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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

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.

George FitzGerald

Geology, 1968

As the first geology graduate of Humboldt State in 1968, George FitzGerald went to work as an underground mine geologist in Grants, New Mexico. Using investigative skills taught by my Humboldt professors, he directed the quality-based safe extraction of uranium ore for over 15 years.  Great education and experience in field geology provided him with the skills to successfully hold positions in industry, teaching, consulting and government regulation for environmentally protective mineral production. FitzGerald thanks Humboldt's first geology professors Dr. Young, Dr. Kilmer, and Dr. Longshore for creating one of the great programs at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Theodore "Ted" Smith

Geology, 1972

Following a 30-year career with the State of California, Ted Smith retired as Supervising Geologist with the California Geological Survey in 2001. Since then he earned a PhD in Education (Specialization: Teaching & Training Online) and for 18 years has taught courses online, mostly with Baker College (located in Michigan). In 2019, Ted moved to Whidbey Island, Washington and recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of Geology in the Public Interest, a nonprofit that focuses on use of geology for the public good in sustainable ways.

More Alumni Updates