Geologists & Geological Engineers A guide for newcomers to British Columbia

Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Working as a Geologist and Geological Engineer ......................................... 2 Skills, Education and Experience............................................................... 7 Finding Jobs .......................................................................................... 8 Applying for a Job ................................................................................ 11 Getting Help from Industry Sources ........................................................ 12 1. Working as a Geologist and Geological Engineer
Job Description
Geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists perform some or all of the
following duties:
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Plan, direct and participate in field studies, drilling and geological testing
programs
Plan and conduct seismic, electromagnetic, magnetic, and other remote
sensing programs
Plan, direct and participate in analyses of survey data and other test
results
Develop models and applied software for the analysis and interpretation
of data
Plan and conduct analytical studies of core samples to identify
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
Conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development and
advise in areas such as site selection, waste management and restoration
of contaminated sites
Recommend the acquisition of lands, exploration and mapping programs
and mine development
Identify and advise on anticipated natural risks
May supervise and co-ordinate well drilling, completion and work-overs
and mining activities.
Source: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2113
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Geological engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
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Plan, develop, and co-ordinate programs of data acquisition, analysis, and
mapping
Analyze and prepare recommendations and reports for construction or
improvements to foundations of civil engineering projects
Analyze and prepare recommendations and reports on settlement of
buildings, stability of slopes and fills, and probable effects of landslides and
earthquakes, to support construction and civil engineering projects
Conduct theoretical and applied study of groundwater flow and contamination
Plan, develop, co-ordinate, and conduct theoretical and experimental studies
in mining exploration, and feasibility studies relative to the mining industry
Conduct surveys and studies of ore deposits and mine design
Design, develop, and implement computer applications for geophysics,
geochemistry, geology, mapping, and related fields
Supervise technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Source: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2144
Industry Overview
Industry experts predict that future employment opportunities for geologists and
geological engineers will be good, with more job openings than number of workers
to fill them. Much of this gap is expected to be filled by immigration.
New jobs will likely come from oil, gas and mining exploration activities in BC, or
from activities in other parts of the world being undertaken by local companies.
Opportunities will also likely become available in the environmental geosciences
sector including land use planning, risk assessment and water resources
management.
There is currently demand for workers in independent power projects in the
province.
Source: WorkBC Labour Market Navigator http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/2113
and
http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/2144
WorkBC Career Profiles http://www.workbc.ca/Careers/ [search 2113 and 2144]
Last updated: April 02, 2014
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Job Outlook in BC
Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists, NOC 2113
Source: WorkBC http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/2113
Geological Engineers, NOC 2144
Source: WorkBC, http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/2144
Last updated: April 02, 2014
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
The BC Regional Employment Projections provides employment estimates for these
occupations within BC regions:
Geologists, Geochemists, and Geophysicists (NOC 2113)
Region
Vancouver Island
Lower Mainland/Southwest
Thompson-Okanagan
Kootenay
Cariboo
North Coast & Nechako
Northeast
2010
Estimated
Employment
2015
Estimated
Employment
Avg Annual %
Change, 5 Yrs,
2010 to 2015
210
1090
150
40
40
30
70
210
1230
150
50
50
30
80
0.4%
2.7%
0.0%
4.8%
2.3%
1.6%
2.9%
Geological Engineers (NOC 2144)
Region
Vancouver Island
Lower Mainland/Southwest
Thompson-Okanagan
Kootenay
Cariboo
North Coast & Nechako
Northeast
2010
Estimated
Employment
2015
Estimated
Employment
Avg Annual %
Change, 5 Yrs,
2010 to 2015
110
350
70
10
20
10
20
110
400
80
20
20
10
20
0.5%
2.9%
1.6%
7.0%
-0.5%
-1.8%
-0.1%
Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/LabourIncome/EmploymentUnemployment/Re
gionalEmploymentProjections.aspx
You can learn more about working as a Geologists (NOC 2113) and Geological
Engineers (NOC 2144) in BC from
 WorkBC, Career Profiles at http://workbc.ca/Careers
[Search NOC 2113 and NOC 2144]
Types of Employers
Geologists 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.
Geological engineers are employed in consulting engineering companies, electrical
utilities, mining, and petroleum companies, and in government and research and
educational institutions.
