Geotechnical Engineer

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: Geological Engineers (2144) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Geological Engineers (C044) 
• 2011 NOC: Geological engineers (2144) 

Geotechnical engineers work with geologists, other scientists, and engineers to solve engineering and environmental problems. They assess whether planned projects are feasible from an engineering point of view. They also help design cost-effective solutions for projects. They do this while maintaining recognized standards. They may be involved in a wide variety of projects, including:

• civil engineering projects (such as bridges, dams, reservoirs, power plants, roads, sewers, tunnels, railways, 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)
• pipeline construction and terrain analysis
• other projects involving soil, rock, and groundwater (such as forestry operations, waste management and landslide prevention).

Geotechnical engineers often specialize in certain types of work. This can include:

• foundation engineering
• permafrost engineering
• land remediation
• rock mechanics
• groundwater hydrology.

They may be generalists within an area or specialize further. For example, in the oil and gas industry, they may work mostly on oil sands projects or Arctic projects. Or they may focus on the hydrogeological or geomechanical aspects of exploration, production, or pipeline projects.

In general, geotechnical engineers:

• carry out site investigations
• plan and co-ordinate the gathering, analysis, and mapping of different types of data (geotechnical, geological, geophysical, or geohydrological)
• model analytical data
• study the mutual geotechnical (the combined physical, geomechanical, and geo-environmental) interactions of geological formations and construction projects
• prepare for the effects of harsh climate conditions and natural disasters on foundations
• assess geohazards and work to prevent risks and remediate consequences (such as developing ways to control landslides and potentially unstable areas)
• design excavations and tunnels (for roads, railways, airports, transmission lines, and pipelines)
• develop plans to safely dispose of garbage, sewage, and toxic chemicals
• conduct environmental assessments and co-ordinate the cleanup of contaminated sites
• prospect for minerals, building material resources, and drinking water
• design major structures in rock (such as tunnels, caverns, military bunkers, basements, and shafts)
• use computers to store and analyze data and create computer-aided designs
• prepare recommendations and reports
• supervise the construction of major engineering works that involve excavation, embankments, or exploration.

Geotechnical engineers may spend a substantial part of their working hours outdoors. They carry out field investigations or supervise construction. They may work on projects in remote locations. They may have to travel a lot, especially for projects in remote locations.

Geotechnical engineers need to possess:

• organizational, analytical, multitasking, and communication (technical and non-technical) 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 3 dimensions from drawings in 2 dimensions
• the ability to work with little supervision and take charge of projects
• the ability to work on their own or as part of a team
• high ethical standards.

They should enjoy:

• analyzing and synthesizing information
• performing precision tasks
• working outdoors
• supervising the work of others.

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
• educational and research institutions.

In addition to educational requirements, success in this career requires an adequate level of practical knowledge and good engineering judgment. Engineering judgment generally comes from work experience and mentorship. This is often obtained through co-op, internship, or practicum programs. It may also be obtained through part- or full-time employment. However, 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 resumes to enter the job market or obtain P.Eng. certification.

Experienced geotechnical engineers may become:

• technical specialists
• consultants at their own firms
• construction contractors
• business engineering analysts.

They may also move into management positions. Working in an environment with many different areas of expertise may help geotechnical engineers develop the skills to move into related areas of:

• engineering
• science
• sales
• marketing

Geotechnical engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2144: Geological engineers. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf].

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

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

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

Engineers Canada website: www.engineerscanada.ca

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

Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) (formerly Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada) website:  www.careersinoilandgas.com

PHRC's Oil and Gas Careers website: www.oilandgascareerinfo.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.