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Geological and mineral technologists

OaSIS code 22101.01

Geological and mineral technologists provide technical support and services or may work independently in the fields of oil and gas exploration and production, geophysics, petroleum engineering, geology, mining and mining engineering, mineralogy, extractive and physical metallurgy, metallurgical engineering and environmental protection.

Overview

Also known as

  • Assayer
  • Geophysical technologist
  • Mining technologist

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Conduct or direct geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs
  • Configure, operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment
  • Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps and cross sections
  • Prepare, transcribe or analyze seismic, gravimetric, well log or other geophysical and survey data
  • Assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs
  • Prepare or supervise the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and perform physical and chemical laboratory tests
  • Conduct or assist in environmental audits, in the design of measures to minimize undesirable environmental effects of new or expanded mining and oil and gas operations, and in the development of waste management and other related environmental protection procedures
  • May supervise oil and gas well drilling, well completions and work-overs
  • May conduct or supervise studies and programs related to mine development, mining methods, mine ventilation, lighting, drainage and ground control
  • May assist engineers and metallurgists in specifying material selection, metal treatments or corrosion protection systems
  • May assist hydrogeologists in evaluating groundwater and well circulation and in report preparation
  • May develop specifications for heat treatment of metals or for welding, design welding fixtures, troubleshoot welding processes or quality problems and supervise welding projects
  • May coordinate crew members' activities during seismic tests.

Additional information

  • There is limited mobility among occupations in this group.
  • Mobility may be possible between geophysical technology and electronic technology.
  • Mobility may be possible between some occupations in this group and related fields of civil engineering technology.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
  • Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
  • Supervisors, mining and quarrying (82020)
  • Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021)
  • Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (22214)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

22 – Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

221 – Technical occupations related to natural sciences

Minor group

2210 – Technical occupations in physical sciences

Unit group

22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

Occupational profile

22101.01 – Geological and mineral technologists

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Analyzing Data or Information
4 - High Level
Interacting with Computers
4 - High Level
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
4 - High Level
Processing Information
4 - High Level
Applying New Knowledge
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
3 - About half the time
Standing
Duration
3 - About half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
1 - Very little time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
3 - Important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • Consulting geology and engineering firms
  • Education institutions
  • Governments
  • Manufacturing, construction and utilities companies
  • Petroleum and mining companies

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Near Vision
4 - High Level
Arm-Hand Steadiness
3 - Moderate Level
Auditory Attention
3 - Moderate Level
Categorization Flexibility
3 - Moderate Level
Colour Perception
3 - Moderate Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Numeracy
4 - High Level
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
4 - High Level
Coordinating
3 - Moderate Level
Critical Thinking
3 - Moderate Level
Decision Making
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Analytical Thinking
4 - Highly important
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important
Leadership
4 - Highly important