Work this summer with the Geological Survey!
- invaluable experience
- varied work
- field-based in many areas of the province
The Geological Survey hires students to assist in their projects every summer. Students are drawn mostly from earth sciences at Memorial University but the Survey has also hired others with a geosciences background (geographers, geophysicists), and will consider applicants from outside of the province.
Students play a variety of roles in our projects, and can be office-based (usually in St. John's) or field based.
Field based projects
Working in the field with the Geological Survey can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, and provides a unique opportunity to work with geologists who are considered experts in their field. As well as providing employment, these positions offer many opportunities to learn and develop geological skills. We run field projects in both Newfoundland and Labrador, including:-
- bedrock mapping
- mineral deposits
- geochemistry
- surficial mapping
Student responsibilities vary according to experience. Students new to the field will generally act as an assistant to the project geologist, assisting wherever required, digging sampling pits, carrying rock samples, assisting around camp, and data entry. More experienced students may be given independent responsibility for some tasks, and higher-level students are needed as senior assistants, who are expected to map independently.
Projects range from small-scale, with one assistant working with a project geologist, to larger camps of 4 to 6 people.
Field accommodation can be tents or cabins in remote areas, or in rented houses in communities
Field transportation can include airplanes, helicopter, four-wheel drive vehicles, small boats, ATVs and foot.
Employment is usually from beginning to June to end of August, occasionally starting earlier.
All expenses (food, accommodation, travel) are covered in the field.
Students will be trained in first-aid and any other safety-related skills required before the start of employment.
Office-based work
The Survey's office is in St. John's. Office-based employment is varied and may include compilation of data, computer work, and other duties.
Application procedure
Application forms
There will be an information session on Feb 17th in ER4065
(Lounge) from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. There will be free pizza, so come out and hear what we're all about.
The interview schedule will be sent out March 10th and will be posted in the Earth Sciences and Geography Departments. Interviews will be March 16th and 17th in (ER4064)
Students must fill in an application form, and send it with transcripts to the address below before March 5th.
Jennifer Smith
Geological Survey
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL, A1B 4J6
FAX: 709-729-4270 attn. Jennifer Smith
or drop off applications to Peter Valley or Jennifer Smith, 2nd floor, Natural Resources Building, 50 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John's. The interview schedule will be sent out March 10th
and interviews will be March 16th and 17th in (ER4064)
Any questions? Contact
Jennifer Smith at JenniferSmith@gov.nl.ca or by phone at (709) 729-1664
The Survey plans to hire approximately 20 students this coming summer.
Qualifications: some positions require a minimum of 3rd year level earth science courses, but generally preference is given to students enrolled in earth science programmes in geology, geophysics and geography. For field work, a driving license is important, and experience in small boats, with ATVs, camping, and working in the woods can be an advantage
Compensation is based on year of study, ranging from $1239-$1414/ month for 1st year students to $2096-$2522/ month for graduate students. Overtime is paid for field work generally approximately doubling the monthly compensation.
