Engineering geologist

Engineering geologist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical responsibilities include:

• collecting, analysing and interpreting data
• accessing, using and analysing site information (such as radar images, aerial photographs, reports and geological maps) prior to site investigations
• visiting sites
• preparing reports
• providing advice and information to clients on a range of issues including for example proposed use, subsidence, construction materials etc
• ensuring that projects keep to budgets and timescales
• managing and liaising with construction engineers, consultants, contractors and geotechnical engineers
• attending conferences and other events
• managing projects and setting objectives
• planning, organising and undertaking field work/site investigations
• collecting and analysing rock, bedrock and near-surface deposits
• utilising specialist computer applications.

Typical employers of engineering geologists

Most engineering geologists are employed by civil engineering consultancies and contractors, environmental consultancies and geotechnical/geo-environmental companies.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by specialist recruitment agencies, in national newspapers and publications such as New Civil Engineer, Geoscientist and Ground Engineering. Speculative applications via CV and covering letter are advisable - the British Geotechnical Association maintains a list of geotechnical services consultancy firms that may provide useful contact information.

Qualifications and training required

A variety of degree subjects are acceptable for entry into the profession. These include geology, geography, geophysics/geotechnology, civil engineering, physics, engineering geology and mining/mineral engineering. Postgraduate qualifications (MSc/PhD) in relevant/specialist subjects are normally advantageous, and essential for candidates without relevant first degrees. Graduates can obtain Fellowship membership of the Geological Society of London by gaining an accredited undergraduate geoscience course, together with several years of relevant experience. With appropriate professional development/experience it is possible to obtain Chartered Geologist status.

Key skills for engineering geologists

Employers seek motivated, flexible candidates with good teamworking, analytical, communication, organisational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Information Technology (IT) plays an important role within the profession - data is collected, stored and transferred electronically. Consequently good, up-to-date IT skills are essential. Relevant field work experience may be of benefit; this can be obtained via work shadowing, placements or vacation jobs.