The British Geophysical Association has a broad definition for an early career geoscientist. They are defined to be anyone who feels they are at an early stage of their career (e.g. is within seven years of their last degree or is a student, postdoctoral researcher or equivalent). 

The seven-year period is not a hard cut off and can be extended to allow for periods when the geoscientist was not working in science because of, but not limited to, caring and/or parental responsibilities, disability, personal illness, community obligations or national service and we leave it to the discretion of the individual to decide if they are early career.

For awards and medals the definition of early career will be made by consensus from the committee and the BGA president will have the final say.