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2113.1 – Geoscientists
Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment.
Profile
Example titles Help
- Development geologist
- Environmental geologist
- Exploration geologist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Glaciologist
- Groundwater geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Mine geologist
- Mineralogist
- Paleontologist
- Petroleum geologist
- Petrologist
- Sedimentologist
- Seismologist
- Stratigrapher
Main characteristics Help
- General learning ability to conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution; and to conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development, site selection and the development of public works projects
- Verbal ability to prepare reports and to plan, direct and participate in analyses of survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross-sections
- Numerical ability to develop applied software for analyses and interpretation of data
- Spatial perception to assess the movement of ground and surface waters, and to identify and anticipate natural risks such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
- Form perception to assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits
- Innovative interest in synthesizing information to plan and direct field studies, drilling and testing programs, and seismic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs to extend knowledge of the earth; in assessing deposits and geological age; and in determining characteristics and suitability of materials for use as concrete aggregates, road fill and other applications
- Objective interest in precision working with instruments to identify deposits of construction materials; and in participating in remote sensing programs and in analyses of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition
- Directive interest in consulting to recommend the acquisition of lands, exploration and mapping programs, and mine development; and in advising in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites; may supervise and co-ordinate well drilling, completion and workovers, and mining activities
Aptitudes Help
One of five levels assigned for each factor, with levels representing normal curve distribution of the labour force:
- G
- General learning ability
- V
- Verbal ability
- N
- Numerical ability
- S
- Spatial perception
- P
- Form perception
- Q
- Clerical perception
- K
- Motor co-ordination
- F
- Finger dexterity
- M
- Manual dexterity
- The highest 10% of the working population
- Upper third, exclusive of the highest 10%
- Middle third of the working population
- Lowest third, exclusive of the lowest 10%
- Lowest 10% of the working population
An individual's overall capacity to learn the skills needed to perform job duties is based on his or her specific aptitudes for acquiring information and transforming it into action.
General learning ability G-1
Ability to 'catch on' or understand instructions and underlying principles; to reason and make judgments.
Verbal ability V-1
Ability to understand the meaning of words and the ideas associated with them, and to use them effectively; to comprehend language, to understand relationships between words and to understand the meaning of whole sentences and paragraphs; to present information or ideas clearly.
Numerical ability N-1
Ability to carry out arithmetical processes quickly and accurately.
Spatial perception S-2
Ability to think visually about geometric forms and comprehend the two dimensional representation of three dimensional objects; to recognize the relationships resulting from the movement of objects in space. May be used in such tasks as blueprint reading and in solving geometry problems. Frequently described as the ability to 'visualize' objects of two or three dimensions.
Form perception P-2
Ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects and in pictorial and graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discriminations and to see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines.
Clerical perception Q-3
Ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material; to observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetical computation.
Motor co-ordination K-3
Ability to co-ordinate eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately when required to respond with precise movements.
Finger dexterity F-4
Ability to move the fingers and manipulate small objects with the fingers rapidly and/or accurately.
Manual dexterity M-3
Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully; to work with the hands in placing and turning motions.
Interests Help
Three of five descriptive factors, assigned in order of predominance and lower case rating indicating weaker representation:
- D
- Directive
- I
- Innovative
- M
- Methodical
- O
- Objective
- S
- Social
Innovative I
Innovative persons like to explore things in depth and arrive at solutions to problems by experimenting. They are interested in initiating and creating different ways to solve questions and present information. They enjoy scientific subjects. Innovative persons prefer to be challenged with new and unexpected experiences. They adjust to change easily.
Objective O
Objective persons enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery. They like to repair and/or fabricate things from various materials according to specifications and using established techniques. Objective persons are interested in finding out how things operate and how they are built.
Directive D
Directive persons like to take charge and control situations. They like to take responsibility for projects that require planning, decision making and co-ordinating the work of others. They are able to give direction and instructions easily. They enjoy organizing their own activities. They see themselves as independent and self-directing.
Data, people, and things Help
Data
- 0
- Synthesizing
- 1
- Co-ordinating
- 2
- Analyzing
- 3
- Compiling
- 4
- Computing
- 5
- Copying
- 6
- Comparing
- 7
- N/A
- 8
- Not Significant
People
- 0
- Mentoring
- 1
- Negotiating
- 2
- Instructing - Consulting
- 3
- Supervising
- 4
- Diverting
- 5
- Persuading
- 6
- Speaking - Signaling
- 7
- Serving - Assisting
- 8
- Not significant
Things
- 0
- Setting up
- 1
- Precision working
- 2
- Controlling
- 3
- Driving - Operating
- 4
- Operating - Manipulating
- 5
- Tending
- 6
- Feeding - Offbearing
- 7
- Handling
- 8
- Not significant
Data Synthesizing 0
Integrating analyses of data to discover facts and/or develop knowledge, concepts and interpretations.
People Consulting 2
Teaching subject matter to others, giving advice or training others (including animals) through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice; making recommendations on the basis of subject matter expertise.
Things Precision working 1
Using the body and/or equipment to move, guide, place, install and/or interface with objects, in order to attain specifications and precise standards. Considerable judgment is required to select, adjust and utilize appropriate tools, products and/or materials to accomplish specified objectives.
