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Who is a Geotechnical engineer?
When engineers and quantity surveyors discuss aesthetics and architects study what cranes do we are on the right road ~ Ove Arup
As the field of engineering and technology is advancing several new ways of energy production and consumption are being used. Geothermal energy is one of the energy-producing sources which is good for the environment as the pollution is nowhere close to what is generated through carbon compounds and fossil fuels. But, there is a proper plan and design structure that needs to be laid out in order to be able to extract energy from the earth’s crust.
Are you thinking about Is Geotechnical Engineer a good career or what is a Geotechnical Engineer? or how to become a Geotechnical Engineer, then in this article you will get all the answers to your questions. A career as geotechnical engineer requires candidates to carry out all such activities. If you wish to be a part of Earth’s sustainability endeavours, then being a geotechnical engineer is a possible career option. A career as a geotechnical engineer requires candidates to use applications of scientific methods and engineering principles to improve ground engineering design.
Geotechnical engineer in a Nutshell
The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction.
The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions.
Quick Facts for Geotechnical engineer
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Industry
Technology
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Average Salary in India
₹36666.67
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Geotechnical engineering jobs are gender-neutral. Anyone with appropriate skills and educational qualifications can choose geotechnical engineering jobs as a career. However, the gender gap exists in the field related to civil engineering. Yet, slow but effective changes are being made regarding women's employment in the section of geotechnical engineering jobs. Various counsels working for the cause are coming forward with initiatives to recruit more females in the sector.
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Any special needs
No
A career as geotechnical engineer requires candidates to be physically fit since they are required to work in a field and physically challenging conditions. But, there are various desk jobs available in several sections of geotechnical engineering. Candidates can surely pursue geotechnical engineering courses provided they meet the educational requirements and the appropriate skills required to become a geotechnical engineer.
Table of Contents for Geotechnical engineer
What is the role of Geotechnical engineer?
What does a Geotechnical engineer do? Geotechnical engineering is a specialisation of civil engineering which involves investigating and understanding what is beneath the surface. Geotechnical engineering jobs consist of figuring out the impact that geological formations may have on ground engineering design. A geotechnical engineer uses the advanced knowledge of scientific and mathematical processes to evaluate the condition of ground engineering design and formation of the earth beneath and around the residential, commercial or industrial buildings and structures.
A geotechnical engineer uses his or her skills for drilling wells, constructing production and storage facilities, transporting petroleum products and evaluating the groundwater flow. A career as Geotechnical Engineer in mining involves playing a crucial role in all civil engineering projects as well, such as guarding and maintaining the earth’s physical environment during the development of ground engineering design. In this article, we will be discussing the Geotechnical Engineer career path, a Geotechnical Engineer salary in India and geotechnical engineering job opportunities.
Examining
Geotechnical engineering jobs include examining accidents in order to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures and improve ground engineering design. The role of a geotechnical engineer in mining is to monitor surface facility operations in order to identify any design, construction or operation practices that violate safety regulations or jeopardize the safety of construction and ground engineering design.
Geotechnical engineering jobs also involve keeping a check record of developments and changes in the constructional aspects of the ground engineering design by reading technical journals and by independent studies and research.
Experimentation
The role of geotechnical engineers in mining is to perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of geotechnical material usage, geotechnical product reclamation, soil extraction and ground engineering design methods.
Designing
Geotechnical engineering jobs involve designing and developing geotechnical products such as lateral earth support structures, gravity walls, and associated instrumentation and cantilever walls. The role of geotechnical engineer in mining is to design and direct geotechnical and geophysical research projects in order to discover facts, to test or modify theoretical models, or develop new theoretical models or new uses for ground engineering design.
Conducting tests
The role of geotechnical engineer in mining is to conduct tests of construction products' behaviour and cycles and the performance of geotechnical machinery, in order to optimize the performance of existing construction sites. In addition to this, he or she also synthesises analyses of test results and uses the results to prepare technical reports of findings and recommendations for ground engineering design.
Advisory
The role of geotechnical engineer in mining is to initiate corrective actions and order construction shutdowns in emergency situations. A geotechnical engineer is also responsible to recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of construction technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from the evaluation of test results.
Paper work
The geotechnical engineering job is to prepare construction project proposals that include cost estimates and discusses proposals with interested parties such as vendors, contractors, and construction facility review boards. A geotechnical engineer is required to write operational instructions to be used in construction sites of bridges, roads, dams and ground engineering design and waste handling and disposal.
Types of a Geotechnical engineer
A career as geotechnical engineer provides numerous types of jobs. We have mentioned below the Geotechnical Engineer career options or the types of a Geotechnical Engineer that you can opt for.