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Salary
In BC, the average annual salary for Geologists is between $95,000 and $125,000
and the average annual salary for Geological Engineers is between $66,000 and
$95,000. Salaries vary depending on education, work experience, position, and
employer. For example, geologists and geological engineers who take on
management positions may make more.
From Career Cruising database (Profile for Geologist). Available from the VPL Online Articles,
Encyclopedias & More page: https://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c
Full-time chemical engineers typically receive benefits in addition to their salaries.
Benefits usually include paid vacation time, paid sick leave, health insurance, and
pension plan contributions. Some employers also provide extra benefits, such as
the use of a company car or performance-based bonuses.
Source: Career Cruising database (Profile for Chemical Engineer). Available from the VPL Online
Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c
The Job Bank Canada website provides hourly wages for geologists [NOC 2113]
Source: JobBank Canada, Wage Report, http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/
Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for geological engineers [NOC 2144]
Source: JobBank Canada, Wage Report, http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/
Working Hours
Geoscientists and geological engineers usually work 8-10 hour days. However, at
times they may be required to work longer hours due to seasonal site access
limitations, remote location or data gathering equipment requirements.
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
2. Skills, Education and Experience
Skills
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Excellent communication skills
Applied knowledge of math, physics, chemistry and biology
Detailed observation skills
Good physical stamina
Excellent problem solving and decision making abilities
Project management experience
Ability to travel to field locations
Excellent interpersonal skills
Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-orientated. They
should be able to communicate well in writing and orally, and be able to work well
individually and as a part of a team.
Source: Career Cruising database (Profile for Chemical Engineer). Available from the VPL Online
Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c
Education and Experience
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University degree in geology, geological engineering, geochemistry,
geophysics, or a related discipline is required.
Registration by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of
British Columbia (APEGBC) is required.
A master's degree or a PhD may be required for some positions.
Source: http://www.workbc.ca/Careers/ [search NOC 2113 & NOC 2144]
Qualifications
Entry level engineering positions do not require professional designation in BC
Licensing Requirements for Geologists and Geological Engineers
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC)
(http://www.apeg.bc.ca/) regulates and governs the engineering and geoscience
professions in BC. Only individuals licensed by APEGBC are permitted to undertake
and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience projects in the province.
Licensing is required to work as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) or Professional
Geoscientist (P.Geo.).
Engineers and geoscientists are eligible for registration following graduation from
an accredited educational program, and after four years of supervised work
experience and passing a professional practice examination and completed the law
and ethics seminar.
Internationally trained geologists and geological engineers who have
completed their supervised work experience abroad may qualify as a “Provisional
Member” with the APEGBC. This designation provides member status to
internationally trained engineering or geoscience graduates who have completed
the academic, experience, professionalism, character, and residency requirements
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
for registration as Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientists
(P.Geo.).
Engineers Canada has extensive information for internationally trained engineers
at A Roadmap to Engineering in Canada http://newcomers.engineerscanada.ca/
For more information contact APEGBC
https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Become-a-Member
Also, see the APEGBC's Online Resource for Internationally Trained
Engineers and Geoscientists for assistance with career development, including a
personalized ‘Career Development and Job-Search Plan’ and “First-hand advice”:
 Self assessment tool: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/News/Articles/APEGBC-MakesSelf-Assessment-Tool-Available-for-In
 Resources: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Resources
 For Job Mentoring Programs for Foreign Trained Engineers, see:
https://www.apeg.bc.ca/For-Members/Mentoring-Program
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials has
information on accreditation for internationally trained geological engineers at
http://www.cicic.ca/684/Engineers.canada?prof=2144
International agreements between professional engineering associations
http://www.engineerscanada.ca/mobility-international
3. Finding Jobs
You’ll find job advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals, and electronic
sources, as well as through professional associations’ publications.
Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for
free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on
Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in The Province on Sundays.
Job White Pages
Available in print at the Central Library or online at
http://jobfreeway.com/memberdocs/vpl-home.htm
NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch
libraries. Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library.
