weclouy 
Forest Service geologist examining rock samples (Sawtooth National 
Forest, Idaho). 
F-499845 
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Geologic conditions exert a great influence on the 
land management practices of the Forest Service. It 
is necessary to evaluate these influences for efficient 
land management planning and operations. Geologic 
information is presently being utilized to determine: 
Groundwater conditions for water well developments 
and watershed studies; foundation conditions for roads, 
bridges, and dams; sources of borrow material for 
road surfacing; and descriptive statements and illus- 
trations for explaining unusual geologic areas for 
the public. 
The geologist: 
e Studies geologic literature and collects field 
data. He applies geologic and other hypothe- 
ses and principles to determine: geologic history, 
rock types, rock structure; the origin, composi- 
tion, and classification of landforms; and ground- 
water conditions. Field work requires the use of 
aerial photos and/or maps with notes to record 
the data. Seismic and electrical resistivity geo- 
physical methods are utilized to obtain data 
deep below the earth’s surface. 
° Applies information gained to solve problems 
concerning soil stability, landslides, road con- 
struction, bridge sites, sewage disposal systems, 
and sources of aggregate. Broad geologic sur- 
veys with their interpretations provide information 
for planning road nets, timber harvesting, water- 
shed studies, and soil inventories. 
e¢ Works as a member of an interdisciplinary team 
of scientists, engineers, and other professionals 
who contribute equivalent information in their 
fields so the total environment is understood. 
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 
Geologists in the Forest Service must have a degree 
in geology or one of its specialized areas such as engi- 
neering geology, mining geology, or groundwater 
geology from an accredited college or university. 
Specific study must have included 30 semester hours 
in geology and 20 semester hours in any combination 
of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, 
engineering, and pertinent related sciences such as 
geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, and oceanog- 
raphy. 
