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Engineering Geologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Engineering geologists play a vital role in assessing ground conditions for construction and civil engineering projects. Their work involves investigating soil, rock, groundwater and other earth materials to determine their suitability for foundations, tunnels, roads and other structures. Engineering geologists combine principles of geology with engineering knowledge to help design safe and cost-effective projects. They carry out site surveys, analyse laboratory and field data, write technical reports and provide advice to engineers, architects and planners. The role can include both office-based analysis and outdoor fieldwork, sometimes in challenging weather or terrain. Key employers include engineering consultancies, construction companies, local authorities and government agencies. A degree in geology, civil engineering or a related science is usually required, and postgraduate study can be beneficial for career progression.

Engineering Geologist

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Engineering geologists in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are over 4,000 engineering geologist positions across the UK, with demand particularly strong in infrastructure and major construction projects.

Typical Working Hours

Most engineering geologists work 37 to 40 hours per week, although site visits and project deadlines can require occasional evening and weekend work.

🚀 Careers in this path

Geotechnical Engineer

Specialises in analysing soil, rock, and other earth materials to assess risks and provide guidance for construction projects such as tunnels, bridges, and buildings.

Environmental Geologist

Focuses on studying the impact of human activity on the earth, including land contamination, ground water quality, and site remediation.

Engineering Hydrogeologist

Works on the movement and distribution of groundwater, assessing sites for water supply and managing issues related to flooding or contamination.

Complete Relevant Education

Earn a Degree in Geology or Earth Sciences

Enrol in and complete a Bachelors degree in geology, earth sciences or a closely related subject.

Most engineering geology roles require a degree accredited by a professional body such as the Geological Society of London. Courses typically cover mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, and fieldwork. Some universities offer specialised modules in engineering geology or geotechnical engineering.

Undertake Relevant Laboratory and Fieldwork

Gain practical experience through laboratory sessions and field trips offered on your course.

Fieldwork is a key component of geology degrees, giving you hands-on experience in mapping, sampling, and analysing geological features. Laboratory work will develop your skills in testing and interpreting soil and rock samples, which are essential for engineering geology.

Build Experience and Skills

Apply for Work Placements or Internships

Seek summer placements, internships, or sandwich years with engineering consultancies or geological firms.

Placements provide valuable industry insights and can help you build a network of professional contacts. Many employers look for candidates with practical site investigation experience, so try to gain exposure to different projects such as road, rail, or building developments.

Develop Technical and IT Skills

Build your skills in specialist software used in geology and engineering, such as GIS and geological modelling tools.

Employers value familiarity with software like ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and geotechnical modelling packages. You can access student licences or online tutorials to improve your proficiency. Documenting your technical skills on your CV can help you stand out to potential employers.

Secure a Graduate Role and Progress

Apply for Graduate Engineering Geologist Positions

Look for entry-level roles with engineering consultancies, construction firms, or public sector organisations.

Graduate roles involve supporting senior geologists with site investigations, preparing reports, and liaising with clients. You may work on a mix of office and field-based tasks, and receive training in health and safety, risk assessment, and project management.

Work Towards Chartered Status

Begin the process of gaining chartered status with a body such as the Geological Society of London or the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Chartered status (CGeol or CEng) demonstrates your professional competence and commitment to the field. This typically involves a period of structured training, development of a portfolio, and passing a professional review. Achieving chartered status can boost your career prospects and earning potential.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Engineering Technician Apprentice

THURSTON ENGINEERING LTD

( Added 22 Feb 2024 - 2 positions available )

A great opportunity to join the team and learn the day-to-day processes of a busy engineering workshop. Working alongside skilled engineers you will progress to be conversant with all processes and machinery. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to become a valuable player in this specialist world learning valuable skills.

Closing date: in 29 days

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 60 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Submariner) means being fast-tracked to working with one of our most elite teams. You'll be paid to study, gain practical skills and use highly sophisticated equipment. Prior to that you'll spend time in active service as either a Marine Engineer Submariner or Weapon Engineer Submariner.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 96 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme means accelerating your training and development within one of our most elite teams. You’ll be fast-tracked to real responsibility, getting your hands on some of the most advanced kit on the planet, and guaranteeing your warship’s performance as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

An Engineering Geologist and a Geoscientist both focus on understanding the Earth's materials, processes, and environments. They work closely with geology and environmental sciences to assess land stability, natural hazards, and resources, making their qualifications and expertise closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

To work as a professional geoscientist you'll need a degree in a relevant subject. Courses often combine theory with fieldwork and practical training.

Degree subjects include:

  • geology
  • geoscience
  • geophysics
  • Earth science

It's becoming more common for new entrants to hold or be working towards postgraduate qualifications like an MSc or PhD.

Integrated postgraduate master's qualifications like a MGeol or MSci can be studied at university. These courses include more independent research and are designed to lead directly onto further study like a PhD.

It's useful to get some work experience through an internship or year in industry placement while you are at university. Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.

Organisations like Geology for Global Development also run projects and placements to help you gain skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You could also apply to do a Geotechnical Engineer Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship if you already have a first degree in a subject like::

  • engineering
  • science
  • geoscience
  • maths

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Experience of specialist geological software and computer modelling packages can be an advantage when you are applying for jobs.

Since many employers of geoscientists operate internationally, extra language skills can also be useful.

Further information

You can discover more about careers in geoscience through The Geological Society.

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