Meredith Guhl
Geologist
Alaska Earth Sciences
Sitka High School Graduate, 1996
1. How did you become interested in your job?
In high school, I enrolled in an Introduction to Geology course at the local UAS-Sitka campus. The aspects of a geologist position, including field time, different projects and great people, encouraged me to pursue geology at college.
2. What do you do on a typical day?
In the summer, a typical day involves 8-14 hours in the field doing various tasks such as soil sampling, rock sampling, mapping of geologic outcrops, photographing outcrops, hiking, and usually a helicopter ride back to camp at the end of the day. In the winter, a typical day is spent at the office working with the data collected in the summer to create maps, graphs, charts and reports regarding the summer investigations, and making plans for next summer.
3. What Training or education have you had for your job?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a Master of Science degree in Geology. I have worked at my current job for two years, and much of my field training has occurred at work.
4. What is your favorite part of your job?
The time I get to spend out of doors in the summer. I also have traveled to many different places throughout Alaska, I’ve seen a variety of wildlife, and I’ve met some great people.
5. What is the starting pay for someone in your position?
As a geologist, a starting salary is $150 per day.
6. What advice would you give a teen thinking about a similar career?
Most exploration companies will hire people directly out of high school for summer work positions. This gives you an opportunity to observe how geologists work and see if you like working in the field.
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