Geological and mineral technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in the fields of oil and gas exploration and production, geophysics, petroleum engineering, geology, mining and mining engineering, mineralogy, extractive and physical metallurgy, metallurgical engineering and environmental protection.
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People in this occupation:
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: 340
Geological and Mineral Technologists
Geological and mineral technicians
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians usually work a 35 to 40-hour week, however, extended hours or shift work may also be required. They may work either indoors in an office or laboratory or in field locations, such as mines, construction sites or wilderness areas while some workers may temporarily relocate to remote locations during field work.
Outdoor work sites can be dirty and noisy and safety precautions must be undertaken to reduce risks associated with field work. Some technologists and technicians perform field work during the summer months and indoor laboratory work during the winter.
Source: 2016 Census
Geological and mineral technologists are usually required to complete a two to three-year college program in geological technology, mining technology, mineralogy or a related discipline. Geological and mineral technicians are usually required to complete a one to two-year college program in a similar discipline as technologists. Geophysics technologists are usually required to complete a two to three-year college program in electronics technology.
Professional certification for geological and mineral technologists and technicians is available through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. (ASTTBC)
Completion of an accredited diploma program and two years of industry work experience are required for Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation and completion of an accredited certificate program and two years of industry work experience are required for Certified Technician (CTech) designation.
Certification is available for geomatics, metallurgical and gas and petroleum technical occupations.
For more information, please visit the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
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There will be job openings due to the need to replace retiring workers, as well as the creation of new jobs.
Employment growth is expected for geological and mineral technologists and technicians in the mining sector as a result of exploration and mining activity. British Columbia's Oil and gas industry has also seen growth in recent years, as high prices increased production and exploration activities.
Demand for workers in the Professional business services industry is tied to a wide variety of other industries, including Manufacturing and Construction. Employment growth in this industry is expected to follow overall growth in the provincial economy.
Career paths
Mobility may be possible between geophysical technology and electronic technology, and also between some occupations in this group and related fields of civil engineering technology. In general however, limited mobility is available between the different occupations in this group.
Additional resources