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Geotechnical Engineer: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you interested in diverse infrastructure projects? Do you think of a major waterbody or a steep slope as a construction challenge? Are you interested in how things work from the ground below? Then you may want to explore a career as a geotechnical engineer.
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Occupations in Alberta

Geotechnical Engineer

In constructing our civilizations, we build on, with, from, or around soil, rock, other geo-materials, and groundwater. Geotechnical engineers assess and engineer the conditions needed for construction.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Engineer, Professional Engineer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2144: Geological Engineers

2006 NOC-S

  • C044: Geological Engineers

2011 NOC

  • 2144: Geological engineers

2016 NOC

  • 2144: Geological engineers

2021 NOC

  • 21331: Geological engineers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21331.00: Geological engineers
Duties
Updated Apr 11, 2022

Geotechnical engineers use their knowledge of soil and rock properties to evaluate risk and solve problems on infrastructure projects. These can include:

  • Civil infrastructure projects such as bridges, dams, reservoirs, power plants, roads, sewers, railways, airports, and housing projects
  • Underground mines, open pit mines, and quarries
  • Petroleum exploration, production, reservoir analysis, and the geomechanics of subsurface reservoir operations for conventional petroleum or oil sands projects
  • New pipeline construction or existing pipeline maintenance
  • Transmission lines
  • Terrain analysis and remediation
  • Major structures in rock such as tunnels, caverns, military bunkers, basements, and shafts
  • Other projects involving soil, rock, and groundwater interactions such as forestry operations, waste management, and landslide prevention

Geotechnical engineers work with geologists, scientists, and other engineers. They often specialize or take part in working groups in specific areas. They may be generalists within that area or specialize further. These areas can include:

  • Cold region or permafrost engineering
  • Dam engineering and safety
  • Foundation engineering and testing
  • Geohazards and geomorphology
  • Geophysical exploration
  • Groundwater hydrology
  • Land remediation
  • Materials engineering and testing
  • Mining and tailings management
  • Numerical modelling
  • Offshore exploration and engineering
  • Rock engineering
  • Seismic engineering
  • Slope monitoring, analysis, and stabilization
  • Soil-pipe stress interactions
  • Tunnelling and trenchless technology

In general, geotechnical engineers:

  • Provide practical geotechnical recommendations
  • Check for cost implications of their recommendations
  • Maintain client relationships and a thorough understanding of the end goal of a project
  • Keep onsite safety standards in mind

Duties most often fall into 3 stages.

During literature review or desktop study, geotechnical engineers assess whether planned projects are feasible from an engineering point of view. They:

  • Study geological maps, geotechnical reports, and aerial photos to understand potential subsurface conditions and risks
  • Study the combined physical, geo-mechanical, and geo-environmental interactions of geological formations and construction projects
  • Plan and coordinate the gathering, analysis, and mapping of different types of data (geotechnical, geological, geophysical, or geohydrological)
  • Complete a preliminary review of proposed foundation plans based on potential ground conditions
  • Assess possible geohazards
  • Create a plan to prevent risks to the foundation, such as landslides, harsh climate conditions, and natural disasters
  • Search for environmentally sensitive features such as waterbodies, landfills, or wildlife habitat
  • Develop a site investigation program

During site investigation or monitoring, they carry out “ground truthing” exercises to assess potential risks to humans and the environment. They:

  • Oversee major engineering works that involve excavation, embankments, cut-off walls, ponds, pipelines, or water-intake structures
  • Inspect the site to confirm the desktop study
  • Supervise the drilling crew as it collects soil samples or rock cores for laboratory testing
  • Supervise investigations
  • Solve complications such as unexpected subsurface conditions
  • Prospect for minerals, building material resources, and drinking water
  • Monitor conditions such as groundwater levels during and after construction

During lab testing and reporting, they:

  • Complete lab testing of soil and rock samples
  • Complete geotechnical calculations, numerical modelling, and drawings
  • Prepare recommendations related to the proposed use of the site
  • Use computers to store and analyze data and create computer-aided designs
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 11, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Geotechnical engineers may spend a large part of their working hours outdoors. This is most likely early in their careers.

They may work on projects in remote locations, which requires a lot of travel. Otherwise, they may have to travel less than half of their time.

They may have to carry heavy bags of soil. This is most likely early in their careers.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Geological engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21331.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Geological engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21331.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 11, 2022

Geotechnical engineers need:

  • High ethical standards
  • Independence
  • Organizational skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Multitasking skills
  • Leadership skills
  • The ability to manage people
  • Technical and non-technical communication skills
  • An aptitude for math and science
  • The ability to take a practical and creative approach to their work
  • The ability to see objects in 3D from 2D drawings
  • The ability to work on their own or as part of a team

They should enjoy:

  • Analyzing and synthesizing information
  • Performing precision tasks
  • Working outdoors
  • Cooperating with others

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Geological engineers

2016 NOC: 2144

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 28, 2021 and Aug 06, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Geotechnical
Work Setting: Consulting engineering company
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Access
Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Outlook
Specification or technical writing
Design
Project planning
Geotechnical 7
Work Setting: Consulting engineering company 7
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Access 7
Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD 7
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel 7
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word 7
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Outlook 7
Specification or technical writing 5
Design 5
Project planning 5
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 11, 2022
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

The basic educational requirement for geotechnical engineers is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The degree must include courses in a related engineering discipline. This could be civil or geological engineering.

A graduate degree in this field is an asset. Along with several years of practice, it provides confidence in decision making.

Geotechnical engineers need to know how to use geotechnical software such as GeoStudio™, LPile, gINT®, and Settle 3D.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

University of Alberta
University of Calgary
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northwestern Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 11, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certification is not required. However, it may be an asset when seeking employment.

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Engineer

Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.

You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 11, 2022

Geotechnical engineers may work for or contract out to:

  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation companies
  • Petroleum services companies
  • Electrical utility companies
  • Mining companies
  • Governments
  • Education and research institutions

Success in this career requires practical knowledge and good engineering judgment. Engineering judgment comes mostly from experience and mentorship. New engineers can gain these through co-op, internship, or practicum programs, or part- or full-time employment.

Landing a job may be hard without related experience. Some companies provide internship and practicum programs to new graduates. These are also open to international professionals with no North American experience. This builds resumés to enter the job market or obtain professional engineer certification.

Experienced geotechnical engineers may become:

  • Technical specialists
  • Consultants at their own firms
  • Design, engineering, or construction contractors
  • Business engineering analysts

They may also move into management. Working with experts in many different fields may help them develop management skills. They may move into positions in:

  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Sales
  • Marketing
Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Geological engineers
2016 NOC: 2144

89.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Geological engineers
2021 NOC: 21331
Warm
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Geological engineers
2016 NOC: 2144
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
64
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 11, 2022

Earnings vary depending on factors such as:

  • Location
  • Company
  • Office vs fieldwork
  • Project complexity and associated responsibilities
  • Leadership level
  • Subject matter expertise

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Geological engineers

2021 NOC: 21331
Average Wage
$60.00
Per Hour
Average Salary
$120,433.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21331 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $29.00 $52.88 $39.91 $38.46
Overall $38.02 $97.54 $60.00 $64.10
Top $45.62 $113.87 $68.36 $67.69

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
ALL INDUSTRIES $120,433
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $120,310

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
47%
47%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
6%
6%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
    • Primary Resources
  • Science
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 11, 2022

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca

Engineers Canada website: engineerscanada.ca

Geological Association of Canada (GAC) website: gac.ca

Petroleum Industry Human Resources Committee (PIHRC) website: www.oilandgascareerinfo.ca

 

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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