Occupational Profiles

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
 

Geological and mineral technologists

• 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.

Geological and mineral technicians

• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs and in environmental audits and related environmental protection activities
• Operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps and cross sections
• Assist in preparing, transcribing or analyzing seismic, gravimetric, well log or other geophysical and survey data
• Assist in the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and in conducting physical and chemical laboratory tests
• Assist in hydrogeological field and laboratory studies and in preparation of reports
• Carry out a limited range of other technical functions in support of geology, geophysics and petroleum and mining engineering.

• Geological and mineral technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in geological technology, petroleum technology, petroleum engineering technology, hydrogeology or groundwater technology, mining technology, mining engineering technology, mineralogy, metallurgical technology, or welding technology.
• Geophysics technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in electronics technology.
• Geological and mineral technicians usually require completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field.
• Certification in geological and mineral technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers.
• In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
• A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.