Occupation Details
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$74,900.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$81,120.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$102,650.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
63,650
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
74,330
+1,068 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,487
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Clinometers
- Color plotting printers
- Combustible gas detectors
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital plotters
- Directional compasses
- Geological hammers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handheld calculators
- Laptop computers
- Measuring tapes
- Personal computers
- Stratum compasses
Technology
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- CyberArk
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Gemcom Whittle
- GijimaAst Mining Solutions International Mine2-4D
- Maptek Vulcan
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Mincom MineScape
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- use geographic positioning system (GPS)
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- calculate engineering specifications
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- supervise pollution control workers
- assign work to staff or employees
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- design construction projects
- design mining or petroleum equipment and other extraction systems
- design tools or mechanical devices
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- design machines
- design transmission equipment
- design transporting processes
- design waste recovery methods
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- design electro-mechanical equipment
- determine specifications
- develop safety regulations
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- communicate technical information
- bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
- explore for oil or gas
- lead teams in engineering projects
- conduct training for personnel
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use knowledge of ventilation systems
- use land surveying techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use underwater engineering techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- direct and coordinate mining operations
- coordinate development of refining processes
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate construction of mine shafts or tunnels
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- recommend purchase, repair, or modification of equipment
- work as a team member
- plan production processes
- plan oil or ore extraction
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand construction specifications
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze financial data
- conduct geological surveys
- conduct land surveys
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- conduct topographical surveys
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate tool designs
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- analyze ecosystem data
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- test air to detect toxic gases
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
- analyze geological research data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read maps
- read technical drawings
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.
- Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- Implement and coordinate mine safety programs, including the design and maintenance of protective and rescue equipment and safety devices.
- Devise solutions to problems of land reclamation and water and air pollution, such as methods of storing excavated soil and returning exhausted mine sites to natural states.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- Lay out, direct, and supervise mine construction operations, such as the construction of shafts and tunnels.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.
- Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.
- Design, develop, and implement computer applications for use in mining operations such as mine design, modeling, or mapping or for monitoring mine conditions.
- Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.
- Select or devise materials-handling methods and equipment to transport ore, waste materials, and mineral products efficiently and economically.
- Evaluate data to develop new mining products, equipment, or processes.
- Design mining and mineral treatment equipment and machinery in collaboration with other engineering specialists.
- Conduct or direct mining experiments to test or prove research findings.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Earthtrip Virtual Fieldtrip to Kashong Glen, New York
Kashong Glen is located in the central Finger Lakes Area of central New York State. See the many steep cliffs and dangerous waterfalls of this virtual fieldtrip. It is one of the best places in New York State to study the rocks of the Hamilton Group and fossils from the Middle Devonian.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMuseum Education Institute at the New York State Museum
The Institute introduces teachers to the Museum research process, with access to current research information, and encourages interaction with Museum research and collections staff. The teacher workshops are aligned with New York State Learning Standards and encourages hands-on and inquiry based training opportunities. Evolution,earth science and archaeology are upcoming themes.
Learn MoreVirtual Field Trippin: The Rocks of Central New York of Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys
The rocks of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of upstate New York tell a fascinating story, both through the rock layers themselves, as well as the life contained within them. This visual tour is intended as a jumping-off point for those with no knowledge of the rocks of east-central New York State.
Learn More