2144-NOC

Geological engineers

(NOC 21331)
High opportunity occupation High opportunity occupation
Annual Earnings
$103,925
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
University Degree
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
420

Career Overview

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

 

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

 

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$103,925

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$90.69/hr
Median$49.83/hr
Low$28.01/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

1,060

% Employed Full Time

73%
Source: 2021 Census

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.

Career Pathways

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.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Investigative
Investigative
Realistic
Realistic

Job Titles

Geological engineer
Geophysical engineer
Hydrogeological engineer - engineering

Education, Training and Skills

  • A bachelor's degree in geological engineering or in a related discipline is required
  • A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required
  • Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)
  • Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination

 

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Electrical, Electronic & Communications Engineering
  • Engineering Science
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Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

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 10 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. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

78%
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

75%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

75%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

75%
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

75%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

75%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

72%
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

68%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

68%
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, while meeting the goals of the system.

68%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

1,060
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 20 1.9%
Kootenay 40 3.8%
Mainland/Southwest 715 67.5%
North Coast and Nechako 10 0.9%
Northeast 10 0.9%
Thompson-Okanagan 110 10.4%
Vancouver Island/Coast 155 14.6%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

420
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 0 0.9%
Kootenay 20 2.0%
Mainland/Southwest 240 1.7%
North Coast and Nechako Not available Not available
Northeast Not available Not available
Thompson-Okanagan 70 2.3%
Vancouver Island/Coast 80 2.3%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Professional, Scientific And Technical Services410
Public Administration10
Mining And Oil And Gas Extraction10
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Resources