Day in the Life of … a Geologist

"I've always wanted to be a geologist," said Jo Ann R., Geologist. "I've been picking up rocks since I was a little girl."

8:30 a.m. Workday begins.
Project at hand: 20 years worth of PCB contamination at former manufacturing plant. ARCADIS has been contracted to remediate contaminated groundwater. As senior project scientist, my focus has been groundwater and soil investigations, collecting and analyzing data to be used in the design of corrective action plans.
 
9:00 a.m. Phone call to field staff. Review work plan for the day.

"My work at ARCADIS is more challenging and varied. Everyday is different. I like that."

11:00 a.m. Pull data queries. The geology at the site is complex and I am reviewing current and historical data to develop a site conceptual model.

"Now that I work for ARCADIS, I have the opportunity to work with the best and brightest in the industry."

12:30 p.m. Lunch with co-worker.

1:30 p.m.  Turn my attention to paperwork and spreadsheets.

"Part of my responsibility is to work up cost estimates for the investigation and reporting phases of the project. As part of our client focus, we work hard to keep the project within budget so I'm constantly monitoring investigation and reporting costs."

3:00 p.m. Take walk around building. I call it my brain-break.

"Working with project teams and field staff in other parts of the country can be challenging but stimulating at the same time."

5:00 p.m. Check in once again with field staff. Discuss drilling lined up for tomorrow.

5:30 p.m. All in a day's work. Head home. 

"My career here is rewarding and challenging. Besides the fact that you get to see interesting parts of the country."