Geologist, Dale Hamilton | World of Work Podcast

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About

In this episode of the World of Work podcast, we explore the unique career of a geologist. Dale Hamilton is a geologist for the Mine Safety and Health Administration, where he works to help keep miners safe across the country. Before working for the government, he spent 17 years working in underground coal mines as a geologist and project manager. Hamilton has a bachelor’s degree in geology from West Virginia University.

Credits: WQED

Standards

PA Career Education & Work Standards (K–5)

13.1 Career Awareness & Preparation (Grades K–5)

Career exploration, job roles, interests, and tools

  • 13.1.3.A – Identify personal interests, abilities, and strengths that relate to career choices.
  • 13.1.3.B – Identify different jobs and what people do in them.
  • 13.1.3.C – Recognize that people use tools and technology in their jobs.
  • 13.1.3.D – Identify the training and education needed for various careers.
  • 13.1.3.E – Describe how work relates to the needs of the community.
  • 13.1.3.F – Identify how careers are grouped (career clusters).

13.2 Career Acquisition (Employability) (Grades K–5)

Skills needed to get and succeed in a job

  • 13.2.3.A – Identify work habits (attendance, punctuality, initiative).
  • 13.2.3.B – Identify communication skills used in the workplace.
  • 13.2.3.C – Identify teamwork and cooperation skills.
  • 13.2.3.D – Identify problem‑solving strategies used at work.

13.3 Career Retention & Advancement (Grades K–5)

Staying successful in a job

  • 13.3.3.A – Identify positive work habits (responsibility, dependability).
  • 13.3.3.B – Explain why learning new skills helps workers keep jobs.
  • 13.3.3.C – Identify ways workers adapt to change.

13.4 Entrepreneurship / Career Planning (Grades K–5)

Understanding interests, goals, and planning

  • 13.4.3.A – Identify personal interests and how they relate to career choices.
  • 13.4.3.B – Describe how people make decisions about jobs.
  • 13.4.3.C – Identify resources that help people learn about careers.