Nature of work
As a geologist engineer your career encompasses three key areas which are engineering, geotechnical work and site investigation. Your tasks range between consulting geological maps and aerial photographs to advise on site selection, assisting with the design of built structures, using specialised computer software or calculations, and collating data to producing reports.Moreover, you will handle overseeing the progress of specific contracts, planning detailed field investigations by drilling and analysing samples of deposits/bedrock, supervising site and ground investigations, besides visiting new project sites.
Additionally, your daily tasks may include advising on and testing a range of construction materials, such as sand, gravel, bricks and clay, making recommendations on the proposed use of a site , providing information and advising on problems as subsidence.
Moreover, you will manage staff, including other engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, consultants and contractors, attend professional conferences and represent the company or organisation at other events.
Environment of work
If you are considering applying for a geologist engineer position, you my face some difficulties. For instance, you will usually need to work unpaid extra hours especially within the private sector, but shifts system and weekends job are rare. Also, Career breaks and part-time work are unlikely. Moreover, you should be prepared to face challenging Physical conditions like working with various pieces of equipment on unfamiliar ground.Hopefully you like travelling because Travel within a working day and absence from home overnight are frequent. Overseas work which is usually paid and common within petroleum and mining or quarrying industries is required. Additionally, Being mobile and prepared to move around to gain promotion is often necessary for career development.
During your early stages of a career, work is mainly on-site with some laboratory and office work which gradually reverses with managerial responsibilities.
Despite the difficulties you may face, this career offers many advantages for you. For example, self-employment or freelance basis in the field is highly possible. Also, getting an experience or becoming a special expertise can lead to consultancy work.
Professional life
Depending on your technical ability, personal qualities and breadth of experience, you will have two main opportunities for career progression. Either, you continue working in a technical role as an engineering geologist and then progress to senior engineering geologist, or move into an engineering management role, working with or managing other professionals. Would you like to achieve more progression in your career ? Well, gaining chartered status is an invaluable part of career development and can improve your chances of achieving senior posts, such as in project management and team leading. Not satisfied yet? then you should Keep up to date with technical, legislative and statutory changes to develop your career successfully . It is important to maintain professional knowledge of relevant industry software and technology as there are fast-moving changes in these areas. Health and safety is also vitally important in the industry. Your monthly salary typically starts from 350000 SYP. Getting the job
As an engineering geologist you have to get a Bachelor's degree in one of the following specialists such as earth, physical, mathematical and applied sciences or in engineering. In particular , the following subjects may increase your chances for accessing to this career :- Geology
- geophysics
- geotechnology
- engineering geology
- mining engineering or mineral.
A postgraduate qualification, for example an MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology, Soil or Rock Mechanics, Foundation Engineering or related areas is desirable. It is sometimes also possible to gain entry to the field with a background in civil engineering. No matter if you don't have previous experience although field work experience will improve your chances.
Skills
Along with the academic qualifications, you should show evidence of some skills like team-working ability, report-writing ability, interpersonal skills and presentation skills. As well as, a flexible approach to work and willingness to accept responsibility. Not finished yet Physical mobility, a good standard of fitness and a driving licence are also required. Sources and references
For further information about this career you can visit the following websites: www.aegweb.org, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists
www.eurogeologists.de, European Federation of Geologists
geology.ahlamontada.net, Arab geologist Forum.
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization