I am a specialist in the structural analysis of base metal, precious metal, and diamond deposits, and in applied 3D geological modeling. I work for SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. in Toronto. SRK is a unique company as it places a high level of importance on structural geology in exploration and mining. Through working for SRK I have been able to work in Asia, Australasia, Africa, South America, North America, and Europe, working in numerous commodities in geological terranes ranging from Archean to Mesozoic (4,000 to 66.5 million years ago) in age.
My enjoyment of geology began in physical geography at school, and I was lucky to be able to take a two year (A level) course in Geology at school, where I really enjoyed geology, from the classroom right into field trips in Northern England. I gained my experience firstly through a geology degree at the University of Durham, UK. After leaving university I found a job working for an engineering consultancy in the UK. After a year of not seeing any rocks really, but working on a lot of environmental projects I decided it was time to leave the UK and look for work overseas. I ended up going to graduate school at the University of Toronto, which led me to work on two gold mines in Yellowknife, living in Yellowknife for most of the year. This in turn opened doors for me working for the Geological Survey of Canada, and then to SRK. Although I struggled at first financially, moving to Canada was a great move, and I have been very lucky in my career, especially to be supported by good people.
I am lucky in that I have a great deal of variety in my job, working on numerous computer based applications to exploration, but also having opportunity to work in the field and underground in mines. I love being able to rapidly advance exploration projects and help people. I teach a series of industry based structural geology courses that are very rewarding, and enable me to keep some ties back to teaching, although in a focused, applied format.
Q: What is the title of your job and what do you do?A: Senior Consultant. I am a structural geologist specialising in exploration targeting for ore deposits.
A: SRK Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Toronto, Ontario.
A: 40-50 hour week in office.
A: In the office, field, including sometimes overseas.
A: I use limited equipment, Brunton compass/clinometer, digital camera, hammer, and a GPS. I do use a laptop computer with a large amount of software.
A: An MSc or PhD in the structural geology of ore deposits plus experience in the mining/exploration industry.
A: You need the ability to think in three-dimensions, to think and act quickly, and to be open to ideas. Communication skills and being able to work as a team are key in consulting.
A: $80,000 to $200,000.
A: Helping people, teaching people, and seeing them grow and understand the mineral deposit they are trying to define.
A: There is a great benefit of travel, being able to go to many places where you would never have chance to go, on any continent, but still with a home base in a major city. I have worked in China, West Africa, Australia, Central America, and South America. I have also worked in almost every Canadian province and territory.
Q: What are the advancement opportunities for this career? A: I have the opportunity to become a partner in the consulting practice or a Vice President of Exploration for a mining company.
A: Not very, it can be somewhat demanding when working in remote field locations or underground in a mine.
A: I chose this career because of my interest in structural geology and in 3D modelling. Structural geology when applied to ore deposits can be a very applied and practical science, rather than an esoteric, academic science.
A: Qinghai Province, China, working at 3,500m elevation in the foothills of Tibet.
A: Make sure you find a career that you enjoy. All jobs have their drawbacks at times, but finding something you enjoy is important.