Geological Engineer (Oil Sand Projects): A geological engineer working for oil and sand projects is responsible for designing open pit walls, mine waste dumps and dam structures used for the construction of oil and sand mining. A geological engineer also analyses the slope stability, seepage and hydraulic separation of dam structures.
Hydrogeological Engineer: A hydrogeological engineer is a professional who provides design and analysis of ponds involving discarded oil sands materials, water extraction from soil and sand, and steam injection into wells. A hydrogeological engineer also evaluates underground water layers trapped in rocks (aquifers) along with providing advice on environmental restoration.
Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer (Oil and Gas Operations): A reservoir geomechanics engineer is a professional who works for oil and gas operations while analysing the strength of soils, drill hole stability, stress constraint, permeability of rock formations and the degree of trapped hydrocarbons in underground reservoirs.
Geomechanics Engineer (Marine Operations): A geomechanics engineer is a professional who works for marine operations and analyses the relationship between physical structures and marine geology, anchoring systems, sediment erosion, slope stability, and foundations for offshore and coastal structures.
For further details, such as how to become a geotechnical engineer, geotechnical engineering courses, a geotechnical engineering degree and a geotechnical engineering salary, you are required to scroll and read the article.
What is the workplace/work environment of Geotechnical engineer like?
The most exciting thing about the geotechnical engineering career is that it keeps moving forward. Geotechnical engineering projects require working in an office or at a construction site or could be involved in supervising and checking work on construction sites when facilities are being built or closed. Since geotechnical engineering is a crucial part of the world’s construction system, hence one will have a good level of job security. Depending on the work culture of a particular firm, one will be required to dress appropriately, which could range from office casuals to formals to safety gear when on-site.
Does Geotechnical engineer require travelling?
Likely
Geotechnical engineering jobs involve lots of travel and plenty of strict deadlines along with working in every weather condition. A career as geotechnical engineer requires one to be more into fieldwork rather than research. A geotechnical engineer is sometimes needed to attend conferences or travel abroad to meet with partners or visit sites.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
A geotechnical engineer works on a full-time basis. Initially, in the private sector, he or she is recruited on a provisional basis and is assigned permanent status after the successful completion of six months of training employees.
Employment Nature
Permanent
A geotechnical engineer is hired on a permanent basis. The roles and responsibilities assigned to geotechnical engineers require them to work for a long period of time. Research topics are sometimes unknown and the time required to assess them cannot be depicted beforehand. Hence, permanent employees are hired in the geotechnical engineering industry. Short-term contracts and part-time work are not typical in this sector, but large companies are starting to realise the value of job-sharing.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
The major working construction plant organisations are situated in cities like Narora, Rajasthan, Kakrapar, Tarapur, Kaiga, and Kudankulam. Thus, these cities provide an ample amount of Geotechnical Engineering vacancies. New construction plants have been made in New Delhi, Bhimpur, Mahi Banswara, Chutka, Mithi Virdi, Kovvada, Jaitapur, and Kalpakkam. These are the major construction sites that work as a hub for geotechnical engineers and scientists. Although, many private construction industries have been set up in big cities which recruit a wide range of geotechnical engineers.
Time Pressure
Likely
Time pressure is considered moderate in the case of geotech engineering career. Depending upon the work requirement and schedules assigned by the authorities, a geotechnical engineer is required to work certain shifts. Usually, most of the time, employers work day shifts within regular working hours. However, sometimes they are required to work overtime or at night shift depending upon the project deadlines and their importance.
Overtime Details
The working hours will depend on which part of the geotechnical engineering projects one is assigned. If a person is involved in project management or design, research, and development, he or she typically works from 9 am to 5 pm. A person may also sometimes need to attend conferences or travel abroad to meet with partners or visit sites. While those working in processing or a power station will experience a different work environment since these facilities run on a 24-hour schedule. One might be required to work on a seven-day routine, including weekends, evenings, and nights.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
Geotechnical engineer career involves 45 working hours a week. The number of hours can go up if there is some extra work to be finished. The working hours will depend on which part of the project one is assigned. If a person is involved in project management or design, research and development, he or she typically works from 9 am to 5 pm.
How to become a Geotechnical engineer?
Steps to become a Geotechnical engineer
If you are interested in the earth's soil, rock or whole of the earth's materials and looking to work in a similar field, then this article is for you. We will help you out with the steps of how to become a Geotechnical Engineer. We have mentioned below some of the steps that individuals require to follow.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Geotechnical engineer?
Are you searching for How to become a geotechnical engineer? We have provided you geotechnical engineering career path to establish your dream career. You are required to read the entire article to know about geotechnical engineering degrees, geotechnical engineering courses and geotechnical engineering job opportunities.
A career as geotechnical engineering requires several skill sets to perform efficiently on the job. We have mentioned below the major skill sets required in the career.
