Professional Fieldwork

Professional & Academic Opportunities

Professional and academic field opportunities provide hands-on experience, career-building training, and structured professional development. Through short-term field programs, meeting-based learning, travel grants, and leadership opportunities, participants gain applied skills, expand networks, and advance their geoscience careers.

This is a pair of researchers on a glacier or ice field, likely conducting mass balance monitoring or firn density studies. They are using a manual ice auger to drill into the surface.

Scientists in Parks

Scientists in Parks provides immersive, science-related, career-building experiences in partnership with the National Park Service. Participants gain valuable field experience while supporting natural resource management, research, and conservation projects across national parks.

Kayla Schultz, a researcher in the Rocky Mountains, using a high-precision GNSS/RTK surveying rover and a ruggedized tablet to map a stream channel or wetland with centimeter-level accuracy while wearing chest waders for fieldwork.

GeoCorps™ America

GeoCorps™ America partners with the Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service to offer paid, short-term geoscience opportunities on federal lands. Participants contribute to mapping, resource management, and conservation while building professional experience.

Kwaku Asiedu, a geophysicist or researcher, conducting an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) survey.

Professional Learning Pathways

Professional Learning Pathways organizes sessions, short courses, and field experiences into curated tracks aligned with workforce needs. Participants can earn CEUs, digital badges, and documented recognition while building skills in high-demand geoscience areas.

Researcher Brandon Keough and his team during a field expedition in a remote coastal or lake region.

Travel Grants & Global Programs

Travel grants support participation in major scientific meetings such as the International Geological Congress (IGC). These opportunities help students and early career professionals engage with global geoscience communities and expand professional networks.

Professional Engagement Opportunities

GSA Geographic Divisions organize regional meetings that provide professional development, networking, and field learning opportunities. Members can participate in field trips, short courses, research presentations, and more.

Six women smiling at a conference, sitting and standing among gray chairs. They wear lanyards and casual business attire, conveying a friendly atmosphere.

Host a Field Trip or Short Course

Experienced professionals and educators can contribute to the geoscience community by proposing field trips or short courses at the GSA section or annual meetings. These opportunities support knowledge sharing, mentorship, and leadership development across the profession.

Become a Mentor
A diverse group of fifteen people, including those in wheelchairs, pose smiling in front of rocky cliffs, suggesting an inclusive outdoor activity.
Real Impact from GSA Opportunities

Member Success Stories

Discover how GSA's field programs, professional engagement opportunities, and more help members gain hands-on experience, build skills, and advance their professional journeys.

“As a mid-career geoscientist, my service on GSA committees has led to meaningful professional growth and has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Eugene Szymanski
PhD, PG
Serve with GSA