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Career Profile:

Geotechnical Engineer

$90,000

Median Yearly
Income

fair

Work
Prospects

3

Prospective
Employers

Work type:

full-time, self-employed

Most likely to work in:

Across the province, Halifax

Most employees have:

Bachelor's Degree

Certification:

Professional Engineer ASCE

What you do

Geotechnical engineers are responsible for evaluating subsurface and soil conditions and materials. They are commonly appointed as consultants on construction projects such as seabed interpretation, foundation design for subsea structures, platforms and mooring systems and pipeline routes. Engineers also examine environmental issues such as flood plains and water tables.





A Geotechnical Engineer performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Site characterization and ground modelling
  • Support during construction and installation
  • GIS and data management




What you need

  • Math & Physics
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Computer software/Programming




Who might be hiring?











Your Career Pathway

Opportunities for Hands-on Experience


Secondary School
Options and Opportunities (O2) Program
Physics 11 and 12


Post-Secondary Educational Programs


Certificates, Diplomas, Community College
Acadia University - Diploma of Engineering
2-3 years, $8,478 / year
St.FX University - Diploma of Engineering
2-3 years, $8,367 / year
Saint Mary's University - Diploma of Engineering
2-3 years, $8,297 / year
Cape Breton University - Diploma of Engineering
2-3 years, $7,501 / year
Dalhousie University - Diploma of Engineering
2 years, $10,662 / year
University Bachelor's Degree
Dalhousie - Bachelor of Engineering
2-3 (after Diploma) years, $10,662 / year
Geotechnical Certification

provided by the American Society of Civil Engineers to keep engineer’s knowledge up-to-date and learn current technologies associated with soil examination



Graduate Programs


Masters Degree
Dalhousie - Master of Engineering
1-1.5 years, $10,044 / year
Doctorate Degree
Dalhousie - PhD in Mechanical or Material Engineering
4 years, $6,714 / year