the sources and effects of this pollution and determining ways to clean it up and prevent further pollution. They may also work to reclaim contaminated water by devising ways to clean the water and determining suitable uses for the water after it is cleaned.

Environmental scientists often ensure regulations are followed so that the water is healthy to use and any damage to the environment from water use is minimal.

Hydrologists study water and the water cycle and analyze how they influence the surrounding environment. They study the movement, distribution, and other properties of water and may measure bodies of water, such as volume and stream flow. They may also research how to improve water conservation and preservation.

Some hydrologists use computer models to forecast future water supplies, the spread of pollution, and to find new sources of fresh water. Hydrologists are also vital in evaluating the feasibility of water-related projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and waste treatment facilities.

Education and Skills

Most scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree from a program that includes both coursework and laboratory hours. A scientist who is leading a research team or conducting independent research typically needs a master’s or doctoral degree. Hydrologists typically need a master’s degree. It is common for scientists to pursue a specialized degree in a subfield, such as bacteriology or toxicology.

Analytical skills are important for those conducting experiments and determining an outcome or a reasonable way to continue an experiment. Scientists also need oral and written communication skills because they often work as part of a team, and must be able to share the results of their analyses with others. In addition, scientists must be detail-oriented when conducting experiments and recording data.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently does not have wage data specific to the water conservation industry. The table that follows shows wages for selected science occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Microbiologists	$66,260
Conservation scientists	$61,100
Chemists	$71,770
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health	$63,570
Hydrologists	$75,530

For more detailed information on science occupations in the water conservation industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's water conservation industry series installment: Engineering Occupations.