Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Minerals/mining surveyors give expert advice on the responsible use of the earth's limited resources by extraction and power generation. They map, plan, value and manage minerals development and prepare planning applications and Environmental Impact Statements for prospective, active and previously worked minerals sites.  
 
Minerals/mining surveyors make detailed investigations of sites to value mines or quarries and mineral deposits. They also manage and develop quarries and mines, and advise mine managers on financial matters. They map surface and underground features in detail and make sure that workings are designed to maximise safety and minimise damage to buildings and land. They plot land movements caused by workings and calculate mineral recovery.  

Specialise in providing professional advice in the life cycle of minerals and waste developments ranging from initial site assessment through the period of extraction or infilling to site restoration and the final ‘after use’.
 
After a mine has been exhausted, minerals/mining surveyors give advice on restoring the site to its former state, or suggest ideas for development. They plan and record the location of quarries and mines and their waste, and prepare plans on the completion of tipping.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
• Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
• Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
• Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
• Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
• Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
• Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
• Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
• Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

To gain professionally recognised qualifications, you need to complete a relevant foundation degree course and then undertake a period of training in employment. There are a limited number of courses countrywide that are particularly relevant to minerals/mining surveying.  
 
The B.Sc in Geomatics has been accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI/RICS), the Irish Institution of Surveyors (IIS), the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and the Construction Industry Board, UK. Graduates of the course are eligible to become corporate members of these professional bodies.

Most professional geophysicists are graduates. A combined degree in geology and physics, or a degree containing significant amounts of geology, maths and physics, may be acceptable. Many posts will require a good Second Class Honours degree. It is often desirable but not essential to obtain higher degrees, e.g. Master's Degrees in Geophysics.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Geo-Driller.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: geography and geoscience, biological, earth and environmental sciences, science, mathematical, physical and geological sciences, geographic science, geology and physics, maths and physics.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: geoinformatics, environmental geology, geology, applied environmental geology, geology offshore, environmental geology, earth sciences, research, geology exploration, field geology.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Society Of Chartered Surveyors Ireland pathways, accreditation, and CPD continuous professional development.  

Geological Society of Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salary expert/ Glassdoor/ Osborne/ Clark/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists, Biological scientists and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.

Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).

A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.

• Geological Survey of Ireland

  • Beggars Bush, Haddington Rd., Dublin 4
  • (01) 678 2896
  • Click Here

• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

  • RICS Contact Centre, Suveryor Court, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JE, United Kingdom
  • +44 (0)24 7686 8555
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

  • The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6445500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Ordnance Survey Ireland

  • Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 8025300
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here