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Engineering geologists are concerned with the detailed technical analysis and broad scientific assessment of the impact of a development on its site and population.
Engineering geologists assess the integrity of soil, rock, groundwater and other natural conditions prior to major construction schemes, such as tunnels, pipelines, buildings, docks and harbours.
They also advise on procedures required for such developments and the suitability of appropriate construction materials.
Engineering geologists are also involved with analysing sites and designs for environmentally sensitive developments, such as landfill sites. By monitoring development areas and analysing ground conditions, they ensure that structures can be secure in the short and long term.
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work --- Jobs Components/ Activities |
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Global |
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Typical activities cover three key areas:
Office-based activities, including:
- Consulting geological maps and aerial photographs to advise on site selection;
- Undertaking desk studies and assessing sources of site information prior to field investigations;
- Assisting with the design of built structures, using specialised computer software or calculations;
- Assessing findings for construction engineers;
- Collating data and producing reports;
- Undertaking additional project management duties;
- Overseeing the progress of specific contracts.
Site-based activities, including:
- Planning detailed field investigations by drilling and analysing samples of deposits/bedrock;
- Supervising site/ground investigations;
- Maintaining technical control of a site;
- Making visits to new project sites.
Liaising with staff and clients, including:
- Advising on and testing a range of construction materials, for example sand, gravel, bricks and clay;
- Making recommendations on the proposed use of a site;
- Advising on problems such as subsidence;
- Providing information and advice to clients as required;
- Ensuring that a site investigation progresses to budget;
- Managing staff, including other engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, consultants and contractors;
- Attending professional conferences and representing the company or organisation at other events.
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work --- Personal Profile |
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Global |
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Key personal Traits for this type fo career: |
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Attention to fine detail |
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Apitude For Mathematics detail and problem solving |
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Technically astute |
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Ability for setting and working to deadlines |
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Flexibility for working conditions |
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Ability to work under own steam |
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Ability to work in all weather conditions |
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Physically fit |
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good at concentrating |
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Ability to work under pressure |
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Intellectually strong |
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work - -- - Entry Qualifications |
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Relevant degree subjects include physical, mathematical and applied sciences and engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:
- Geology;
- Geophysics/Geo-technology;
- Engineering Geology;
- Mineral/Mining Engineering.
Entry without a degree or with HND only is not possible - the necessary scientific and engineering background can only be obtained through degree study.
The Geological Society of London has accredited a number of first degree Geo-science courses. An accredited degree usually qualifies individuals for membership (Fellowship) of the society after at least two years of relevant postgraduate experience. It also confers Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status after a period of professional development and relevant experience. Details of accredited courses are available through the Geological Society's website (see the Geological Society's List of Accredited Courses).
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, e.g. an MSc in Engineering, Geology, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, or Foundation Engineering, is essential unless your first degree is in engineering geology.
It is sometimes also possible to gain entry to the field with a background in civil engineering or the sciences through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). Contact these organisations directly for further information.
Pre-entry experience is not formally required, although field work experience will improve your chances.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
- The ability to work in a team;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Report writing;
- Presentation skills;
- Flexible approach to work;
- Willingness to accept responsibility.
Physical mobility, a good standard of fitness and a driving licence are also required.
Vacancies vary from about 50 to 200 in a good year. Because this is a small field, competition can be severe. However, there has recently been a shortage of graduate engineers and geologists and the field is likely to expand in the future. It is best to make speculative applications by CV in the spring term.
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work - -- Training & Career Evolution |
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Training
Training for new entrants is a combination of on-the-job and short training courses. Support varies with the employer but most are keen to encourage the development of skills and experience.
Generally, the larger companies are more likely to provide structured training programmes and funding for additional courses, for example in areas such as:
- Risk Management;
- Project Management;
- Health and Safety.
With smaller companies, you may need to find out about training and development courses for yourself, but there may also be greater flexibility and exposure to a wider range of roles. Check with companies when applying for work.
Professionals maintain their knowledge base through contact with specialised groups linked to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the engineering group of the Geological Society of London, which, in conjunction with the Association of Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Specialists (AGS) and British Geotechnical Association (BGA), provides details of current geotechnical training courses.
