Job description Engineer, Geotechnical in Canada

Find out what work is like for an engineer, geotechnical in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Geological engineers (NOC 21331).

Geological engineers

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.

Work week duration

Geological engineers usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Geological engineers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Sitting

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Geological engineers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

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

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Indoors, environmentally controlled
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • Standard safety equipment

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 21331), and a list of similar occupations:

  • geological engineer
  • geophysical engineer
  • hydrogeological engineer - engineering

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Geological engineers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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