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Careers & Alumni
You will graduate Humboldt Geology with the skills you need to begin your career in geosciences.
Career opportunities include positions with local, state, and federal government scientific and resource management agencies, geotechnical and environmental consulting firms, nonprofit conservation agencies, and universities, colleges, and K-12 schools.
A few examples of hiring agencies that routinely hire Humboldt Geology alumni are the US Geological Survey, California Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Caltrans, US Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and more.
Many Humboldt Geology alumni go on in careers in private geotechnical and geoengineering consulting firms, examples of firms that have recently hired our students are SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists, Lettis Consultants International, and LACO Associates.
Some of our graduates decide to pursue an MS and/or PhD. Our Geology BS degree will set you up to complete all math, physics and chemistry requirements you need to apply for an MS or PhD program in geosciences in the United States.
No matter your path, you’ll leave the program ready to succeed.
Common Job Titles of Alumni within 5 years of graduating with BA/BS degree
This list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist.
- environmental geologist
- staff geologist
- geological consultant
- technical writer or editor
- emergency manager
- hazards mitigation specialist
- engineering geologist
- field geologist
- marine geologist
- hydrogeologist
- geomorphologist
- museum curator
- science teacher
Marketable Skills
Field-Based Skills
- Spatial Reasoning, ability to read maps
- Observational skills and careful note taking
- Understanding of Deep Time, and four-dimensional thinking
- Ability to collect pieces of evidence and develop the most likely geologic explanation
- Surveying Techniques,
- Use of GPS and GIS
- Pilot license to fly UAV
Communication
- Written and Oral Presentation Skills
- Working as part of a team
- Designing, creating, and presenting scientific posters
Lab-Based Skills
- GIS, geospatial analysis
- Mineral identifications
- Geochemistry of rocks, minerals, water, and soils
Research
- Work one-on-one with faculty to produce original research
- Present your research at a national or international professional conference
Sustainability
- Understand the origins of our natural resources and how they are managed
- Identify the influence of humans on our natural systems
Our Graduates
Alumni Updates: Our grads are doing great things.
Vanessa Crandell
GeologyGeology and Oceanography, 2013
Vanessa Crandell ('13, Geology, Oceanography) earned an M.S. in Geology from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2016. She is currently working as an Environmental Geologist in Anchorage, Alaska. Vanessa primarily works on contaminated sites and geological and geotechnical projects. Amazing education and experiences in the field for both geology and oceanography provided her with the skill necessary to pursue a career as an Environmental Geologist. Vanessa would like to thank her professors and advisors - without their support and compassion, completing dual degrees in Geology and Oceanography would have been impossible.
Tyson wilofsky
Geology, 2008
Tyson Wilofsky, 2008 Geology, has been doing environmental remediation (RCRA/CERCLA) work as a government contractor.
Eric Friedlander
Geology, 2004
After graduation I spent three summers working as a hiking/backcountry guide in Skagway, Alaska. I now live in Lake Tahoe and enjoy any and all outdoor activities on a daily basis (especially rock climbing in the summer, and skiing in the winter). I currently work for the City of South Lake Tahoe as the Environmental Programs Analyst. I have also recently become engaged and will be married next August. I'm looking forward to a road trip to Humboldt so I can show my fiance the amazing campus at HSU, the redwoods and the incredible coastline!