Chartered status can be gained through a relevant professional body. For example, the Geological Society offers Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status and a recently introduced option to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci). The ICE offers Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Achieving chartered status takes about five years and candidates must meet the educational and training requirements of their professional body, undertake relevant experience and complete a professional interview. It can be helpful to identify a member of the profession who can act as a mentor throughout the process of applying for chartered status. Having a professional mentor can also support your work if you choose not to gain chartered status.
Career Development
There are two main routes for career progression and both depend on technical ability, personal qualities and breadth of experience. An engineering geologist may:
- Continue working in a technical role as an engineering geologist and then progress to senior engineering geologist;
- Moving to an engineering management role, working with or managing other professionals.
Becoming a chartered engineering geologist or geotechnical engineer is an invaluable part of career development and can improve your chances of achieving senior posts, for example in project management and team leading. Chartered status usually takes about five years to achieve through the relevant professional body (see the Training section).
Keeping up to date with technical, legislative and statutory changes is also a key part of successful career development in this field and it is important to maintain professional knowledge of relevant industry software and technology because there are fast-moving changes in these areas. Health and safety is also gaining an increasingly high profile in the field. Continuing professional development (CPD) schemes are available through the professional bodies. Professionals normally maintain their knowledge base through contact with central or regional meetings of specialised groups linked to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the engineering group of the Geological Society of London.
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work -- - Reference Sources |
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Websites
ConstructionSkills
Eden Recruitment
Geological Society's List of Accredited Courses
Matchtech Group plc
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work - - Recommended Reading - Publications |
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AGCAS
Construction Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
Engineering Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
Environmental, Food Chain and Rural Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet, Biennial
Oil, Gas and Petroleum Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
Options with Geology, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
Other
Geoscientist, Geological Society Publishing House, Monthly
Ground Engineering, EMAP,
The Hobsons GET Directory, Hobsons Plc,
Annual New Civil Engineer, EMAP, Weekly
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work -- Industry Organisations |
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Key Professional Bodies: |
» Addresses
Association of Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Specialists (AGS)
Secretariat Office, Forum Court, 83 Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1NR
Tel: 020 8658 8212
www.ags.org.uk/
British Geotechnical Association (BGA)
c/o Institution of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA
Tel: 020 7665 2233
www.ice.org.uk
Geological Society of London
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG
Tel: 020 7434 9944
www.geolsoc.org.uk
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
1 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
www.iom3.org
Institute of Quarrying
7 Regent Street, Nottingham NG1 5BS
Tel: 0115 945 3880
www.quarrying.org
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
1 Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
Tel: 020 7222 7722
www.ice.org.uk
International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)
LNEC, Av. Brasil 101, 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: +351 218443419
www.isrm.net/
International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)
City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB
Tel: 020 7040 8154
www.issmge.org/
SEMTA: the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
Head Office, 14 Upton Road, Watford WD18 0JT
Tel: 01923 238 441
www.semta.org.uk |
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| Geologist - Engineerng Geologist Work - - - Salary and Stipend |
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- Range of typical starting salaries: £17,000 - £25,000 (salary data collected March 07).
- Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience: £27,000 - £50,000 (salary data collected March 07).
- Higher starting salaries may be paid to entrants with postgraduate qualifications. The highest pay is generally in the oil industry.
- Working hours usually include regular extra hours, but rarely weekends or shifts. Allowances for overseas work are paid, but overtime is not.
- During the early stages of a career, work is mainly on site with some laboratory and office work. This gradually reverses with managerial responsibilities. The balance between office and site also depends on the type of work done by the employing company: working for a site investigation company is likely to mean more time spent on site, compared with working for a consultancy, where the balance is more likely to be 60% office-based and 40% site-based.
- Physical conditions can be challenging (e.g. working with various pieces of equipment on unfamiliar ground).
- There is a high level of responsibility in the job because professional judgements have serious financial and public safety implications.
- There are increasing opportunities to work on a self-employed/freelance basis in the field, particularly as there is currently a skills shortage. Experience and special expertise can lead to consultancy work.
- Career breaks are rare and part-time work is unlikely.
- Jobs are quite widely available in most parts of the UK as most consultancies have regional offices. Overall, the South East has the highest number of opportunities.
- Approximately 5%-10% of engineering geologists are women.
- Being mobile and prepared to move around to gain promotion is often necessary for career development.
- Travel within a working day and absence from home overnight are frequent. Overseas work is possible, including in remote parts of the world.
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