A professional who explores and charts stratigraphic arrangement and structure of earth to locate gas and oil deposits. Responsibilities include:

• Studies well logs, analyzes cores and cuttings from well drillings, and interprets data obtained by electrical or radioactive well logging and other subsurface surveys to identify earth strata.
• Examines aerial photographs, evaluates results of geophysical prospecting, and prepares surface and subsurface maps and diagrams depicting stratigraphic arrangement and composition of earth and probable deposits of gas and oil.
• Recommends acquisition, retention, or release of property leases or contracts.
• Estimates oil reserves in proven or prospective fields, and consults with petroleum engineers concerning drilling and production methods.
• May direct drilling of shallow exploratory wells.