David Taylor

Geologist
Geological Survey of Victoria
Department of Natural Resources & Environment

Bachelor of Science
Master of Science

"Geological and scientific skills learnt at university are constantly employed and developed."

Geology has appealed to me since my High School year’s as it is one of the few careers that combines having lots of outdoor activity, yet still involves your brain to solve stimulating mental problems. My degree was immediately followed by a part-time Master of Science (MSc) in Geology; investigating the bedrock geology in the Ballarat area. After graduating I was employed as a geologist with the State Government of Victoria working for the Geological Survey of Victoria.

The job of a government geologist is very much a classic scientist position and is enjoyable because the geological and scientific skills learnt at university are constantly employed and developed. The work results in new geological maps and reports being produced that are utilised by a wide variety of users, from exploration geologists working for a mining company to farmers deciding where to put a water bore.

The work is a blend of office-based compilation of previous investigations that is followed by an extensive phase of field-based teamwork that involves walking and driving, to access as much of the exposed rocks as possible.The collected data is entered into electronic databases that then forms the basis for production of new maps and detailed reports written in the office.

Over the past ten years this career has allowed me the enjoyable blend of being based in a comfortable office with all the amenities of a capital city but with much of the periods of finer weather over Spring and Summer being spent working in picturesque areas. Examples are the western Victorian Goldfields from Ballarat to Ararat, the Grampians, and the rugged Eastern Highlands around Mount Bogong. Unfortunately a government geologist earns significantly less money than industry counterparts and career progression is somewhat limited because of the small size of the organisation. Despite these limitations, working as a government geologist can be very satisfying because you are continually using and improving your geological skills and also dealing with a variety of clients.