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Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist, Groundwater Technician, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist
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:
| Starting | $30.81 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.06 |
| Top | $64.15 |
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment, and to perform physical and chemical tests
Interest in analyzing geophysical and survey data to assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs; may assist engineers and metallurgists in specifying material selection, metal treatments and corrosion protection systems; may assist hydrogeologists in evaluating ground water and well circulation
Interest in supervising prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, geological survey programs and studies, and the preparation and of rock, mineral and metal samples; may supervise oil and gas well drilling, well completions and work-overs and welding projects
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Hydrology is the study of the distribution and circulation of water in the atmosphere, on the surface of the Earth and in the sub-surface of the Earth.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, hydrometric technicians and technologists:
Hydrometric technicians and technologists often work alone, dividing their time between office work and field work. Field work requires considerable travel, often in remote areas using various forms of transportation (for example, quads, snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes, boats, helicopters). They routinely may be required to lift more than 20 kilograms. Sometimes, heavier lifting (up to 40 kilograms) is required. Some hydrometric technicians and technologists must climb towers to install instruments and radio antennas.
Hours of work can be irregular depending on the season. For example, long hours may be required during spring break-up or flooding. Work during this time can be extremely hazardous. Working conditions can be harsh when working outdoors in extreme weather.
Hydrometric technicians need:
They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform precision tasks, and gathering and analyzing information.
Most hydrometric technicians and technologists have related post-secondary education such as a certificate or diploma in biological or environmental sciences, or university courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or environmental science. Experience operating boats, 4-wheel drive vehicles and recreational vehicles is an asset.
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science and related disciplines.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certified engineering technologists (CETs) apply industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties supervision by a Professional Engineer / Geoscientist or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience) may be required.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.
Registration requires successful completion of:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.
Certified engineering technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated certified engineering technologists, see Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process and Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process.
The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information or engineering technology professional who performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Technician (C.Tech.). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
Registration requires:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.
Certified Technicians who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. To do this, they must complete a transfer form and pay the associated fee. For detailed information about transfer requirements, see ASET. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada?
To learn about the certification process for internationally educated certified technicians, see Mechanical Engineering Technician Certification Process.
The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600 - 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practise independently in accordance with established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must be registered as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice, or to use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience) or the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.).
To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed, official information, contact ASET.
Professional technologists with a license to practice engineering or geoscience are currently only recognized in Alberta. They may be eligible for a limited licence with engineering regulatory organizations in other jurisdictions. Information on obtaining a limited licence is available through the regulatory organizations.
Registered professional technologists in Alberta may transfer to another province and receive recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist by completing the process set by the local provincial regulatory organizations for technologists. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Hydrometric technicians and technologists are employed by the following types of organizations:
At times, overseas work may be available.
Advancement opportunities depend on the size and nature of the employing organization, and the individual’s education and experience.
Hydrometric technicians and technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.19 | $54.66 | $30.81 | $26.83 |
| Overall | $23.10 | $59.74 | $42.06 | $43.98 |
| Top | $29.00 | $84.58 | $64.15 | $70.14 |
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $106,802 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $82,982 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $76,683 |
| Public Administration | $74,082 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: aset.ab.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Water Survey of Canada (WSC) website: canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/water-overview/quantity/monitoring/survey.html
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Updated Mar 03, 2021. 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.