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Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists (NOC 2113)
Description
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate and identify hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources, to plan and implement programs of hydrocarbon and mineral extraction and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. They are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions or they may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- development geologist
- environmental geologist
- exploration geologist
- geochemist
- geologist
- geophysicist
- glaciologist
- groundwater geologist
- hydrogeologist
- hydrologist
- mine geologist
- mineralogist
- oceanographer
- paleontologist
- petroleum geologist
- petrologist
- sedimentologist
- seismologist
- stratigrapher
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Chemists (2112)
- Geological Engineers (2144)
- Physicists and Astronomers (2111)
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Duties
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution
- Plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs
- Plan, direct and participate in seismic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs
- Plan, direct and participate in the analysis of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross sections
- Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data
- Plan, direct and participate in the analysis of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age
- Assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits
- Identify deposits of construction materials and determine their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications
- Assess the movement of ground and surface waters and advise in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites
- Recommend the acquisition of lands, exploration and mapping programs and mine development
- Conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development, site selection and the development of public works projects
- Identify and anticipate natural risks such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
- May supervise and co-ordinate well drilling, completion and work-overs and mining activities.
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Skills
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists should have the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in the detail of their physical surroundings,
- an aptitude for mathematics and science,
- an open, inquiring, analytical mind,
- decision-making skills,
- ability to visualize objects in two or three dimensions,
- ability to work well with others or on one's own,
- physical stamina to work outdoors in sometimes rugged environments,
- ability to work with precision instruments,
- oral and written communication skills ,
- computer skills for analyzing data,
- for jobs requiring foreign travel, a second language may be useful.
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Employment Requirements
- A university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline is required. A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
- To practice as a professional geoscientist, registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba is required.
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Terms & Conditions
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists work in offices, laboratories, and outside in field camps. They may travel to remote work sites by plane, helicopter, boat, rail or all-terrain vehicle. Some spend part of the year working and living in remote areas. Physical requirements vary greatly depending on the nature of the work. Those working in offices may do little or no significant lifting, while those working in the field may be required to cover large distances by foot and lift equipment or samples weighing up to 25 kilograms. In an office or laboratory setting regular business hours are worked, but long and variable hours are also worked when out in the bush. Geologists employed by mining companies may work underground part of the time. Job relocation is common.
In Manitoba, nearly all geologists, geochemists and geophysicists work full-time (100%); 15 percent are self-employed. The work force is predominately male (90%).
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Earnings
$45,800 per annum - starting
$80,100 per annum - average
$126,900 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Environment, offers Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Geology and in Geophysics.
- The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science, offers Doctoral (Ph.D.) and Master's (M.Sc.) degree programs in Geological Sciences.
- Brandon University, Faculty of Science, offers a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geology.
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Career Paths
Individuals with a background in mining, land surveying or with an interest in geography may develop an interest in geological sciences.
Geologists may specialize in fields such as environmental geology, geotechnics, marine geology, mineralogy, petroleum geology, tectonics, volcanology.
Geochemists may specialize in analytical geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mineral or petroleum geochemistry.
Geophysicists may specialize in earth physics, oceanography, petroleum.
With experience, individuals may apply for supervisory or management positions. Those with post-graduate degrees may become university professors.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for geologists, geochemists and geophysicists are expected to be limited in the period 2010 - 2014. The number employed in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 165.
This is a small occupational group and the employment outlook is closely tied to the level of mining and petroleum exploration activity undertaken by companies located in the province. Exploration in Manitoba has slowed dramatically in light of declining commodity prices globally. The outlook for geologists may improve later in the outlook period if there are increases in metal prices on the international market and exploration investment and mining activity returns to past levels.
Environmental concerns may increase demand for geologists who specialize in fields such as hydrogeology, environmental and geotechnical geology.
The majority of this occupational group are located in Northern Manitoba (64%). Across industries the majority are located in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (36%), followed by Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (33%), Public Administration (21%) and Educational Services (6%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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