Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Professionals in this occupational group include physicists, chemists, astronomers, geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, meteorologists, and other professionals who work in physical sciences. This is a particularly large and diverse occupational group, and both the duties and the work place of physical scientists may vary considerably from one occupation to the next.

Nature of Work

Professionals in this occupational group include physicists, chemists, astronomers, geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, meteorologists, and other professionals who work in physical sciences. This is a particularly large and diverse occupational group, and both the duties and the work place of physical scientists may vary considerably from one occupation to the next.

Duties

Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in such fields as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, and medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms.

Many physicists are involved in research and development. They may be charged with designing and conducting research in experimental and theoretical physics. Physicists are also responsible for carrying out analysis of research data and for preparing research reports. Research and development in physics often involves group or team efforts, and physicists often participate with others in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures.

Physicist may specialize in such fields as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, eletromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, metrology, optics and laser physics, nuclear, particle and plasma physics.

Astronomers are employed by government and universities and may specialize in such fields as observational or optical astronomy, radio astronomy and astrophysics. In general terms, they design and conduct observational and theoretical research and conduct detailed analysis to extend knowledge both of celestial bodies and of the radiation received from the component parts of the universe. Their more specific duties may include developing numerical models and developing or participating in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.

Chemists conduct research and analysis in support of industrial operations, product and process development, quality control, environmental control, medical diagnosis and treatment, biotechnology and other applications. They also conduct theoretical, experimental and applied research into basic chemical and biochemical processes to create or synthesize new products and processes. Chemists are employed in research, development and quality control laboratories; chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries; mineral, metal and pulp and paper industries as well as in a wide variety of manufacturing, utility, health, educational and government establishments.

Chemists perform a variety of clinical and laboratory duties. These include analyzing, synthesizing, purifying, modifying and characterizing chemicals or biochemical compounds; developing and conducting programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products; and conducting programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants. They may also be responsible for conducting research to develop new chemical formulations and processes; devising new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds; and conducting fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Chemists may play a direct or indirect role in health care. They may, for example, investigate chemical aspects of the mechanism of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health. They also work collaboratively with other chemists and scientists. They may supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists or act as technical consultants to other professionals in a particular field of expertise. Some chemist may also participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals.

Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth; to locate and identify hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources; to plan and implement programs of hydrocarbon and mineral extraction; and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. They are employed by petroleum and mining companies; consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms; governments and educational institutions; or they may be self-employed.

Scientists in these fields can specialize in a large number of areas. Geologists may focus on any number of the following areas: coal geology, geochronolgy, geomorphology or surficial geology, hydrology, geotechnics, mineralogy, mineral deposits or mining, paleontology, petroleum geology, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy or bostratigraphy, structural geology or tectonics, volcanology, environmental geology, marine geology or in other areas. Geochemists may specialize in analytical geochemistry, hydrochemistry, or in other fields. Geophysicists may specialize in petroleum, earth physics, oceanography, or in other fields.

The duties of geologists, geochemists and geophysicists vary from one occupation to another. However, many professionals in these areas have similar responsibilities. They plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs and in seismic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs. They also conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution.

Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists may also be responsible for planning, directing and participating in the analysis of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross-sections, and for developing applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data. They may also plan, direct and participate in the analysis of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age, and assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits.

Other geological duties include identifying deposits of construction materials and determining their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications; assessing the movement of ground and surface waters; and advising in such areas as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites.

Professionals in these fields often serve as consultants to other professionals, government departments or the general public. They recommend the acquisition of lands, exploration and mapping programs and mine development; conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development, site selection and the development of public works projects; and identify and anticipate natural risks, such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In some cases, geologists, geochemists and geophysicists may supervise and co-ordinate well drilling, completion and work-overs and mining activities.

Meteorologists analyze and forecast weather, provide consultation on atmospheric phenomena and conduct research into the processes and phenomena of weather, climate and atmosphere. They are employed by the Atmospheric Environment Service of Environment Canada as well as by the military, private consulting companies, resource and utility companies and provincial governments, or they may be self-employed.

Although duties may vary in this field, meteorologists are generally responsible for analyzing and interpreting data obtained from meteorological stations, radar and satellite imagery and computer model output. Based on their analysis of this data, meteorologists produce weather forecasts and act as consultants to the general public and to aviation, marine, farming, forestry industries and to others engaged in weather sensitive activities. Meteorologists also seek to understand all aspects of weather and climate, and they conduct research both into the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena and into the atmospheric dispersion and transport of pollutants. Using this research information, meteorologists then develop and test mathematical and computer models of weather and climate and models of the dispersion and the physical and chemical transformation of pollutants.

Many meteorologists act as advisers and consultants. They provide consultation to outside agencies, professionals and researchers regarding the dispersion, transport and deposition of pollutants and the use and interpretation of climatological information, and they make recommendations on environmental regulation and protection.

Meteorologists involved in research and development often make scientific presentations, publish reports, articles or popular texts for specialists, users or the general public. They may also engage in the design and development of new equipment and procedures for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or for related applications.

Other professional occupations in physical sciences: metallurgists, soil scientists, and materials scientists are among the many other physical scientists involved in the conduct of theoretical and applied research. They are employed by governments, educational institutions and a wide range of industrial establishments.

