Career Overview
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Also Known As
- Mine Engineer
- Mining Consultant
- Mining Engineer
- Project Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Coal Mine Inspector
- Engineer
- Exploration Engineer
- Field Engineer
- Geological Engineer
- Geophysical Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Geotechnical Project Engineer
- Metal Mine Inspector
- Mine Analyst
- Mine Development Engineer
- Mine Engineer
- Mine Environmental Engineer
- Mine Expert
- Mine Exploration Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology for aerial surveys and inspections of mining sites to enhance safety and efficiency.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Design
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Systems Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Mathematical Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
Tools & Equipment
- Clinometers
- Color plotting printers
- Combustible gas detectors
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital plotters
- Directional compasses
- Geological hammers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handheld calculators
- Laptop computers
- Measuring tapes
- Personal computers
- Stratum compasses
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $62,500 |
| Median | $101,020 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $163,740 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 6,770
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Petroleum Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $141,280
Civil Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $99,590
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $48,390
Industrial Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,140
Geothermal Production Managers
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $121,440
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.