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.

The Work

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.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Applied Sciences, General Engineering at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering Apprenticeships, Geo-Driller Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Geography and Geoscience, Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science - (Mathematical, Physical and Geological Sciences), Geographic Science, Geology and Physics, maths and physics NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology, Geology - Applied Environmental Geology, Geology - Offshore Environmental Geology, Earth Sciences - Research, Geology - Exploration Field Geology NFQ level 9

Proffessional Development & Associations 

Society Of Chartered Survyors Ireland Pathways, accreditation, and CPD continuous professional development.  

Geological Society of Ireland 

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• 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