Description

Geological engineers conduct geological and geotechnical studies to assess suitability of locations for civil engineering, mining and oil and gas projects; and plan, design, develop and supervise programs of geological data acquisition and analysis and the preparation of geological engineering reports and recommendations. They are employed in consulting engineering companies, electrical utilities, mining and petroleum companies and in government and research and educational institutions.

Job Titles

• Geological engineer
• Geophysical engineer
• Hydrogeological engineer – engineering

Main Duties

• Plan, develop and coordinate programs of geotechnical, geological, geophysical or geohydrological data acquisition, analysis and mapping to assist in the development of civil engineering, mining, petroleum and waste management projects or for regional development
• Analyze and prepare recommendations and reports for construction or improvements to foundations of civil engineering projects such as rock excavation, pressure grouting and hydraulic channel erosion control
• Analyze and prepare recommendations and reports on settlement of buildings, stability of slopes and fills, and probable effects of landslides and earthquakes to support construction and civil engineering projects
• Conduct theoretical and applied study of groundwater flow and contamination and develop prescriptions for site selection, treatment and construction
• Plan, develop, coordinate and conduct theoretical and experimental studies in mining exploration, mine evaluation and feasibility studies relative to the mining industry
• Conduct surveys and studies of ore deposits, ore reserve calculations and mine design
• Design, develop and implement computer applications for geophysics, geochemistry, geology, mapping and related fields
• Supervise technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists.

Workplaces

• Consulting engineering companies
• Education institutions
• Electrical utilities
• Governments
• Mining companies
• Petroleum companies
• Research institutions

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Evaluation
• Management of Material Resources
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Categorization Flexibility
• Deductive Reasoning
• Fluency of Ideas
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering

Personal Attributes

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Independence
• Active Learning
• Adaptability

Similar Occupations

• Engineering managers (20010)
• Geoscientists and oceanographers (21102)
• Land surveyors (21203)
• Civil engineers (21300)
• Mining engineers (21330)
• Petroleum engineers (21332)

Source: OaSIS