Get ready to explore the world

Are you observant, patient, and methodical and you like working outdoors? Has the earth and its history always fascinated you? You could make a good geologist if that is the case.

Geology involves the search for and examination of natural resources in the earth’s crust. These include minerals, oil, gas, and aggregates for construction.

“As a geologist, you will study the history of the earth, monitor earthquake activities and survey conservation projects, among other daring assignments,” says David Adede, a principal consultant and director of Rock Link Geological Consultants Limited.

He advises those who want to engage in this adventurous career to prepare for the extensive experience of exploring natural resources.

“For someone who is passionate about geology, it calls for developing a third eye and being analytical. This may require that you go under the sea, climb mountains, or go into the forest,” says Mr Adede.

Other duties include field studies, surveys and drilling programmes, as well as collecting soil, mineral, rock, or fossil samples for analysis.

A good geologist, he says, should have immense curiosity, a scientific bent, an analytical mind, an artistic ability, creativity, and the knack for processing and distilling huge amounts of data.

You may also be involved in analysing chemical and physical data from boreholes, aerial photos, and wells.

Geotechnical investigations further involve studying foundations of buildings, bridges, dams, and roads. “Sometimes I go out in the field to conduct research into potential hazards such as earthquakes,” says Adede.

His career started in 2005 after he graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelors degree in geology. A week after, he got a job as co-geological investigator of coal mining. But after working for three months, Nairobi university offered him a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies.

It was after this in 2009 that he started Rock Link Geological Consultant Limited. “It was not easy to start my own firm given the financial challenges,” he confesses. He struggled on and Rock Link is now a steady firm employing 10 permanent staff and 30 temporary personnel.

Mr Adede, 29, has travelled to many countries to carry out geotechnical surveys under different projects.

In Malawi, for example, he was involved in geotechnical investigations for the construction of 10 dams on a river in which the presence of rocks had hindered work. He has also worked in Rwanda, Botswana, and Malawi.

In Kenya, he has advised on the construction of five dams. He has done the same in Uganda. He is presently involved in investigations in the construction of the southern by-pass in Mombasa County.

Such is the kind of exposure the job offers. And the earnings are good. Adede earns about $300 (Sh25,000) a day for a project.

But the job requires one to be meticulous, Adede explains. “When handling such projects, one should be keen and analytical because a minor mistake can affect the whole project, usually worth millions of shillings. It can even lead to loss of lives.”

To study geology, you need to be good at mathematics, history, and sciences, which are essential for the practical work involved. Data analysis and statistics are an added advantage. And of great importance, says Mr Adede, is to be sure that you will enjoy the job.

Passion is key. “There are very few positions for geologists around, so you must work hard to remain relevant in this field,” he says.