Analytical Skills: To become a good geotechnical engineer, it is important for a person to have good analytical skills. It is important for him or her to identify design elements that help in building an efficient and safe construction project. A geotechnical engineer should possess the ability to collect and analyze information, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These strengths help them solve particular issues and improve their overall productivity and success.
Geotechnical Engineers should have a clear understanding of what may happen during a problem-solving process because those with strong analytical skills are often capable of quickly analyzing a situation and often work well in a team setting to accomplish goals.
Communication Skills: Irrespective of the industry one works in, the ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and staff is a must. A geotechnical engineer is required to work with a number of different teams, so it is important to have good communication skills. The ability to communicate should be effective for written as well as verbal aspects. It's essential to have a systematic approach to communication, given the wide range of mediums that are available, such as e-mails, marketing materials, presentations, and other written and spoken forms.
Attention to Detail: A geotechnical engineer administers the operation of construction facilities. He or she is required to pay close attention to what is happening at all times and ensure that operations stick to all guidelines and laws concerning the safety of workers as well as the environment. As a geotechnical engineer supervises the entire construction facility, it is important for them to know what is happening where and ensure the safety of the plant and the people working there at all times.
Logic: The role of geotechnical engineer in mining is required to design complex systems. Therefore, he or she must be able to analyse the information logically and clearly so that others can follow their instructions. With the help of concepts, judgements, reasoning, and other forms of thinking the rational cognitive process of reflecting objective reality actively is carried out.
As a geotechnical engineer, one is required to use reasoning consistently, in order to derive a conclusion. There are various problems and situations present in geotechnical engineering that involve logical thinking, a call for structure, the relationship between facts, and chains of reasoning that are reasonable.
Mathematical Skill: As a geotechnical engineer, he or she is required to use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. He or she needs to make many calculations throughout their work as a geotechnical engineer. Being naturally talented in advanced math like calculus will go a long way towards making their studies and career feasible.
Attention to Safety: It is important for a geotechnical engineer to maintain high safety standards. Any damage to a construction site can have disastrous effects not only on the environment but also on the living beings around it. The harmful effects can take a long time to wear off, hence it is important to maintain high safety standards.
Teamwork: To be able to work with different teams, is a skill that a geotechnical engineer must have. As a geotechnical engineer, he or she is required to work with different teams in order to run the construction site, hence it is important for them to be team players.
Popular Online Engineering Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Geotechnical engineer?
Internship Availability
Geotechnical engineering apprenticeships are most appropriate for starting a career as geotechnical engineer. There are various geotechnical engineering companies involved in construction that offer a variety of geotechnical engineering apprenticeships to candidates studying geotechnical engineering. To be considered for an intern position, the candidates are required to be studying for a Master's, Bachelor's level geotechnical engineering degree or geotechnical engineering courses.
A candidate must possess a genuine interest in engineering design related to environmental engineering. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, effective in both verbal and written communication. The geotechnical engineering apprenticeships are subjected to assist senior engineers and learn the technical skills used in the construction sites.
Career Path Progression for Geotechnical engineer
There are numerous geotechnical engineering jobs. One can opt for any of the roles mentioned below in the career as geotechnical engineer. Geotechnical engineering companies also hire candidates for the related roles mentioned below.
Bridge Engineer: Bridge engineers are professionals working under a specialisation in civil engineering responsible for designing and building bridges. Typical job duties for Bridge Engineers include designing structures, maintaining bridge structures, coordinating workers, minimizing environmental impact, and supervising manufacturing processes. The average total compensation for a Bridge Engineer is somewhere around Rs. 25,000 per month.
Hydrogeological Engineer: A hydrogeological engineer is a professional who provides design and analysis of ponds involving discarded oil sands materials, water extraction from soil and sand, and steam injection into wells. A hydrogeological engineer also evaluates underground water layers trapped in rocks (aquifers) along with providing advice on environmental restoration. The average salary for hydrogeological engineers is somewhere around Rs. 35,000 per month.
Construction Engineer: A construction engineer is a professional with a broad set of responsibilities that include managing, designing, developing, creating and maintaining construction projects. He or she is also responsible for conducting on-site investigations and analyzing data. Assessing potential risks, materials and costs. The average total compensation for a Construction Engineer with intermediate experience is somewhere around Rs. 50,000 per month which includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay.
Geotechnical Engineer: Geotechnical engineer is responsible for designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. A geotechnical engineer is involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions. The average total compensation provided to a geotechnical engineer is somewhere around Rs. 55,000 per month which includes bonuses, tips, and overtime pay.
