Technologists are employed in a broad spectrum of industries. Prior to taking on her current assignment as environment project co-ordinator with Defence Construction Canada, Dawn Ryan worked as a consultant. She is a graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College's water resources technology program. (DARREN PITTMAN / Staff)

DAWN RYAN spends a lot of time finding ways to clean up other people's mistakes.

An environmental project co-ordinator with Defence Construction Canada, she identifies and remediates contaminated locations at military-owned sites around Atlantic Canada for the federal Crown corporation.

The 37-year-old Hantsport native has always been interested in the environment.

She specialized in environmental studies at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, and then went to community college to take a water resources technology program.

She made great contacts during the co-op phase of the program and spent five years as a private consultant carrying out fieldwork, testing wells and streams and monitoring installations. Three years ago, she joined Defence Construction Canada.

As a technologist, she said being able to look after the small things is a key skill.

"I see a lot of work from people who didn't pay attention to details."

The work can be varied, so anyone going into the field has to be flexible in their thinking and willing to continually upgrade their skills, she said.

"Solutions aren't always cut and dried. You have to be able to work with other technicians and engineers to come up with options. It doesn't matter what you know; if you can't communicate it to others, it doesn't matter."

She said it is increasingly difficult to find good technologists locally. Many have moved out west.

"I could go west and maybe make another $10,000 a year, but I like it here. I like my job. I do interesting work."

To learn more about a career as a technician or technologist, read on.

NATURE OF WORK
Technicians and technologists 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 watertreatment 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, facilities, and systems, planning, estimating, measuring and scheduling of work. Construction estimators prepare cost estimates on construction projects.

WHAT ARE WORKERS LIKE?
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.

A majority of workers in this occupation, 93 per cent, are male. Most of the workers are 25 to 54 years old, with an average age of 40.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 10%
Cape Breton 7%
Halifax 63%
North Shore 12%
Southern N.S 8%

WHAT TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
For this type of work, 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 highschool 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.

WORKPROSPECTS
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, e.g. 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.

Outlook: Fair
Employment in 2005: 1,240
Estimated average annual number of job openings for new technicians and technologists: 46
Earnings in 2005: averaged $19 hourly, with a maximum of $33.25

TYPICAL JOBS
Civil engineering technologist, industrial engineering technician, structural design technologist, professional quality surveyor mechanical engineering technologist, CAD / CAM programmer, marine technician /technologist

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com