What’s in it for you?
Pay, perks, and possibilities! By becoming an Earth Scientist, you join a global community of Planet Protectors and World Wonderers. You get to safeguard the environments you live in and love. You can help adapt our actions towards a more sustainable way of life. There are endless opportunities to make a difference as you help solve society’s biggest problems. By getting involved you are contributing something that adds meaning to your future, and to that of many others.
Adventure awaits for all those who become Earth Scientists!
Pay
Did you know that geoscientists are regulated professionals in Canada, just like doctors or engineers? And that Earth Science jobs are some of the highest paying jobs out there?
Typical start-up salaries:
$67,000/year to $75,000/year
With 5-10 years experience:
$80,000/year to $150,000/year
Students graduating with a university degree, college diploma, or secondary school certificate can expect to earn at least double the minimum wage as soon as they start working. With experience, training, and added responsibilities, your income will quickly grow. Your skills, experience, and work ethic also determine the amount of money you can make (e.g. if you speak more than one language).
How do Earth Science jobs compare to others?
As an Earth Scientist, you may work for a company that pays a salary (fixed annual income) or an hourly rate, and you may be provided benefits (e.g. extended health care, a company vehicle, vacation pay, travel expenses). The more education and experience you have, the more you will be rewarded. And not only do Earth Science jobs pay well, they also provide adventure, enjoyment, and unique life experiences.
*Based on data from Government of Canada Job Bank
Perks
ADVENTURE – Field work often takes place in remote and isolated locations, such as in the Canadian north. Earth Scientists who work far from home are provided with travel, food, and accommodation, and can earn extra wages. If you are willing to travel for work, not only can you earn more money, you get to explore some of the most beautiful and unique places on the planet!
LIFESTYLE – Many Earth Scientists enjoy a great life/work balance, with flexible schedules driven by different field seasons and projects. There may be busy field work months taking you in all directions, then quieter shoulder season months to catch up on research and recreation. Different assignments can mean work that opens doors to new life experiences.
IMPACT – The Earth Sciences play an important role in helping society achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, like environmental protection and sustainable development. Geoscientists are essential to these efforts thanks to their understanding of the Earth’s structure, processes, and resources. Your ability to share this knowledge and translate it into tangible tools can help inform policy and practice, and help make a real difference in the world.
EXPLORATION – As an Earth Scientist, you get to explore new places and make new connections, experiencing different cultures and building relationships with people around the world. You can attend workshops and conferences around the country or overseas, to present your ideas and research to others and to keep informed of new concepts and technologies. You can meet like-minded people, discover exciting ideas, and have opportunities for lifelong learning.
Possibilities
OPPORTUNITY – There are so many opportunities for work, adventure, and reward with an Earth Science career. With our society’s reliance on energy, mineral, and water resources that fuel our way of life, and with increased awareness about the environment, natural hazards, and climate change, there’s always going to be a need for people who know how our planet works! The long-range outlook for geoscience jobs is excellent.
OPTIONS – Thanks to the diversity of jobs within the Earth Sciences, there is an interconnectedness of career options – like a braided river. You may start off on one path and find yourself branching out to discover many others along the way. You can evolve with your career choices, and have a range of opportunities. As your skills evolve, so can your prospects of working in more diverse environments, earning more money, and getting to work with great people.
INNOVATION – There have been huge advancements in technology (machinery, computers, satellites) and highly sophisticated equipment is available for Earth Scientists to do their jobs better than ever. Not only might you be using these tools to do your work, you may also be involved in designing new and improved ones. Innovation is a key part of the Earth Sciences, and a sustainable future.
CONTRIBUTION – You can help secure our future on this planet, while ensuring a secure career for yourself. What you bring forward as an individual (different languages, cultural backgrounds, passions, and interests) makes you a worthy resource to your employer and clients, as well as an essential member of a team. You can contribute to the wide range of experts working within this field – with more voices, the more valuable a contribution can be made.
Discover your way!
To navigate through all the options, reach out to those who can guide you.