Metallurgists conduct studies into the properties and production of metals and alloys. Soil scientists conduct research into the composition, distribution and evolution of soils. Materials scientists conduct research into the properties, composition and production of materials, such as ceramics and composite material.

Example Titles

Physicists and astronomers:

• research scientist, physics
• research scientist, electronics
• research scientist, communications
• research scientist, aerospace
• research scientist, remote sensing
• medical physicist
• metrologist
• acoustics physicist
• astronomer
• health physicist
• nuclear physicist
• optics physicist
• plasma physicist
• solid state physicist
• biophysicist
• astrophysicist
• cosmologist
• aerodynamicist
• experimental physicist

Chemists:

• chemist
• clinical chemist
• coatings chemist
• oceanographic chemist
• pharmacological chemist
• organometallic chemist
• theoretical chemist
• environmental chemist
• agricultural chemist
• analytical chemist
• inorganic chemist
• organic chemist
• physical chemist
• quality control chemist
• food chemist
• soil chemist
• polymer chemist
• textile chemist
• electrochemist
• research chemist
• biochemist
• nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopist
• organic mass spectrometrist

Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists:

• groundwater geologist
• environmental geologist
• prospecting geologist
• sedimentologist
• paleontologist
• geologist
• geophysicist
• hydrologist
• oceanographer
• mineralogist
• petroleum geologist
• seismologist
• geochemist
• petrologist
• stratigrapher
• glaciologist
• developmentgeologist
• exploration geologist
• mine geologist

Meteorologists:

• atmospheric physicist
• meteorologist
• weather forecaster
• climatologist
• air quality meteorologist
• hydrometeorologist

Other professional occupations in physical sciences:

• ballistics examiner
• materials scientist
• research scientist, ceramics
• research scientist, composite materials
• soil scientist
• physical metallurgist
• metallurgist

Training Paths

University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan confer a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and offer courses in Astronomy. In addition, both of these institutions offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Geology. University of Saskatchewan grants Science degrees in Geophysics at the undergraduate and graduate level. Depending on their field of specialty, physicists may also enroll in the Engineering Physics program at University of Saskatchewan. This program is designed for students who wish to enter fields of research and development in mathematics or physics.

Other engineering programs related to this occupational group include Geological and Chemical Engineering, available at University of Saskatchewan. The University of Regina offers a degree program in Chemical Technology in partnership with SIAST. University of Regina also offers Bachelor of Applied Science (Petroleum Systems Engineering) and a 5-year combined Bachelor of Education/Science (Chemistry). SIAST offers related diploma programs in Chemical Technology, Biotechnology, and Geomatics Technology. Individuals who wish to be academics in chemistry, physics, geology, meteorology or another physical science must possess a Doctorate in their field of specialty.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: fair

After dropping steadily for much of the last decade, the number of physical science professionals has remained fairly constant over the last few years. Between 2001 and 2006, the size of this group actually increased by 13%. This translates into 90 new jobs. Whether or not this upward trend continues, job seekers should not expect significant job openings in the near future. This is a small and relatively young work force, and not many employment opportunities will result from retirement or other attrition in the next few years. It should be noted, however, that employment in the physical sciences is often tied to available funding. Increases in funding, whether from government sources or private industry, can result in higher than expected employment numbers for physical science professionals in the province.

Physical science professionals are extremely well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income in this occupational group was $78,313 per year. This marks a substantial increase from the 2000 average and remains well above the full-time provincial average for all occupations in 2005 ($42,298 per year). Of course, many scientists in this group earned considerably more--or less--than the average. Incomes for professionals in this group are fairly consistent throughout the province.

The majority of physical science professionals in the province work full time. In 2005, less than 40% of all scientists in these fields was employed on a part-time basis. This marks a decrease in part-time work in the province from 2000. The proportion of females employed in these occupations increased slightly between 2001 and 2006. Still, the vast majority of professionals in the province are men; only 23% of the work force was female in 2006.

Employment for physical science professionals is concentrated in Saskatchewan's two large cities. Regina and Saskatoon account for nearly 80% of the work force in these fields in 2006; 23% in Regina and 55% in Saskatoon. Seasonal work and self-employment are rare in these fields, and employment is not very sensitive to overall economic conditions. This is a relatively young work force, with roughly 50% all physical science professionals under the age of 45 in 2006.

Knowledge in the physical sciences often advances rapidly, and it is crucial that professionals in these fields keep abreast of developments within their area of expertise. Scientists and other professionals who continually upgrade their skills have an advantage over others seeking employment in these fields.

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Physicists and astronomers:

• Geophysicists and physical oceanographers (in 2113 Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists)
• Atmospheric physicists (in 2114 Meteorologists)

Chemists:

• Chemical Engineers (2134)
• Geochemists (in 2113 Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists)
• Metallurgists and material scientists (in 2115 Other Professional Occupations in Physical Sciences)
• Molecular Biologists (in 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists)

Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists:

• Chemists (2112)
• Geological Engineers (2144)
• Physicists and Astronomers (2111)

Meteorologists:

• Meteorological Technicians (2213)
• Announcers who broadcast weather forecasts (in 5231 Announcers and Other Broadcasters)

Other professional occupations in physical sciences:

• Chemists (2112)
• Metallurgical and Materials Engineers (2142)