Geology and Climbing

Anyone else a Geologist/Climber and have a good job which allows use of the degree and time for climbing?

I am close to graduation (B.S) and am curious what other people are doing.

Go to grad school and stay in academia. Flexible schedules allow you to get into the mountains and your research area in some mountain or other is probably where you want to be anyway. Gear companies also will give you pro deal status because you teach outdoor classes. Right now I'm "stuck" in the sierras teaching a class; guess what I get to do on off days?

People I know who got industry-type jobs have more money for climbing travel but less flexibility. Beside the 9-5, they are often on call, and I've had several trips cancelled because a climbing partner had a last minute change on a well.

Ancent is right, but I know plenty of geologists (including myself) in industry who climb. When you're new in the business you typically get thrown onto a field rotation (if you can find work right now), something like 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 3-1, etc.

The 4 weeks on can be a huge pain, but depending on your camp situation, you may have access to some kind of fitness facility - I've always brought in a hangboard or rock rings just to keep some kind of climbing fitness around. The long breaks give tons of time to just head out to a destination and post up. If you don't get roped into winter office work you can easily bank enough dough to head to whatever winter destination floats your boat - ice/alpine, desert rock, whatever. You'll have the money and all the time in the world to bum around until the next field season starts.

If you really want to get a career moving though... buckle in for the winter office gig. Which significantly kills the climbing time. This is where academia takes over. Bear in mind, this is all from a hard rock, mineral exploration geologist. I have no clue what the others in oil or other areas of industry get up to.

If you want to be a geologist and earn a good living try geological engineering and get your P.E.

Many of the entry level jobs are in the oilfield right now, mudlogging, a great intro but the trick is to get out after awhile. A Master's is helpful for advancement, but get some experience between grad and undergrad.

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