Seismologist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Seismologists are Earth scientists, specialized in geophysics, who study the genesis and the propagation of seismic waves in geological materials. These geological materials can range from a laboratory sample to the Earth as a whole, from its surface to its core. (What is a Seismologist?, Natural Resources Canada)
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
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- What is a Seismologist? - Natural Resources Canada
- Seismologist Career Profile - ECO Canada
- What is a Seismologist? - American Geosciences Institute
- What is a Seismologist? - EnvironmentalScience.org
- Seismologist Career Profile - College Foundation of North Carolina
- Seismologist Career Profile - The Geological Society
Education
Depending on their field of interest, seismologists can come from following the fields: geology, geophysics, physics or applied mathematics. A university undergraduate degree is necessary, and Masters studies or Doctoral work are significant assets for more advanced research. Though several Canadian universities offer degrees in Earth sciences (geology, geological engineering, geophysics), none offer programs dealing with the seismology of earthquakes. Specialization can be done at the Graduate level (Masters, Doctorate) after a first degree in the disciplines mentioned above (Natural Resources Canada).
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.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Department of Earth Sciences - Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources
- Department of Mathematics - Faculty of Science
- Department of Physics and Astronomy - Faculty of Science
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
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Salary Survey - Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba 2018 (includes anticipated openings)
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- The Canadian Association for Earthquake Engineering
- Geological Association of Canada
- Geoscientists Canada
- Seismological Society of America
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.
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Manitoba Chapter
- The Canadian Geotechnical Society
- The Canadian Geotechnical Society - Manitoba Chapter
Job Boards
Search 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
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Seismological Facility for the Advancement of Geoscience (previously Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology)
- Natural Resources Canada - Earthquakes Canada
- International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
- Canadian National Data Centre for Earthquake Seismology and Nuclear Explosion Monitoring
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows' programs
- Canadian Geophysical Union
- U.S Geological Survey - Earthquake Hazard Program
- American Geophysical Union
- EGU Division Seismology Jobs
- Journal of Seismology
- Reviews of Geophysics