Mechanical engineering technologist Jay Barthelotte works with the department's Icycler on the docks of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. An Icycler is a submersible instrument used in North Atlantic and Arctic ocean research. (TED PRITCHARD / Staff)

OCEAN RESEARCH is one of the hottest areas of science right now.

But all the data used by scientists around the world to assess ocean ecology and make important determinations about the health of sea life could not be collected without the sort of gadgets assembled by the likes of mechanical technologist Jay Barthelotte and his colleagues at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth.

"Research cannot happen unless we can get the equipment to the right location and keep it there," said Mr. Barthelotte, noting powerful ocean currents and salt water can be serious impediments to successful research.

"These are sophisticated and expensive devices that must be protected from the marine environment for one or two years. They must also be anchored securely in place," he said.

Mr.Barthelotte became a mechanical technologist after graduating from the Nova Scotia Community College's Institute of Technology on Leeds Street in Halifax. The program has a reputation for being difficult, with an above-average attrition rate, he said.

"It's a tough course, but a few of us managed to graduate that year," he said with a chuckle.

He graduated in 1998 and has never had to look to long to find a job. He said he opted for community college because he preferred the career focus compared to university.

Mr. Barthelotte and his colleagues build protective casings for equipment used by the institute for ocean research, and devise appropriate anchors that must function securely in varying ocean depths.

It helps to have a serious love of things mechanical to succeed in this gadget-focused field, he said.

"I've always been interested in gadgets in general and it was perhaps a love of automobile racing in particular that gave me a serious appreciation of the field of mechanical engineering," he said.

Want to learn more about the field? Read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Technicians and technologists in civil, mechanical and industrial engineering provide technical support and services related to their respective fields. There are a number of specialized occupations in this group. For example, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help engineers to design and develop machinery and robotics by making sketches and rough layouts. They also record data, compute and analyze results, and write reports. Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment in manufacturing departments or work with engineers to eliminate production problems.

Civil engineering technologists and technicians help civil engineers plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams and water treatment systems. Some also estimate construction costs and specify materials to be used. Quantity surveyors also analyze costs and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects.

Industrial engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support services in the development of production methods and facilities. They also handle systems planning, estimating, measuring and scheduling of work. Construction estimators prepare cost estimates on construction projects.

SKILLS
You should enjoy technical work and mathematics and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
You generally need an engineering technician or technology diploma from a community college. Certification is not mandatory at this time, but more employers are requiring it. Graduates of accredited engineering technology programs must complete two years of work experience to be registered as certified engineering technologists and technicians. For more information, contact TechNova.

To become a quantity surveyor, you must successfully complete high school and have a college diploma in construction technology or have completed the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors educational program. Construction estimators require a high school diploma and either a three-year college program in civil or construction engineering technology or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade.

WORK PROSPECTS
Employment of civil engineers is best in the Halifax area, where there are large-scale construction projects. Experience using a computer-aided design (CAD) program is an asset in this profession. Employment of industrial and mechanical engineers is linked to Nova Scotia.s manufacturing sector, such as auto parts manufacturing. This industry is continuously undergoing modernization and it is important for industrial and mechanical engineers to keep up to date with new technologies and information. Overall, steady growth is anticipated in the manufacturing and construction sectors in Nova Scotia and this is expected to maintain employment growth for this occupational grouping.

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