One of the best things about choosing geology as a field of study is the possibility of travel to faraway lands and exotic venues. Geoscientists with a deep understanding of the physical elements that make up indigenous rocks and soils have a lot to contribute to various mining and construction projects, and project developers are willing to comb the ends of the earth to find the right geologist for the job.

With its varied terrain and expansive Outback region full of mystery, Australia can be a geologist’s dream come true! As a country that is also its own continent, Australia’s geology can be traced back tens of millions of years, and is rich with numerous fascinating landforms, minerals, soil types and more. Let’s take a look at this unique country down under and see why the demand for geologists there is on the rise.

About Australia

Home to the famed Sydney Opera House, the Coral Reef, and an abundance of animals not found anywhere else on the planet, Australia holds a particular level of intrigue and adventure for those wishing to unlock its mysteries. Australia is the sixth-largest country by area, and is situated between the Pacific and Indian oceans. In addition to being famous for its eclectic and at times downright mind-boggling array of unique wildlife, Australia is also renowned for its unusually diverse geological features, some dating back millions of years. Geologists wishing to find unique challenges in Australia will not be disappointed!

Australian Geology

The land of Australia is a contradiction in terms- some of the oldest physical features in the entire world are right beside rocks that are still in the process of forming! Deep seismic surveys conducted recently have uncovered a much clearer picture of Australia’s geological history, and even new information about how the continent was first formed.

Australia’s distinctive shape is due largely to tectonic Earth movements and long-term changes to the sea level, with most of its topography a direct result of prolonged wind and water erosion. From the Great Divide which separates rivers flowing inland from rivers flowing out to the Pacific Ocean, to the Great Escarpment, which is located from the tip of Cape York Peninsula to southeastern Victoria, the country is a mashup of mountains and flat lands, rivers and valleys, that define its natural beauty and keep geologists on their toes as they seek to make new discoveries about Australia’s original formation.

Home to a number of inactive volcanoes, the world’s biggest gravity warp, submarine canyons, and glacial rocks in the Flinders Ranges that suggest that the warm, tropical region was once blanketed by a sheet of ice some 650 million years ago, one thing is for certain for geologists in Australia: there is never a dull moment!

Geologist Demand in Australia

For those hoping to become a geologist and relocate to Australia, here are some of the latest statistics from a 2019 review by the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business (DESSFB):

• 64 percent of vacancies in geophysicist and underground mine geologist positions are filled, with 17.6 applicants per vacancy.
• 100 percent of exploration geologist positions are currently filled, with a waitlist of approximately 3.9 suitable applicants per vacancy.
• Only 33 percent of all geophysicist positions in Australia are filled, with fewer than 1 suitable applicant per vacancy.
• 75 percent of underground mining geologist positions in Australia are currently available, with an average of 1.6 suitable applicants per vacancy.

The takeaway from these statistics is that while the employment market in general is tightening, geology-based positions are still in demand, particularly because of the difficulty recruiters are having with finding the people with the right qualifications. The same study reveals that applicants who were not considered suitable failed to meet requirements such as:

• Experience in a particular commodity or mine type, like coal or gold, underground or open pit
• Competency using specialized software such as well borehole logging equipment
• Length of senior-level experience

Supply and Demand for Australia-Based Geologists

While the number of new graduates entering the market is on the decline, the demand for geologists and geophysicists in Australia is strong. Throughout 2018 to February 2019, internet vacancies for geology professionals increased by a whopping 31.9 percent, and is expected to 21.6 percent larger by May 2023. With the number of recent graduates in the geoscience fields shrinking and demand for people to fill these positions growing, the job market outlook for geologists in Australia is bright!

The Bottom Line

For geologists looking to start a career in Australia, it is essential to gain as much experience as possible, both in a classroom setting and on the job. Gaining this experience can be critical to your employment in Australia. It is also highly recommended that geologists looking for employment in Australia should be able to demonstrate competency with specialized mining software, as well as develop a strong ability to undertake data modeling and/or analysis. Using borehole logging equipment and other technology to measure and analyze your findings can set you apart from the competition and help you obtain employment in your chosen field, in one of the most exciting countries on Earth.

Choosing a career in geosciences can unlock a whole new world of possibility for you, not to mention help you to better understand how the Earth was formed. Choosing to work in Australia can open your eyes to exciting new landforms, minerals, rocks, soils, and so much more. For someone who has always been fascinated by the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and landslides, Australia is about as magical and mysterious a place as there ever was!

If you want to know more about how Australia came to be, or are simply looking for an adventure that will take you to the other side of the world, geology, or just about any discipline in geosciences, should be your first step. Whether you’re interested in studying rock formations, mineral deposits, and more, now is the time to explore available geology-based roles available in Australia. We’ll see you Down Under!