2212- Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

Canada NOC: 
2212
Job Title: 

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

Job Description: 

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.

Main Duties: 

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:


Geological and mineral technologists
Conduct or direct geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs
Configure, operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps and cross sections
Prepare, transcribe or analyze seismic, gravimetric, well log or other geophysical and survey data
Assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs
Prepare or supervise the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and perform physical and chemical laboratory tests
Conduct or assist in environmental audits, in the design of measures to minimize undesirable environmental effects of new or expanded mining and oil and gas operations, and in the development of waste management and other related environmental protection procedures
May supervise oil and gas well drilling, well completions and work-overs
May conduct or supervise studies and programs related to mine development, mining methods, mine ventilation, lighting, drainage and ground control
May assist engineers and metallurgists in specifying material selection, metal treatments or corrosion protection systems
May assist hydrogeologists in evaluating groundwater and well circulation and in report preparation
May develop specifications for heat treatment of metals or for welding, design welding fixtures, troubleshoot welding processes or quality problems and supervise welding projects
May co-ordinate crew members' activities during seismic tests.
Geological and mineral technicians
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs and in environmental audits and related environmental protection activities
Operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps and cross sections
Assist in preparing, transcribing or analyzing seismic, gravimetric, well log or other geophysical and survey data
Assist in the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and in conducting physical and chemical laboratory tests
Assist in hydrogeological field and laboratory studies and in preparation of reports
Carry out a limited range of other technical functions in support of geology, geophysics and petroleum and mining engineering.

Employment Requirements: 

Geological and mineral technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in geological technology, petroleum technology, petroleum engineering technology, hydrogeology or groundwater technology, mining technology, mining engineering technology, mineralogy, metallurgical technology, or welding technology.
Geophysics technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in electronics technology.
Geological and mineral technicians usually require completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field.
Certification in geological and mineral technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers.
In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

Additional Inormation: 

There is limited mobility among occupations in this group.
Mobility may be possible between geophysical technology and electronic technology.
Mobility may be possible between some occupations in this group and related fields of civil engineering technology.

Classified Elsewhere: 

Civil engineering technologists and technicians (2231)
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (8222)
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)
Supervisors, mining and quarrying (8221)
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (2255)
Technologists and technicians whose primary duties are to perform chemical laboratory tests (in 2211 Chemical technologists and technicians)

Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
International Careers(ISCO): 
Source Of Info: 

National Occupation Classification, (2011)

Statistics Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,

February 2012,

Catalogue no. 12-583-X