Like so many teens, Danielle Dunn didn’t have a clear idea of what she wanted to do after high school. But one thing she knew for certain—she didn’t want to be tied to a desk. Now, she’s going where few women have gone before as a mine technologist at PotashCorp’s Allan mine.
Why geology?
I’m not the type of person who can spend my entire day at a desk in front of a computer. I wanted a career that would allow me some freedom. I also knew people who were working on construction sites building diamond mines in the Northwest Territories, and I became somewhat obsessed with the idea of diamonds in the North. I started looking at the options; geology seemed like the best fit.
What kind of education did you need?
There were so many options, I felt overwhelmed. My biggest issue was “where do I start?” I wanted to make the right decision, so I took time off between high school and post secondary. I finally decided on a Geological Technology program.
Did being out of school make the transition to post secondary tough?
There was a bit of an adjustment period at the start of the first semester, but it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. It was tough to focus and find a schedule that worked for me, but once I got that worked out things fell into place.
How about the job search, did you have a plan?
I started to apply for jobs well before school let out. I applied for any job remotely related to what I had taken in school. I used the internet, the paper, word of mouth, sent resumes to people I knew in the industry and I went to every interview I was called to. I was lucky enough to have my first job out of school be at a diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.
Wow, that is a long commute!
It was something I dreamed of doing. It was overwhelming too; my first week was filled with flights, site orientation, safety training and meeting people. I was in a camp, so I had to get used to being at work day and night for two full weeks at a time. But it was the best job I could have had right out of school, because I learned so much.
Where are you working now?
I’m now a mining technologist at PotashCorp’s Allan mine. It was a bit of a career change, switching from a geology focus to a more technical position with a focus on mine ventilation.
What do you like about your job?
Tough question … there are so many things I like. I have freedom to work in the field or in the office. The best part is that I can choose my daily schedule. I know what I have to get done and I know my deadlines, so I can set my week up.
Most indispensable workplace skill?
The ability to stay organized and focus on the task at hand. It’s important to know how to prioritize and organize.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Still in this industry, but I would like to see myself in some kind of management position, maybe even going back to university to finish my degree.
What advice would you give someone looking for a mining career?
Explore all your options. There are exciting things going on in our own backyards. I always thought that to have a career in this industry I would have to travel all over the world, but that’s definitely not the case. That also applies to education. Schools in Saskatchewan are recognizing that we have a growing need for technical people and they’re creating programs to meet the demand.
Job Prospects – Good. Geological and mineral technologists and technicians play a key role in Saskatchewan’s resource-based economy. Look for jobs in exploration and production of oil & gas, potash, uranium, diamonds and more. There are also jobs in manufacturing, scientific and technical services, transportation, education and the public sector. Average annual wage is $67,800.
Work Environment – Varied. Geological and mineral technologists and technicians work in many different environments: office, laboratory, mine or mill. Field work can mean spending time in remote camps.
Education Options – Degree, Diploma. The University of Regina offers a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Geology, the University of Saskatchewan offers B.Sc. degrees in Geology, Geophysics, Paleobiology and Environmental Earth Sciences, and SIAST is introducing a new Mining Engineering Technologist program. Other options include chemistry, physics, engineering, biotechnology and geomatics. Talk to a career counsellor about the best fit for your interests.