About the job
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in the fields of oil and gas exploration and production, geophysics, petroleum engineering, geology, mining and mining engineering, mineralogy, extractive and physical metallurgy, metallurgical engineering and environmental protection. Geological technologists conduct or direct geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys; exploratory drilling; well logging; or underground mine survey programs. They are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology and engineering firms, and by governments and educational institutions as well as by a variety of manufacturing, construction and utilities companies.
- 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.
- 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 engineering technician
- geophysical technologist
- groundwater technologist
- hydrological technician
- marine geoscience technologist
- metallurgical technologist
- mineral technician
- oil geology technologist
- seismic technician
- welding technologist
The skills and aptitudes for these jobs are as varied as the entrance requirements. You should be interested in science and technology and be able to work with detailed processes, machines, and techniques. Familiarity with computers is necessary for some positions. An aptitude for mathematics and the sciences at the high school level is important. Some of these jobs involve exposure to heat, noise, vibration, fumes, and dust, while other jobs are in a relatively clean laboratory environment.
- 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.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
None
Labour Market Information
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Geological and Minerals Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 55% of Geological and Minerals Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,330. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | 100 | x | x | x | Minimum: $14.00 Median: $23.08 Maximum: $57.69 | Minimum: N/A Median: $64,627 Maximum: N/A |
Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | 25,875 | Strong growth | 3,095 | Low | Minimum: $17.69 Median: $31.35 Maximum: $47.18 | Minimum: $13,568 Median: $60,422 Maximum: $107,009 |
Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | Compared to: Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | |
Percent employed full-time | 97% | 94% |
Percent self-employed | 30% | 7% |
Area of Employment | Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Southern | 9% | N/A | 12% | $30,581 |
Northern | 13% | x | 16% | $33,660 |
Cape Breton | 22% | x | 13% | $32,974 |
Halifax | 50% | $36,533 | 47% | $41,209 |
Annapolis Valley | 9% | x | 13% | $32,958 |

Age | Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology |
% Employed | % Employed | |
15-24 | 23% | x |
25-34 | 26% | 14% |
35-44 | 25% | 33% |
45-54 | 16% | 32% |
55-64 | 7% | 18% |
65+ | 3% | 4% |
Median Age | 43 | 43 |

Gender | Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | Compared to: Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology |
% Employed | % Employed | |
Female | 6% | 20% |
Male | 94% | 80% |
Education | Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians | Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Less than high school | x | x | 0.7% | $28,107 |
High school | 27.6% | $26,315 | 12.1% | $35,125 |
Trades certificate | 10.3% | x | 6.8% | $54,923 |
College certificate or diploma | 17.2% | $46,413 | 33.7% | $52,476 |
University certificate or diploma | 6.9% | $33,873 | 3.7% | $52,446 |
Bachelor's degree | 31.0% | $46,350 | 29.7% | $58,011 |
University advanced certificate or diploma | x | x | 2.0% | $54,917 |
Master's degree | x | x | 9.7% | $37,706 |
Doctorate | x | x | 1.7% | $65,565 |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | x | x | 0.1% | $57,566 |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the scientific of study of the occurrence, circulation, distribution, chemical and physical properties, and environmental interaction of surface and subsurface waters, including groundwater. These programs include courses in geophysics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical physics, geomorphology, mathematical modelling, hydrologic analysis, continental water processes, global water balance, and environmental science.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of mines and related mineral processing facilities. These programs include courses in principles of mineral extraction and related geology, mineral field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, assay analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, mine environment and safety monitoring procedures, mine inspection procedures, and report preparation.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for locating, extracting, processing and refining crude petroleum and natural gas, including prospecting instruments and equipment, mining and drilling systems, processing and refining systems and facilities, storage facilities, transportation systems, and related environmental and safety systems.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. These programs include courses in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
There are no additional resources for this occupation.