Simone - Geologist/Editor
Name: Simone
Job title: Geologist/Editor
Describe your typical day
As a geological editor, my typical day involves communicating with authors, cartographers and managers regarding production of several geological publications (brochures, books and maps). I also edit these items and advise on layout, helping to make our publications look professional.
What attracted you to this profession?
I’ve been interested in rocks, minerals, fossils, volcanoes and archaeology since I was a kid. I also enjoy reading and am fussy about grammar and punctuation, which attracted me to editing!
How did you get started?
I collected samples of all sort of natural things as a kid, did volunteer archaeological work as a teenager, then went to university and followed my interests.
What initial training did you do?
After uni, I worked as a petroleum geologist, and then travelled overseas and did some work as a proof-reader and editor for a scientific publisher in Amsterdam. Once I joined the Geological Survey of NSW, I spent 15 years doing field mapping.
Is there an ongoing need to update your skills?
Yes – scientific findings and theories are evolving all the time. Also, changing technology impacts the way we do fieldwork, and manage and display the data collected. There are always new types of computer hardware and software to investigate.
What keeps you motivated?
Exploring the Earth and investigating and promoting new ideas about its mysteries. Also, the people I work with.
Who do you work with to do your job?
My current job as editor involves working with authors, managers, cartographers, a photographer and a graphic designer to produce publications.
What is the most interesting thing you have done, discovered or seen in your job?
Whilst doing field mapping over several years, I have seen a lot of interesting rocks and landscapes. One that jumps to mind is rediscovering a site containing remains of now extinct animals (eg. Diprotodon). I even found some huge teeth which were about 5000 years old!
How does your work benefit people and/or the environment?
It helps describe our landscapes, how they formed and what resources they can provide us with. It also helps piece together how the Earth, and life, developed over billions of years. It’s a challenge to distribute this information in a creative way to all sorts of people.
What advice do you have for students still at school?
Find your passion – choose a career that will keep you motivated throughout your life. Working as a volunteer is a great introduction to a career.