Project Managers (Construction): Project managers working on a construction site are the professionals who are required to manage on-site construction crews. A project manager is responsible for negotiating the contracts of subcontractors, communicating with inspectors and architects, meeting with construction managers, along with coordinating the delivery of materials with vendors. The average salary of a project manager working for a construction company is Rs. 1 lakh per month including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay.
Geotechnical engineer Jobs and Salaries
Bridge engineer
Permanent
- Average Salary 25000
- Starting Salary 20000
- Junior Level Salary 20000
- Senior Level Salary 50000
Job Description
Bridge engineers are professionals working under a specialisation of civil engineering responsible for designing and building bridges. Typical job duties for bridge engineers include designing structures, maintaining bridge structures, coordinating workers, minimizing environmental impact, and supervising manufacturing processes.
Salary Description
The average total compensation for a bridge engineer with entry-level experience is somewhere around Rs. 20,000 per month. After gaining some experience, a candidate should be able to earn somewhere between Rs. 25,000 per month. The top-level salary for a bridge engineer with appropriate skills is somewhere around Rs. 50,000 per month including bonuses, tips, and overtime pay.
Hydrogeological engineer
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 35000
- Starting Salary 25000
- Junior Level Salary 25000
- Senior Level Salary 80000
Job Description
A hydrogeological engineer is a professional who provides design and analysis of ponds involving discarded oil sands materials, water extraction from soil and sand, and steam injection into wells. A hydrogeological engineer also evaluates underground water layers trapped in rocks (aquifers) along with providing advice on environmental restoration.
Salary Description
The average total compensation for a hydrogeological engineer with entry-level experience is somewhere around Rs. 25,000 per month. After gaining some experience, a candidate should be able to earn somewhere between Rs. 35,000 per month. The top-level salary for a hydrogeological engineer with appropriate skills is somewhere around Rs. 80,000 per month including bonuses, tips, and overtime pay.
Construction engineer
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 50000
- Starting Salary 35000
- Junior Level Salary 35000
- Senior Level Salary 120000
Job Description
A construction engineer is a professional with a broad set of responsibilities that include managing, designing, developing, creating and maintaining construction projects. They are also responsible for conducting on-site investigations and analyzing data. Assessing potential risks, materials and costs.
Salary Description
The average total compensation for a construction engineer with entry-level experience is somewhere around Rs. 35,000 per month. After gaining some experience, a candidate should be able to earn somewhere between Rs. 50,000 per month. The top-level salary for a construction engineer with appropriate skills is somewhere around Rs. 1.2 lakh per month including bonuses, tips, and overtime pay.
What is the job outlook for Geotechnical engineer?
Geotechnical engineering is a multidisciplinary field consisting of various specialisations such as ocean engineering, structural engineering, petroleum engineering, and material science. The involvement of various engineering specialisations increases the employment rates in the field. Geotechnical Engineering jobs are exciting and diverse careers along with being quite demanding. The Geotechnical engineering industry is a powerful engine for job creation. There is a wide range of opportunities available for candidates who are graduated in geotechnical engineering courses.
As a geotechnical engineer, one can find diverse career options in several government agencies at all levels. A single geotechnical engineering project generates an ample amount of geotechnical engineering jobs than other types of construction organisation projects. Suitable experience and exploratory study in geotechnical engineering courses provide better job offers in the field of research and teaching at numerous institutions and laboratories, in India as well as abroad. Also, a geotechnical engineer can choose administration or management as a career option.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Geotechnical engineer
Que. What is the role of a geotechnical engineer in mining?
Ans.The role of geotechnical engineer in mining is designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineer is involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions.
Que. What is a geotechnical engineering salary?
Ans.A geotechnical engineer is extensively involved in earthen and concrete dam projects, evaluating the subsurface conditions at the dam site and the side slopes of the reservoir, the seepage conditions under and around the dam and the stability of the dam under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions.
Que. How to become a geotechnical engineer?
Ans.After the successful completion of bachelor's degree and entrance examination, the students are required to complete a postgraduate programme specialising in geotechnical engineering.
Que. What are the top Geotechnical Engineering colleges in India?
Ans.There are numerous geotechnical engineering colleges in India. We have mentioned below the top colleges that offer geotechnical engineering courses and geotechnical engineering degrees.
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Delhi Technological University, Delhi
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Did you know?
Fact 1
The first self-proclaimed geotechnical engineer was John Smeaton who constructed the Eddystone Lighthouse.
Fact 2
Geotechnical engineering is an area of civil engineering concerned with the rock and soil that supports civil engineering projects.
Fact 3
Geotechnical engineers frequently work on complex projects which involve many technical, economic, social and environmental factors.
Fact 4
The Burj Al Arab is a 5-star luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
Fact 5
The Itaipu Dam, located at the Brazilian-Paraguayan border, is the largest operating hydroelectric facility in terms of annual generating capacity.
