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Geological engineers (NOC 2144)

High opportunity occupation
Table of contents
About this job Earnings and Outlook Duties Work environment Workforce and employment statistics
Job requirements Work-related skills Related careers Career paths and resources
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About this job

Geological engineers:

  • geological engineers carry out geological and geotechnical studies to assess suitability of locations for civil engineering, mining and oil and gas projects
  • plan, design, develop and oversee programs of geological data acquisition and analysis and the preparation of geological engineering reports and recommendations
  • work for consulting engineering companies; electrical utilities, mining and petroleum companies; and in government, research and educational institutions
Common job titles
  • engineer, hydrogeological
  • engineer, petrography
  • engineer, rock sciences
  • engineer, hydrogeological
  • engineer, petrography
  • engineer, rock sciences

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

$100,317

Source: 2020 Job Bank Wage data

Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2020 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))

Provincial hourly rate

  • High
  • Median
  • Low

Source: 2020 Job Bank Wage Report

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2021-2031)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

  • 2021 - 2026
  • 2026 - 2031

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job openings

10 year expected job openings: 430

  • 2022
  • 2026
  • 2031

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Composition of job openings

 
New jobs due to economic growth:
44.2%
190 openings
 
Replacement of retiring workers:
55.8%
240 openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Regional outlook

Select a region to view regional outlook
Vancouver Island / Coast Mainland / Southwest Thompson-Okanagan Kootenay Cariboo Northeast North Coast & Nechako
Cariboo
Employment in 2021:
N/A
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
N/A
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
N/A
Kootenay
Employment in 2021:
70
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
0.9%
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
20
Mainland / Southwest
Employment in 2021:
860
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
1.4%
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
310
North Coast & Nechako
Employment in 2021:
N/A
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
N/A
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
N/A
Northeast
Employment in 2021:
N/A
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
N/A
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
N/A
Thompson-Okanagan
Employment in 2021:
180
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
1.2%
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
50
Vancouver Island / Coast
Employment in 2021:
130
Average annual employment growth(%) 2021-2031:
1.8%
Expected number of job openings 2021-2031:
50

N/A - Data not available

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Duties

Geological engineers:

  • plan, develop and co-ordinate 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 likely effects of landslides and earthquakes to support construction and civil engineering projects
  • carry out studies on groundwater flow and contamination and develop regulations for site selection, treatment and construction
  • plan, develop, co-ordinate and carry out studies in mining exploration, mine evaluation and feasibility studies concerning the mining industry
  • carry out surveys and studies of ore deposits, ore reserve calculations and mine designs
  • supervise technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists

Work environment

Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office or school, or an outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to various weather conditions.

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

900 workers are employed
63% of workers are working mostly full time

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by gender

  Men
  Women

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by age group

  15 - 24 years
  25 - 44 years
  45 - 64 years
  65+ years

Source: 2016 Census

Labour force by industry

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services:
84%
Utilities:
5%
Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction:
3%
Public Administration:
3%
Construction:
2%
View more industry data

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by region

Select your region:
Vancouver Island / Coast Mainland / Southwest Thompson-Okanagan Kootenay Cariboo Northeast North Coast & Nechako
  % employment of this occupation
  % employment of all occupations
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland / Southwest
North Coast & Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island / Coast

Source: 2016 Census

Career paths and resources

Career paths

Geological engineers work closely with geologists and other scientists and engineers, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization and between engineering specializations at the less senior levels. Also, engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Additional resources

Profile last updated:
March 25, 2021
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