Quarry engineer
Quarry engineers investigate potential sites, oversee extraction operations and restore sites at the end of their commercial life.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a quarry engineer, you will:
- use ground surveying techniques to collect site data
- drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
- build computer models of a site and its deposits
- report findings to the management team to wok out a course of action
During operations, you will:
- manage the day-to-day running of quarry operations
- oversee technical staff
- produce progress reports
- monitor health and safety
- draw up plans in case of emergencies like a tunnel collapse or flooding
- plan site restoration for when quarry workings end
Working environment
You could work at a quarry or in an office.
Your working environment may be cramped, dusty and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a:
- senior quarry engineer
- project manager
- overall site manager
You might also move into related careers like civil, construction or environmental engineering.
There may be opportunities to work on quarry and mining projects overseas.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- operations analysis skills
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
You can become a quarry or mining engineer by completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- minerals engineering
- mining engineering
- geophysics
- geology
- Earth sciences
- civil engineering
Courses that give you the opportunity to gain work experience through internships, placements or a year in industry may give you an advantage when looking for work after your studies.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
More Information
You could apply for a place on a Minerals Product Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship. With experience and further training, you could become a quarry engineer.
You could also apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, before specialising in quarry engineering.
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Institute of Quarrying to help with your professional development.
Further information
You can learn more about careers in the quarrying industry from Minerals Matter and The Institute of Quarrying.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.