Physical activities Help
V - Vision
- 1
- Close visual acuity
- 2
- Near vision
- 3
- Near and far vision
- 4
- Total visual field
H - Hearing
- 1
- Limited
- 2
- Verbal interaction
- 3
- Other sound discrimination
L - Limb co-ordination
- 0
- Not relevant
- 1
- Upper limb co-ordination
- 2
- Multiple limb co-ordination
C - Colour discrimination
- 0
- Not relevant
- 1
- Relevant
B - Body position
- 1
- Sitting
- 2
- Standing and/or walking
- 3
- Sitting, standing, walking
- 4
- Other body positions
S - Strength
- 1
- Limited
- 2
- Light
- 3
- Medium
- 4
- Heavy
Vision Vision V-3
The use of sight in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the visual field involved in the performance of the work.
3 - Near and far vision
Some work activities involve the monitoring of processes, objects or situations in the work environment that are far from the worker. Other work activities involve Near vision (2).
Examples:
- installing shingles/tiles on roofs
- conducting surveys to establish legal property boundaries
- developing trading strategies by monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor
Colour discrimination Colour discrimination C-1
The use of colour descrimination to identify, distinguish and match colours and different shades of the same colours.
1 - Relevant
Colour discrimination is relevant in the performance of the work.
Examples:
- observing signals while operating vehicles
- installing, testing and repairing electrical wiring
- restoring and conserving museum and art gallery artifacts
- designing, constructing and repairing dentures
Hearing Hearing H-2
The use of hearing in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the type of auditory discrimination involved in the performance of the work.
2 - Verbal interaction
Work activities involve communication with colleagues, clients and/or the public on a regular basis.
Examples:
- operating directory listing systems to provide directory assistance to customers
- resolving work problems and recommending measures to improve productivity
- consulting with families of the deceased regarding funeral services
- analyzing and providing advice on managerial methods and organization of establishments
Body position Body position B-3
Primary type of posture or body movement involved in performing the work. These postures or body movements range from simple to complex and from sedentary to mobile.
3 - Sitting, standing, walking
This level involves work activities in combinations and varying degrees of Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2).
Examples:
- teaching students through lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations and field studies
- assessing land values for taxation purposes
- ensuring that systems and equipment are operating efficiently on job sites
- supervising and co-ordinating the activities of workers who cut or stitch fabric, fur or leather garments
Limb co-ordination Limb co-ordination L-1
The use of limbs in performing work.
1 - Upper limb co-ordination
Work activities involve co-ordination of upper limbs.
Examples:
- keyboarding
- performing maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune-ups
- operating video cameras
- instructing students in sign language
Strength Strength S-2
The use of strength in the handling of loads such as pulling, pushing, lifting and/or moving objects during the work performed.
2 - Light
Work activities involve handling loads of 5 kg but less than 10 kg.
Examples:
- repairing soles, heels and other parts of footwear
- filing materials in drawers, cabinets and storage boxes
- preparing and cooking meals
- repairing paintings and artifacts
Environmental conditions Help
Location
- L1
- Regulated inside climate
- L2
- Unregulated inside climate
- L3
- Outside
- L4
- In a vehicle or cab
Hazards
- H1
- Dangerous chemical substances
- H2
- Biological agents
- H3
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- H4
- Electricity
- H5
- Radiation
- H6
- Flying particles, falling objects
- H7
- Fire, steam, hot surfaces
- H8
- Dangerous locations
Discomforts
- D1
- Noise
- D2
- Vibration
- D3
- Odours
- D4
- Non-toxic dusts
- D5
- Wetness
Location Regulated inside climate L1
The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:
- firefighting and fire prevention duties
- maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
- managing operations and paperwork of farms
L1 - Regulated inside climate
A normal controlled environment such as an office, hospital or school.
Location Outside L3
The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:
- firefighting and fire prevention duties
- maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
- managing operations and paperwork of farms
L3 - Outside
An outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to variations in weather conditions and seasonal weather patterns.
Examples:
- maintaining lawns
- repairing buildings, roads, bridges and dams
- operating power saws to thin and space trees
- delivering mail
Employment requirements Help
Education/training Help
- 1
- No formal education or training requirements
- 2
- Some high school education and/or on the job training or experience
- 3
- High school
- 4
- Course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation
- 5
- Apprenticeship, specialized training, vocational school training
- 6
- College, technical school (certificate, diploma)
- 7
- Undergraduate degree
- 8
- Post-graduate or professional degree
- +
- Additional requirement beyond education and training
- R
- Regulated requirement(s)
- Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline.
- A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
- Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.
- Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination.
Workplaces/employers Help
- Consulting engineering, geology and geophysics firms
- Educational institutions
- Governments
- Mining and petroleum companies
- Self-employment
Occupational options Help
- Advancement to management positions in mining, petroleum and other industries is possible with experience.
- Advancement to management positions in mining, petroleum and other industries is possible with experience.
- Mobility between specializations in this group is possible with experience.
- Mobility between specializations in this group is possible with experience.
- Progression to supervisory or higher level positions is possible with experience in this group.
- Progression to supervisory or higher level positions is possible with experience in this unit group.
Exclusions Help
Remarks Help
- Geophysicists may specialize in areas, such as petroleum geology, earth physics, geodesy, geoelectromagnetism, seismology or in other fields.
- Geochemists may specialize in analytical geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mineral or petroleum geochemistry or in other fields.
- Geologists may specialize in fields such as coal geology, environmental geology, geochronology, hydrogeology, mineral deposits or mining, petroleum geology, stratigraphy, tectonics, volcanology or in other fields.
Breakdown summary
- Broad occupational category
- 2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- Skill level
- A – Occupations usually require university education
- Minor group
- 21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences
- Minor group
- 211 – Physical science professionals
- Unit group
- 2113 – Geoscientists and oceanographers
- Version
- NOC 2016 Version 1.3