How to Be Engineering Geologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Engineering geologists are responsible for assessing the geological risks associated with building projects. They identify and evaluate potential hazards that could affect the safety and stability of a building, such as soil composition, seismic activity, and water runoff. Their expertise is essential to ensuring that a construction project is undertaken in a safe and cost-effective manner.

engineering geologists help to mitigate potential risks by making recommendations on how to best design and construct a structure that takes into account the properties of the subsurface environment. Without their input, the consequences of failing to consider geological impacts can be disastrous, ranging from structural damage to loss of life.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an engineering geologist is to earn a bachelor's degree in geology, engineering, or a related field. This can involve completing courses in geology, engineering, mathematics, and other physical sciences.
Participate in an Internship. Many colleges and universities offer internship opportunities with engineering firms. This is a great way to gain practical experience in the field while making valuable industry contacts.
Obtain a Professional Certification. It is important for aspiring engineering geologists to obtain a professional certification. This is typically done through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).
Gain Experience. Most employers require engineering geologists to have at least two years of experience in the field. This can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or paid positions.
Pursue Specialization. Engineering geologists may choose to specialize in certain areas such as environmental engineering, hazardous waste management, or hydrogeology.
Continue Education. It is important for engineering geologists to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the field. This can be done through continuing education courses, conferences, and seminars.

An engineering geologist plays a vital role in ensuring reliable and efficient construction projects. By studying the physical characteristics of the earth, such as soil composition, groundwater levels and rock type, they can identify risks posed by the environment and make informed decisions on the most appropriate construction methods to use. This helps to avoid costly mistakes and delays in project completion by providing safe and secure foundations.

engineering geologists can provide advice on suitable materials to use and how to mitigate potential environmental and geological hazards. Furthermore, they can also assess potential construction sites for suitability, identify potential sources of environmental pollution, and recommend remediation strategies. the expertise of engineering geologists helps ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable and efficient.

You may want to check Petroleum Geologist, Geophysics Geologist, and Field Development Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Conducting field investigations to collect surface and subsurface data related to soil, rock, groundwater and other geological conditions.
Preparing geological maps, cross sections and other related documents.
Analyzing geological data to determine potential geological hazards and the stability of slopes, foundations and other structures.
Developing engineering recommendations for projects such as roads, dams, tunnels and bridges.
Evaluating potential environmental impacts of land development and construction projects.
Assisting with the development of design solutions for various engineering projects.
Monitor, analyze, and report on changes in geological conditions of a project area.
Writing technical reports, papers and presentations based on collected data and findings.
Assisting in the preparation of bids and proposals for consulting services.
Participating in public meetings related to engineering or development projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geological principles and processes.
Ability to interpret geological data from subsurface investigations, maps, and aerial photographs.
Knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and geotechnical engineering.
Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret geological hazards.
Ability to assess geotechnical site conditions for development projects.
Knowledge of engineering materials and construction techniques.
Knowledge of hydrology, hydrography, and hydraulic engineering.
Ability to interpret geophysical data from seismic and magnetic surveys.
Familiarity with the principles and practices of geohazards assessment and mitigation.
Ability to prepare technical reports, interpretive maps, and field notes.
Ability to use geographic and statistical software applications to analyze data.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting procedures.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Engineering geologists play a key role in the construction and development of infrastructure. Their primary skill is the ability to interpret and assess the physical characteristics of natural rocks, soils and groundwater. They evaluate the properties of these materials and how they can interact with and affect the construction project.

Their expertise helps engineers and developers to identify potential risks and hazards associated with a site and develop the most effective ways to mitigate them. Engineering geologists provide invaluable input about the stability of a site, which can determine the success of a project. Without their knowledge, it would be difficult for engineers and developers to create structures that are safe and able to stand up to the elements.

Glacial Geologist, Petroleum Technician, and Volcanologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Engineering Geology?
How would you go about gathering data for a geotechnical analysis?
What techniques do you use for assessing terrain stability?
What methods do you use to identify and mitigate potential geologic hazards?
What is your experience with rock and soil sampling methods?
How do you evaluate the strength and permeability of soils?
How have you used GIS software in your past work?
Describe a project in which you identified and addressed a geologic issue.
What experience do you have with constructing engineering geological models?
How do you stay current with advances in engineering geology?

Common Tools in Industry

GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the precise location of a person or object. (eg: surveying a construction site)
Total Station. An instrument used in surveying and engineering to measure angles and distances from a known point. (eg: mapping a geological feature)
GIS (Geographic Information System). A computer-based tool used to store and manipulate spatial data. (eg: creating contour maps of an area)
CAD (Computer-Aided Design). A computer software program used to design and draft technical drawings. (eg: creating a geologic cross section)
Aerial Photography. Photographs taken from the air (from an airplane, helicopter, etc. ) that can be used to analyze land features. (eg: analyzing the terrain of a proposed dam site)
Geophysical Instruments. Instruments used to measure various physical properties of the Earth's subsurface, such as magnetic field measurements and seismic activity. (eg: assessing potential earthquake hazards)
Geotechnical Drilling. Drilling into the ground to collect samples for laboratory analysis. (eg: determining soil properties for a road construction project)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG)
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)
National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)
International Association for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)

We also have Environmental Geologist, Paleogeologist, and Business Analyst, Oil and Gas jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Geomorphology. The study of the physical features of the Earth's surface, their formation and evolution.
Stratigraphy. The study of the layers of sedimentary rocks and the sequence in which they were formed.
Hydrology. The study of the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on Earth and its interaction with the environment.
Geotechnical Engineering. The application of scientific principles to the engineering of structures or foundations, such as dams and bridges, built on or in the ground.
Soil Mechanics. The study of the physical properties of soil and its behavior when subjected to various loads and stresses.
Rock Mechanics. The study of the physical properties of rocks and their behavior when subjected to various loads and stresses.
Seismology. The study of earthquakes and seismic waves.
Geochemistry. The study of the chemical composition of rocks and minerals and how they interact with other materials in the environment.
Environmental Geology. The study of the effects of humans on the environment, such as pollution, land use, and climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Engineering Geologist? A1: An Engineering Geologist is a professional scientist who studies the physical properties of the Earth and how they affect human-made structures. Q2: What does an Engineering Geologist do? A2: An Engineering Geologist assesses, interprets, and evaluates geologic data to identify potential risks or hazards, as well as to develop plans for mitigating those risks for human-made structures. Q3: What type of structures does an Engineering Geologist work with? A3: An Engineering Geologist works with a variety of structures, including bridges, dams, roads, tunnels, and buildings. Q4: What skills are required to be an Engineering Geologist? A4: An Engineering Geologist must have a strong understanding of geology, engineering principles, and data analysis. They must also be able to interpret maps and aerial photographs. Q5: What degree is required to be an Engineering Geologist? A5: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in geology is typically required to become an Engineering Geologist.

Web Resources

Geological Engineering - Engineering Outreach - University of Idaho www.uidaho.edu
Engineering Geologist (JC-341509) - career.arizona.edu career.arizona.edu
Engineering Geologist (JC-340436) - career.arizona.edu career.arizona.edu