Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Science and research / 19-2042.00

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

US jobs
23,470
Median wage
$101,920 a year
Job family
Science and research

Can agents do the work of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)

Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.

Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 21%Analyze environmental or geospatial dataNot measured
  • 13%Research issues related to earth sciencesNot measured
  • 7%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
  • 7%Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or complianceNot measured
  • 7%Monitor environmental conditionsNot measured
  • 6%Analyze data to improve operationsNot measured
  • 5%Maintain current knowledge in area of expertiseNot measured
  • 4%Determine operational methods or proceduresNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

  • CORE-Benchby Princeton UniversityTask level · CORE-Bench-Hard accuracy (public test set)
    95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025
    Solved

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
  • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
  • Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
  • Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
  • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
  • Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
Other job titles for this occupation (37)

Engineering Geologist · Environmental Protection Geologist · Exploration Geologist · Geologist · Geoscientist · Mine Geologist · Petroleum Geologist · Project Geologist · Project Geophysicist · Research Geologist · Consultant Geologist · Development Geologist · Environmental Geologist · Field Geologist · Geochemist · Geodesist · Geomagnetist · Geomorphologist · Invertebrate Paleontologist · Marine Geologist · Micro Paleontologist · Mineralogist · Mining Production Geologist · Mud Logging Data Analyst · Oceanographer · Oceanologist · Operations Geologist · Paleontologist · Petrographer · Petrologist · Petrophysicist · Sedimentationist · Seismologist · Spectral Geologist · Stratigrapher · Volcanologist · Wellsite Geologist