Geological Engineer

Geological engineers identify and try to solve problems involving soil, rock and groundwater, and design structures in and below the ground, using the principles of earth science.

Geological engineers may perform the following tasks:

investigate the engineering feasibility of planned new developments involving soil, rock and groundwater
plan and undertake site investigations for proposed major engineering works such as bridges, dams and tunnels
design measures to correct land contamination and salination
design major structures in rock such as tunnels, basements and shafts
perform computer analyses, use computer databases and generate computer-aided designs
work out strategies to control landslides and areas of potential instability
supervise the construction and performance of major engineering works involving excavation and/or exploration
act as consultants or researchers, carrying out studies in any of the above fields of activity
act in managerial positions and be responsible for coordination of multidisciplinary study teams, staff recruitment and matters of work organisation.

Specialisations:

Geological engineering includes a number of ground engineering specialities such as geotechnical engineering, land remediation, rock mechanics, groundwater hydrology and engineering geology.

Outdoor work is an essential aspect of geological engineering investigations. Geological engineers typically spend up to half of their working hours on field investigations and supervising construction of their designs.

Personal Requirements:

enjoy technical and engineering work
willing to adhere to safety requirements
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
aptitude for computing and design
practical and creative
able to work without supervision
able to accept responsibility
able to work independently or as part of a team
enjoy working outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.

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