Geoscientists in the offshore industry assist with surveys, build computer models and analyse technical and scientific data to determine if sites found underwater can be used for reservoirs, carbon storage or other offshore installations.

The Work

You could be: 

• assisting with survey planning of possible sites for reservoirs, carbon storage sites or wind turbine locations 
• using specialist software to analyse data, such as subsurface rock composition and age and fluids 
• using data to build reservoir models and to decide if sites are suitable and for what purpose 
• working on development plans to get best use of oil and gas assets 
• making recommendations for potential sites taking into account technical and business impacts 
• writing technical reports and producing data from geographical information systems (GIS) 
• calibrating and maintaining survey equipment 
• researching new technologies and techniques that can be used for data gathering and carrying out surveys. 

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on: 

• where you work 
• the size of the company or organisation you work for 
• the demand for the job.

For geoscientists, new graduate salaries can range from £24,000 to £30,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to around £45,000. In senior positions the salary can be up to £75,000. Salaries can be higher abroad.

Conditions

• When working onshore, typical hours would be Monday to Friday, based in an office. 
• When working offshore, it is 12-hour shift patterns, usually 2-4 weeks at a time. 
• You have to fly by helicopter between the rig or platform and onshore. 
• When offshore, you would live in shared accommodation and meals are provided. 
• When offshore you would wear protective clothing and safety equipment such as gloves, boots and a hard hat. 

Useful Subjects

• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Physics
• SfW Energy

Getting In

• A degree (SCQF Level 9-11) in a subject such as earth sciences, environmental science, geology or natural sciences is required.  
• Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) while in fifth and sixth year at school could count towards entry to a degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually require 3 subjects at National 5 including English and Maths.  
• You may decide to go on to complete a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in a subject related to oil and gas, petroleum or geoscience. A number of Scottish universities, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Robert Gordon, offer courses in these areas. 

Geoscientists in the offshore industry work for companies involved in oil and gas, renewable energy, energy technology development and decommissioning. Jobs are advertised online on websites such as Oil and Gas Job Search and Energyjobline.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

4494

0.9 %

RISE

2030

4535

  United Kingdom

2025

32093

3.3 %

RISE

2030

33158

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What Does it Take?

You need to have: 

• excellent maths, science and technology skills 
• technical and practical ability 
• a creative approach to solving problems 
• analytical skills 
• good IT skills 
• excellent communication skills 
• integrity and a belief in the work that you do. 

You need to be able to: 

• plan and organise projects 
• work under pressure 
• work in a team and motivate others 
• work on your own initiative 
• collaborate with a wide range of professionals 
• learn and adapt. 

Training

• To work offshore you must pass a medical examination every 2 years. 
• You must also pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). 
• You may also have to undertake the Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) course. 
• You might undertake training courses, or learn on the job, to use specialist software. 
• You might learn computer programming languages, such as Python. 
• You would need to keep up to date with new technology and developments.

Getting On

• You can become a Chartered Geologist or Chartered Scientist through the Geological Society while you are working. The Society also runs a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. 
• With experience, you may be able to move on to a senior or managerial job. 
• There can be good opportunities to work abroad. 

More Information

The My Energy Future website provides information on the energy industry and careers available. 

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.