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: 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 Last updated: April 02, 2014 2 Geologists & Geological Engineers A guide for newcomers to British Columbia Geological engineers perform some or all of the following duties: 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 3 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 4 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. Last updated: April 02, 2014 5 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. Last updated: April 02, 2014 6 Geologists & Geological Engineers A guide for newcomers to British Columbia 2. Skills, Education and Experience Skills 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 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 Last updated: April 02, 2014 7 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. Last updated April 02, 2014 8 Geologists & Geological Engineers A guide for newcomers to British Columbia Online Job Postings Earthworks http://www.earthworks-jobs.com/ Engineering Central Canada http://www.engcen.ca/ Indeed.com http://ca.indeed.com/advanced_search Find jobs posted on a multitude of company career sites and job boards RecruTech http://www.recrutech.ca/ Can search by province, and by keyword, e.g. “geology” 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 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia http://www.acec-bc.ca/resources.aspx Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC - Careers https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Careers Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum http://www.cim.org/en/Services/Jobs.aspx 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 Last updated April 02, 2014 9 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): Geochemist Geophysicist Hydrologist Mine Geologist Mineralogist Petroleum Geologist Petrologist Sedimentologist For geological engineers, look for these related job titles (from NOC): 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. 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 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 Canadian and American Mines Handbook Available at the Central Library, 380 Mi6C 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. Last updated April 02, 2014 10 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/. Writing Resumes and Cover Letters http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Resume_Cover_Letter.pdf Getting Canadian Work Experience http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Canadian_Experience.pdf Networking for Employment http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Networking.pdf Learn More About Working in BC and Canada http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Learn_more_about_Seeking_ further.pdf Last updated April 02, 2014 11 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. Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) http://www.apeg.bc.ca Provincial association that licenses, registers, and regulates professional engineers. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists http://www.cspg.org Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) http://www.eic-ici.ca Promotes continuing education and technical professional development in the Canadian engineering community. 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 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada http://www.pdac.ca Represents the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry. 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. 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 Geology Exploration & Mining. Online Resources http://geologydegree.org/mining-mineral-exploration/ Links to numerous associations & organizations in BC and elsewhere Last updated April 02, 2014 12 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: Canadian Consulting Engineer Available at the Central Library, 620.5 C212 and online at: http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/ 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 Canadian Mining Journal Available at the Central Library, 622.05 C2125 and online at: http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/ 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 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 13
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