Geoscience Professionals

Geoscience Professionals are involved in geological and geophysical work, requiring an applied knowledge in geology, chemistry, physics and math to:

• Locate, evaluate and economically develop and/or produce mineral, geothermal, and oil and gas deposits.
• Investigate, measure and map seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces impacting the earth.
• Study, analyze, and interpret data relating to seismic forces and other earth processes.

These activities relate to both onshore and offshore exploration and production activities.

If you have the following skills, interests and abilities a career as a Geoscience Professional might be for you:

• Understands the detail of physical surroundings, the Earth and its composition.
• Good at math and science.
• Have an inquiring and analytical mind.
• Good at solving complex scientific problems.
• Understands scientific principles quickly and easily.
• Detail oriented.
• Able to work with sophisticated computer programs for analyzing data.
• Likes to work in teams.

Education

Requirements usually include a university undergraduate degree in geology or geophysics and in some cases, physics or math. Most jobs require a professional designation and provincial licensing procedures will vary.

Here are a few helpful links for more information on professional licensing bodies in different provinces.  Licensing is generally transferable between provinces.

• Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of New Brunswick (APEGNB)
• Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL)
• Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists (NAPEG)
• The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (APGNS)
• Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Saskatchewan (APEGS)

Career Paths

Entry-level positions in this occupation begin at the junior or associate level, with opportunities to advance into supervisory or management roles (leading individuals or teams) or higher technical specializations. Other specialized roles may require a combination of work experience and post-graduate training.

At Work

Many jobs in the geosciences involve analyzing data or samples and are based primarily in an office environment. Travel and possible relocation may be required to areas that are to be studied.

Safety-sensitive positions have strict requirements related to being drug and alcohol free.

Quick Tips & Additional Resources

• Check out the Geologist Occupation Profile and Geologist video developed by Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS).
• Read Geochemical News and Elements Magazine published by the Geochemical Society.
• Read The Reservoir magazine published by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG).
• Visit Careers in Newfoundland and Labrador's Oil and Gas Industry.
• Talk to a Geoscience Professional and ask to job shadow them.
• Check out the student resources available on Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
• Read The Recorder publication developed by Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG).