Environmental Geologist

Environmental geologists operate within the office, field, and laboratory. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

The office:

• Use geographic information systems and statistical software to analyze spatial and environmental data from fieldwork and lab research.
• Produce comprehensive reports and presentations highlighting research findings, evaluating environmental impacts, and proposing remediation measures for stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and clients.
• Keep current with environmental legislation, scientific breakthroughs, and industry norms through thorough literature review, shaping project strategies, and ensuring compliance.
• Oversee project timelines, finances, and resources to meet client expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, biologists, and project managers in interdisciplinary teams to align project objectives and approaches.
• Interpret and enforce environmental regulations to ensure all projects comply with provincial, territorial, and federal laws.
• Prepare and submit permit applications and necessary documentation for environmental projects, including site assessments, impact studies, and mitigation strategies.
• Advise clients and project teams on regulatory requirements, risk management strategies, and best practices in environmental conservation.

The field:

• Perform field investigations to assess soil, water, and rock conditions, identifying environmental hazards such as contamination or erosion.
• Use global positioning systems and mapping technology to delineate study areas, collect samples, and document environmental conditions.
• Evaluate ecosystems and habitats, analyzing the impact of human activities and natural occurrences on conservation efforts.
• Gather and analyze soil, water, and air samples for pollutants, physical properties, and biological indicators.
• Conduct on-site tests using portable equipment to measure pH, conductivity, and temperature.
• To track environmental changes, install and oversee monitoring equipment like water level recorders and air quality sensors.
• To mitigate adverse effects, participate in environmental restoration projects, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or erosion control.
• Monitor construction and development projects to ensure compliance with environmental protection standards and practices.

The lab

• Use laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, chromatographs, and microscopes to analyze soil, water, and air samples, detect pollutants, and investigate geochemical properties.
• Analyze laboratory findings to evaluate environmental quality, identify sources of pollution, and determine potential health and ecological risks.
• Work closely with laboratory technicians and specialists to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test methods and results.
• Refine and improve analytical techniques to enhance the detection of environmental contaminants or to investigate geological phenomena more effectively.
• Implement quality control measures in line with industry standards and regulations to ensure the integrity and accuracy of laboratory data.
• Manage and organize laboratory data using specialized databases and software, facilitating efficient data analysis and the preparation of reports.
• Prepare comprehensive reports that detail laboratory procedures, findings, and recommendations and share these insights with colleagues and stakeholders for informed decision-making.

Possible work environment hazards for an Environmental Geologist could include:

• Chemical exposure hazard.
• Physical injury risk from rugged or uneven terrain.
• Wildlife encounter.
• Extreme weather conditions.
• Machinery and equipment safety