Careers in Exploration

The following provides a brief description of a few of the many occupations normally found in this phase, including the typical activities, employment requirements, work schedules, and typical salary ranges. It is important to note that salary ranges vary from region to region and will change over time. Additional sources, such as www.jobfutures.ca, www.acareerinmining.ca, job postings on employers' websites, and job banks (e.g. www.pdacjobs.com) provide more information about salaries.

To create a balanced view of jobs across all skill levels, a variety of entry level, skilled, trades, technical and professional jobs are included. This job inventory is intended to highlight some key occupations of the estimated 120 occupations in mining. Some jobs are available in more than one of the mining phases. Contractors and suppliers also provide employment opportunities in various support services throughout the mining cycle. Some support services of particular importance to exploration include cooking, labour, drilling, line cutting, transportation, health and safety, and security.

For a comprehensive listing of occupations at each phase of the mining cycle, see Mining Occupations.

PROSPECTOR

Description

 Prospecting is an activity that may take many forms, from walking on the land with a rock hammer, map and compass, to using sophisticated tools to identify exact positions using satellites (global positioning system [GPS]). A prospector walks the ground, examining and mapping rock types and collecting rock and soil samples by hand for either mineral or chemical analysis. If a prospector believes that further work is justified, a mining claim will be staked. In order to stake a claim, however, it is necessary to have a prospector's license.
Employment Requirements One can become a prospector with a grade 12 education (or less).
Work Schedule Many prospectors are self-employed and can set their own hours. Most often, a prospector's day is long and he or she is navigating through difficult terrain in remote locations.
Salary Range Many prospectors are self-employed or contractual. Their salaries depend on the contracts they hold with different companies.

LINE CUTTER

Description A line cutter helps to create a grid by placing markings at regular intervals on a potential mine site to allow for geological and other surveys. This may require the blazing of trees and cutting of underbrush. Often the company leading the exploration (or mine) operation hires service providers for this task.
Employment Requirements A line cutter usually requires grade 12 or less, should be in good physical condition and able to operate a chain-saw.
Work Schedule Line cutters generally work long hours in sometimes difficult terrain.
Salary Range Many line cutters earn minimum wage or more, depending on their work conditions, their work schedule, and their length of employment.

DRILLER

Description A driller drills holes to get core samples that geologists assess to determine the mineral potential, subsurface geometry, and volume of an ore body. Often the company leading the exploration (or mine) operation hires service providers for this task.
Employment Requirements Many companies require that an individual have previous mining experience to become a driller. Some companies may even require certification or on-site training. Individuals also need to be in good physical condition as the job entails working with heavy materials (drill rods, pipes, core, etc.).
Work Schedule A driller's work schedule will vary widely (days, afternoons, nights) depending on the location of the exploration projects which are often in remote areas.
Salary Range The salary will vary depending on the jurisdiction, the type of deposit, and the type of drill.

GEOLOGIST

Description Geologists operate in all phases of the mining cycle; however, at this stage, they are responsible for daily control over exploration activities. They conduct exploration and research programs to locate mineral resources and make sure that good sampling is carried out. They collect and interpret rock samples and cores, classify rocks and minerals, collect and analyze soil and sediment samples in geochemical surveys, and prepare geological maps. Other functions include hiring contractors, managing the exploration budget and logistics for the crew, writing reports, and making presentations to head office with recommendations for further work.
Employment Requirements A bachelor's degree in Geology.
Work Schedule An exploration geologist can have an office or laboratory job working a typical workweek (Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), or he or she can work in the field with longer hours, sometimes on evenings and weekends during any season, and often in remote areas.
Salary Range $65,000 - $115,000 a year

ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR

Description Environmental coordinators assess and manage the effects of human and other activity on the natural and built environment. In the exploration phase, the environmental coordinator is responsible for coordinating environmental-related research projects and the environmental impact of mine development. An environmental coordinator advises on the safe disposal of wastes and prepares plans for dealing with risks. Environmental baseline studies are required as part of the feasibility assessment. The work of the environmental coordinator informs these studies, while identifying and meeting regulatory timelines. Environmental coordinators must be effective communicators both verbally, as they explain relevant issues to other technical staff, managers, regulatory authorities, interest groups and the public, and in writing, as they perform audits, and are responsible for record keeping, and report writing.
Employment Requirements A university degree in Natural Sciences, Environmental or Civil Engineering.
Work Schedule Environmental coordinators, for the most part, work typical office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Some may also work fly-in/fly out schedules. Pressing deadlines may require hours in excess of a 40-hour workweek.
Salary Range $65,000 - $115,000 a year

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TECHNICIAN

Description GIS are computerized data banks of spatial data. A GIS technician focuses on the collection and analysis of geographic spatial information by combining mapmaking and surveying functions. A GIS technician gathers information on landscapes to create maps, gathers data from a variety of different sources (maps, aerial and satellite photographs, sketches from field notes, etc.), processes the data into a digital format and prepares a final version of a map.
Employment Requirements GIS technicians require a college diploma in Mapping and/or GIS.
Work Schedule GIS technicians work a typical workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) in an office environment
Salary Range $65,000 - $80,000 a year

GEOPHYSICAL / GEOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN

Description Geophysical/geological technicians examine records and analyze geologic data. They perform initial tests for mineral presence and are thus vital to the exploration phase. The search for mineral deposits often requires the specialized skills of geophysical technicians to assist in identifying large areas that may contain ore deposits for potential development as well as analyzing the geophysical aspects of deposits.
Employment Requirements A college diploma is generally required. For senior geophysical technician positions, employers often require a bachelor's or master's degree in Geology, Geoscience, Earth Science, Geophysics, or a related field.
Work Schedule A geophysical/geological technician's work schedule will vary widely (days, afternoons, nights) depending on the location of the exploration projects which are often in remote areas.
Salary Range $45,000 - $60,000 a year

GEOCHEMIST

Description Geochemists collect and analyze geochemical survey data, and drill core samples and rock samples to identify chemical and mineral composition.
Employment Requirements Geochemists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree that can be in a number of different fields (geology, chemistry, math, physics, etc.).
Work Schedule Some geochemists work in a lab environment, and in these situations, they work a relatively regular schedule (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). Geochemists who work in the field, gathering data and analyzing samples, may work long hours and during weekends, especially if travel is required to work in a remote location.
Salary Range $65,000 - $115,000 a year