Quarry Engineer

Typical Salary

£22,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

weekends occasionally

How To Become a Quarry Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You can become a quarry or mining engineer by completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. You can choose from a subject like:

minerals engineering
mining engineering
geophysics
geology
Earth sciences
civil engineering

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a higher apprenticeship as a minerals product technician. With experience, you could then become a quarry engineer.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of building and construction
design skills and knowledge
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of English language
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to read English
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You will:

use ground-surveying techniques to check the site’s geology
drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
build up computer models of a site and its deposits
make recommendations on how to proceed

If mining goes ahead, you will:

manage the day-to-day running of operations
oversee technical staff
produce progress reports
monitor health and safety
draw up plans to guard against emergencies like a tunnel collapsing or flooding
make plans for restoration of the site after quarry workings end

Working Environment

You could work at a quarry or in an office.

Your working environment may be cramped, dusty, dirty and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institute of Quarrying to help with your professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about working in quarrying from Careers in Quarrying and The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Restrictions & Requirements

Some job opportunities are on overseas contracts, so you may need to move abroad for work.