Quarry Engineer
Job Description:Quarry engineers explore new sites, oversee extraction operations and manage sites at the end of their commercial life.
Job Category:What you will do:
You will:
- use ground-surveying techniques to check the sites geology
- drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
- build up computer models of a site and its deposits
- make recommendations on how to proceed
If mining goes ahead, you will:
- manage the day-to-day running of operations
- oversee technical staff (leadership skills)
- produce progress reports
- monitor health and safety
- draw up plans to guard against emergencies like a tunnel collapsing or flooding
- make plans for restoration of the site after quarry workings end
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- design skills and knowledge
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- operations analysis skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- analytical thinking skills
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You can become a quarry or mining engineer by completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. You can choose from a subject like:
- minerals engineering
- mining engineering
- geophysics
- geology
- Earth sciences
- civil engineering
Courses that give you the opportunity to gain work experience through internships, placements or a year in industry may give you an advantage.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to gain some of the skills and knowledge relevant to this role through a higher apprenticeship as a minerals product technician. With experience and further training, you could then become a quarry engineer.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work at a quarry or in an office.
Your working environment may be cramped, dusty, dirty and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into people or project management roles or into related careers like civil, construction or environmental engineering.
There may be opportunities to work on mining projects overseas.