Geoscientists and oceanographers include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists. Geoscientists do exploration and research to gain knowledge of the earth's structure, composition and processes. They locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources to find out how development and waste disposal projects affect the environment and to lessen the effects. They also examine earth surface processes—for example, stream flow and bank erosion. Oceanographers do exploration and research on:
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Geoscientists may be self-employed or work for:
Oceanographers may be self-employed or work for:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 760
N/A - Data not available
Geoscientists:
Oceanographers:
Geoscientists may specialize in a number of different areas based on their fields.
Geologists:
Geochemists:
Geophysicists:
Geoscientists spend time both in an office and outdoors conducting field work. Field work locations also vary depending on the specialization of the work and the location of the work site. As an example, geologists or geomorphologists may frequently travel to remote field sites by helicopter or other means and cover large areas on foot, whereas geological and geophysical oceanographers often collect data while at sea. Exploration geologists and geophysicists often are required to relocate, as their work requires them to live in different communities adjacent to work sites, in remote areas of B.C., other parts of Canada or overseas.
Geoscientists usually work regular hours; however, they may be required to work longer hours when required due to seasonal site access limitations, remote location or data gathering equipment requirements. Those working in corporate, consulting or research positions may experience stress when facing deadlines to submit proposals, research grant applications and technical reports.
Field work in locations, such as mines, drill sites or rugged terrain, may expose individuals to safety hazards, which can be minimized with safety precautions. Geoscientists may experience exposure to extreme weather conditions, insects, wildlife and other outdoor hazards while working in the field. Field work such as gathering samples may require geoscientists to hammer, dig, use tools, and come in contact with water, snow and ice. Physical stamina is important for doing field work, since this requires carrying rock samples and heavy equipment.
Industry sources also report that the globalization of mineral exploration has resulted in many B.C.-based geoscientists working on projects in other countries and climates around the world, often in developing countries in remote rural settings. As such, the risk of infections, diseases and simple injury (because of the distance from modern medical care facilities) is now greater. However, this is a controllable risk if it is well managed.
Some geochemists may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals; however, there is little risk if proper procedures are followed.
Source: 2016 Census
Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists must complete a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental geoscience, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline. In order to achieve the required registration by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) geoscientists must:
Other beneficial qualifications for a person in this career include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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New job openings will result from both the creation of new jobs and retirement.
There will be good opportunities for job seekers due to the relatively limited number of experienced workers available to fill job openings. Industry sources report that due to low levels of career recruitment and retention in the 1980’s and 1990’s, there are an insufficient number of highly qualified geoscientists available to replace experienced geoscientists who retire. Much of this gap is expected to be filled by immigration.
Industry sources also report that more geoscientists are expected to be based in the Lower Mainland, and less in other areas of B.C. Improved travel and instant communications make it easier for geoscientists to reside centrally and work remotely. There will be more opportunities for workers who have their Geoscientist In Training (G.I.T.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) designation.
New jobs in this occupational group will likely come from oil, gas and mining exploration activities in the province, or from activities in other part of the world being undertaken by companies based in B.C. Prices of oil, gas and certain metals and minerals have soared in recent years due to increased world demand, which will generate some new job opportunities. In particular, industry sources reportit’s been reported that demand for workers in the minerals sector is currently strong, and there is an insufficient supply of new graduates to fill job vacancies.
Industry sources also reports that opportunities will also likely become available in the environmental geosciences sector. This sector employs the second highest number of geoscientists and is currently experiencing a significant shortage of qualified graduates.
Many of the growth opportunities for geologist, geochemist and geophysicist specialties are also expected to come from growth in business services that provide geological services, either internationally or to local companies involved in international exploration.
Industry sources report thatT there is expected to be a greater demand of geoscientists for land use planning, risk assessment and water resources management, and less demand of geoscientists for surveying and mapping. Sources also suggest that there is currently greater demand of geoscientists to work on independent power projects in B.C.
In addition, new graduates will be needed in field-oriented jobs, as older workers may have moved to senior positions or no longer wish to work in the occupation.
Industry sources also reportIt is also reported that the globalization of mineral exploration has resulted in many B.C.-based geoscientists working on projects in other countries and climates around the world, often in developing countries in remote rural settings. As such, the risk of infections, diseases and simple injury (because of the distance from modern medical care facilities) is now greater. However, this is a controllable risk if it is well managed.
Career paths
New graduates may work as a geoscientist in training (G.I.T.) in order to obtain work experience necessary to become professionally designated. Industry sources report that recent graduates typically obtain positions as a field geoscientist or mapping geologist.
With further training and experience people may move between specializations in this group or they may advance into senior positions, such as project geologist, project manager, senior geoscientist, senior hydrogeologist, manager exploration, principal geologist, partner, VP exploration.
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