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Online Job Postings
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Earthworks
http://www.earthworks-jobs.com/
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Engineering Central Canada
http://www.engcen.ca/
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Indeed.com
http://ca.indeed.com/advanced_search
Find jobs posted on a multitude of company career sites and job boards
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RecruTech
http://www.recrutech.ca/
Can search by province, and by keyword, e.g. “geology”
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Skilled Workers.com
http://www.skilledworkers.com/search_job/search.php
Can search by Province and employment category, for example, “All Engineers”
Professional Associations’ Career Resources
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Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia
http://www.acec-bc.ca/resources.aspx
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Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC - Careers
https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Careers
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Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
http://www.cim.org/en/Services/Jobs.aspx
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Engineering Institute of Canada
http://www.engineeringcareers.ca/
Engineering careers network
For additional tips on job hunting see:
 Networking for Employment
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Networking.pdf
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Identifying the Right Position
When you browse job advertisements, you’ll find a range of different job titles that
are relevant.
For geologists, look for these related job titles (from NOC):
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Geochemist
Geophysicist
Hydrologist
Mine Geologist
Mineralogist
Petroleum Geologist
Petrologist
Sedimentologist
For geological engineers, look for these related job titles (from NOC):
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Geophysical Engineer
Hydrogeological Engineer
Creating a List of Potential Employers
You can use directories to produce lists of employers who work in the mining or
engineering industries in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. Contact them directly to
find out if they’re hiring.
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Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia
http://www.acec-bc.ca/membership/directory-of-members.aspx
Directory links to over 100 corporate members in BC
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Business in Vancouver. Book of Lists. “Biggest Engineering Firms in BC”
Available at the Central Library 338.9711 B97b and online at:
http://www.biv.com/lists
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Canadian and American Mines Handbook
Available at the Central Library, 380 Mi6C
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Reference Canada
https://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/r
Go to the "Reference Canada" database, choose the "Custom Search" button,
and select both "Keyword/SIC/NAICS" under Business Type and "City" under
Geography. In the top search box enter "geological" and click LOOKUP. Select
the appropriate headings. Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities,
and click the "View Results" button.
Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page.
NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer
from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this
database.
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
4. Applying for a Job
In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume (curriculum vitae) and a
cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your
relevant experience.
Use the library catalogue, http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ to find books on writing
resumes and cover letters specific to your industry.
To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following pathfinders which are
available in print at the Central Library or online at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/.
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Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Resume_Cover_Letter.pdf
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Getting Canadian Work Experience
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Canadian_Experience.pdf
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Networking for Employment
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Networking.pdf
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Learn More About Working in BC and Canada
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Learn_more_about_Seeking_
further.pdf
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
5. Getting Help from Industry Sources
Industry Associations
Associations for professional and civil engineers in BC and Canada provide
assistance to individuals. Registration and fees are required for membership.
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Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC)
http://www.apeg.bc.ca
Provincial association that licenses, registers, and regulates professional
engineers.
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Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
http://www.cspg.org
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Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC)
http://www.eic-ici.ca
Promotes continuing education and technical professional development in the
Canadian engineering community.
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Engineers Canada
http://www.engineerscanada.ca/
National organization of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that
regulate the practice of engineering in Canada
Geological Association of Canada
http://www.gac.ca
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Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
http://www.pdac.ca
Represents the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development
industry.
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Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia
http://www.sitebc.ca
An independent, non-profit society founded to represent the interest of British
Columbia’s internationally trained engineering community.
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Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia
http://www.speatbc.org
SPEATBC represents all engineering disciplines and all applied science
technologists and technicians
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Geology Exploration & Mining. Online Resources
http://geologydegree.org/mining-mineral-exploration/
Links to numerous associations & organizations in BC and elsewhere
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Geologists & Geological Engineers
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Industry Journals
Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your
profession. Examples at the Central Library:
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Canadian Consulting Engineer
Available at the Central Library, 620.5 C212 and online at:
http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/
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CIM Magazine / Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
Available at the Central Library, 622.06 C21c and online at:
https://magazine.cim.org/en/2014/March-April.aspx
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Canadian Mining Journal
Available at the Central Library, 622.05 C2125 and online at:
http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/
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Innovation/ Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC
Available at the Central Library, 620.5 B86 and online at:
https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Resources/News-and-Publications/Innovation-Magazine/InnovationPast-Issues
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The Northern Miner
Available at the Central Library, 338.205 N87 and online at:
http://www.northernminer.com/
Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Library,
Vancouver Public Library or telephone 604-331-3624.
Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/.
Last updated April 02, 2014
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