Geoscientists & Geological Technologists
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Geoscientists 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 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. They are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology and engineering firms, and by governments and educational institutions as well as by a variety of manufacturing, construction and utilities companies.
(National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- O*NET Online - U.S. occupational information: Geoscientists
- O*NET Online - U.S. occupational information: Geological Technicians
- What P.Geo.'s do - Geoscientists Canada
- Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada - profiles & featured role models:
- What do Geophysicists Do? - from the USGS
- A Day in the Life of a Geologist - The Princeton Review (U.S.)
- A Day in the Life of a Geophysicist- The Princeton Review (U.S.)
- Geosciences Overview- Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
- What do Geologists Do? - U.K. Geological Society
- Careers in Oil & Gas (Canada) career profiles: Geophysicist, Petroleum Geologist, Wellsite Geologist, Petroleum Geochemist, Geoscience Technicians/Technologists
- Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
- Occupational spotlights (2024) with detailed work setting and competency highlights : Geoscientist and Geological & Mineral Tech
- Careers in Mining profiles: Geologist and Geological and Mineral Tech
- Career Profile: Exploration Project Geologist (includes video) - from Let's Talk Science
- Mineral Resource Technologists and Technicians - overview from CCTT
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor,
The professional practice of geoscience in Canada is governed by provincial/territorial law and is regulated by professional geoscience associations. In Manitoba, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM) regulates professional practice. The requirements for professional registration are acceptable academic preparation and a subsequent period of acceptable geoscience experience. Students considering professional registration should take the B.Sc. Geological Sciences Honours or Major degree and make appropriate course selections...
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Canada Job Bank - Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region)
- OpportuNext salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook profiles for the U.S.
- Salary Surveys - from Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
- Mining Industry HR Council - LMI - includes outlook reports and occupational spotlights
- Employment & Labour Data - from Careers in Oil & Gas
- LMI & Insights Reports - from Careers in Oil & Gas
- I want to be geoscientist. What will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM)
- Geoscientists Canada
- Canadian Geotechnical Society
- Geological Association of Canada
- Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG)
- Mineralogical Association of Canada
- Paleontology Division of Geological Association of Canada
- Canada's Energy Geoscientists
- Canadian Council of Technologists & Technicians (CCTT)
- American Geosciences Institute (U.S.)
- Geological Society of America (U.S.)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Environmental Industry Association - member directory
- Mining Association of Manitoba - members
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers - members
- Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum - corporate member directory
- Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada - corporate members
- Exploration Geophysics Corporate Members list - CSEG
- The Geologists Directory - Companies (U.K. & Ireland)
- Geology.com (U.S.) - listing of O&G, Mineral and Environmental/Engineering Companies
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows' programs
- ECO Canada - Job & Training Funding
- Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences
- Canada Mining Innovation Council
- International Union of Geological Sciences
- Explore a Career in Earth Sciences - Earth Sciences Canada
- Careers in Geosciences - American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
- The Geological Society (U.K.)
- Geoscience Knowledge and Experience Requirements for Professional Registration(pdf) -from Geoscientists Canada