Engineering Geologist Career
Engineering geologists conduct technical and scientific analyses of rock, soil, groundwater, and other factors in order to predict how large building projects would affect the environment. Geological expertise is essential in all types of civil engineering projects – and once you graduate, you’ll be able to meet the enormous national and international demand for specialist engineering geologists. For example, you might work as an engineering geologist analyzing locations and plans for environmentally sensitive developments like landfills. In addition, you can ensure that constructions are secure in the short and long term by monitoring the development sites and analyzing ground conditions.
What topics are necessary to become an expert engineering geologist?
Applied geomorphology and structural geology, applied geophysics and geochemistry, environmental geology and hydrogeology, land use planning, natural hazards, remote sensing techniques, soil and rock mechanics, and applied geotechnical engineering are examples of topics of interest.
You’ll learn advanced skills for understanding the impact of geological conditions on engineering structures like tunnels, dams, mines, quarries, contaminated land remediation, natural hazards, as well as how to plan and conduct detailed investigations into surface and subsurface geology to identify adverse ground conditions and design appropriate remedial measures for these structures.
What careers are available for Engineering Geologists?
As an engineering geologist, you can work as a field investigator or private consultant. Existing opportunities include:
- Geotechnical consultants and contractors
- Engineering geology consultants
- Environmental organizations
- Civil service and local government
- Marine and offshore consultants
- Mining and quarry industries consultants
Typical responsibilities of the engineering geologist include:
- Accessing, using and analyzing site information (such as radar images, aerial photographs, reports and geological maps) prior to site investigations
- Assist with the design of built structures using specialized computer software or calculations
- Supervise site and ground investigations and collate data and produce reports
- Oversee the progress of specific contracts and ensuring that projects keep to budgets and timescales
- Plan detailed field investigations by drilling and analyzing samples of deposits/bedrock
- Planning, organizing and undertaking fieldwork/site investigations by creating boreholes and trial pits
- Providing advice and information to clients on a range of issues including, for example, proposed use, subsidence and construction materials
- Assessing and minimizing the risks of artificial and natural hazards in the environment
- Managing and liaising with construction engineers, consultants, contractors and geotechnical engineers
- make recommendations on the proposed use of a site and provide information
- Attending professional conferences and represent the company or organization at other events.
Salary
- Typical starting salaries range between £21,000 and £23,000.
- Salaries at the senior level or with experience can range between £40,000 and £50,000.
- Salaries of £100,000 or more are possible in the private sector, the petroleum industry, offshore work, or in dangerous or remote locations.
Qualifications
Earth, physical, mathematical, and applied sciences and engineering are all relevant degree disciplines. The following subjects, in particular, may improve your chances:
- civil engineering
- engineering geology and geotechnics
- geology
- geophysics
- mining engineering.
Skills
While applying for an engineering  geologist position, the following skills must feature in your CV:
- Good communication skills
- The ability to evaluate data
- Report-writing ability
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
- Teamworking ability
- A flexible approach to work
- A willingness to accept responsibility
- Physical mobility and a good standard of fitness
- A driving licence, as you’ll need to visit sites.
