Linda Murphy, Geologist

Finding the gold

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"I started working for a gold mine when I was living in Bissett and I went from a first-aid security person to a warehouse person to cutting core. I was interested in how the gold appeared and it got to the point where I was trying to find the gold before the geologists did.

"In industry, they don't have time to explain things to you. So, I found if I can't get the answer from my work I should just go to school and learn this myself, and it's gone from there."

Images from my workplace

Where I work

I work for the Manitoba government department of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines in the Mineral Resources Division's Manitoba Geological Survey branch. My official position is a G1 Geologist.

Although our office is located in Winnipeg, I spend my summers in the field collecting geological data and rock samples in north-central Manitoba and then in the winter, writing a report and producing a geological map based on the collected field data.

The data we collect

The Manitoba Geological Survey employs scientific methods in mapping and interpreting the geologic history of the rocks in Manitoba and the environments in which they formed. This work helps to form a regional picture that could lead to ore-deposit discoveries.

We don't explore for ore-bearing minerals specifically, but we help economic development in Manitoba. Exploration companies may use our data to decide whether or not they would have an exploration program in certain areas.

Working with others

We often collaborate with other geologists. We could work with a Quaternary geologist*, a mineral-deposits geologist or a petroleum geologist. We sometimes work with scientists from various universities and the Geological Survey of Canada as well as geologists from neighbouring provincial surveys.

*Note: A Quaternary geologist specializes in the geologic period beginning two to three million years ago and extending to the present.

Footprints of mining

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"The footprints of mining are much smaller than what they used to be. Certainly we still have messes left behind historically with old uranium tailings or gold tailings, but nowadays with the environmental regulations the way they are, mining is not a terrible thing, and it can be done with a very small impact on the environment."

Being active

I grew up on a farm in the Interlake, near Faulkner, Manitoba. Throughout my childhood I was outside almost everyday, biking or walking.

I'm still very active; I bike across the city to get to work. I love to be outside.

Girls and boys

My father was a farmer and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. It was given that girls did one thing and boys did something else.

I never applied that to myself; my career was entirely my own choice.

Cultural barriers

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"My mother is Aboriginal, my father is German, so there were cultural barriers that occurred, and I was non-status too, so I felt as if I was in limbo.

"It was really good when later in life I applied for and was established with treaty, so it gave me my own identity."

The benefit of school

I didn't have much respect for high school when I attended. I had no problem learning; I just had a problem sitting in school all day. I wanted to be outside.

That problem continued into university, but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew at that point that I needed school to do what I wanted in life. I now have a well paid career and work outside.

Supportive family

I've been married for twenty-seven years, and I'm very close to my family. We have two adult children, one still lives at home and one is on her own in Alberta.

They're one of the most supportive families ever. Whatever endeavour I've chosen, my children and husband have been completely supportive of it.

A job with seasons

My job has two different seasons. During the winter season I'm doing data preparation, field preparation, interpretation, and making reports and maps. This is done in an office environment.

The summer season is when I am in the field gathering data, collecting samples and mapping.

Flexible hours

Because of the nature of my job, the hours are pretty flexible in the winter season. If I go into work at seven o'clock, I could leave at three; if I go in at nine, then I could leave at five.

We have a yearly deadline when the information we collect is published in a Report of Activities. It's really a great job for someone who is self-motivated.

Working from home

Some people work on their reports from home if it's too noisy at the office. I have worked from home when there are too many distractions at the office and I have deadlines to reach.

I find I may accomplish more by staying home to read or work on my maps.

Days go by fast

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"I may look at thin sections of rocks on the microscope for a couple of hours, or read a research journal, or edit a map on the computer or on a paper copy. People will come in and ask me to identify rocks.

"There are the logistics of my next field season to work out, so I may talk to Manitoba Hydro or other government agencies to find out what lodgings are available where my projects are.

"There is a lot of interaction with other companies, so your day just goes by so fast."

The ultimate history

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"It's really important to me that we learn about what we're walking on. Here in Manitoba we have essentially every rock possible and the history behind these rocks is amazing.

"I enjoy history books and I think that what happened when the continents came together and broke apart is the ultimate history book, and the rocks are right there at your feet to read."

Finding balance

I find it difficult to balance my home life and my work life sometimes. I'm guilty of taking home papers and research journals to read. I find that I may encounter stress at work and I sometimes bring that stress home.

I relieve that stress by being with my family or doing something physical like walking, and then I regain that balance.

Dealing with stress

In my job I only get stressed once in a while. I have personal deadlines but I may not always be able to meet them because other branches that help me publish my reports and maps also have to look after the needs of a number of geologists.

That is when I begin to feel tense. With proper communication I should avoid these situations.

When I do feel stressed, generally a good walk will relieve the tension that I feel and I can get back to work and concentrate.

Being well rounded

To be successful as a geologist I think you have to have a well rounded personality. You have to be really detail-oriented and have the patience to take things apart (a set of folds on an outcrop) to find out how the whole thing works (regional tectonics).

You have to be social, because you may have to explain yourself to any one you meet and ask questions too.

You need to have your sciences behind you and be a curious person. You have to be able to think outside the box and look at a big picture as well as figuring out the small details.

Never liked math

When I was in high school I really enjoyed English, but I didn't like Mathematics.

Unfortunately math wasn't pushed on me hard enough when I was in high school, so I didn't think math was as important as it is.

Finding my career

I had many jobs before I found what I wanted to do. I started working for the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources* when I was nineteen.

I've been a store manager, ambulance attendant, homecare worker, school bus driver, and more.

It wasn't until I began working in a mine in Bissett that I realized what I really wanted to do.

*Now Manitoba Science, Energy, Technology and Mines (STEM)

Learning more

I started working underground as a sampler for the company and I essentially did everything that the geologists did.  I became interested in how the veining occurred and how the gold appeared, but I didn't have the background knowledge that I needed.

I was asking so many questions that I figured I should just go back to school and learn what I needed to.

Every day I learn more things about geology and rocks that keep my interest going.

Attending university

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"These people were really teaching you incredible stuff, and you just want to soak that in like a sponge, it's just fantastic.

"I found that when I went to university, they're more than willing to help you along, to work with you, and gain something from your experiences as well. Remember though, that it starts by finishing high school."

Becoming a mentor

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"I would like to know my region and my area so well that I could teach it to someone else.

"I'm being mentored by somebody now, and I would love to be able to be at that state where I could mentor someone else someday."

Being happy

I want my family to have a good home and secure environment, I want them to be happy wherever they are.

The way I look at it, if I'm happy at home, and I'm happy where I work, what more could I ask for?

Getting involved

I would like to see the remote communities involved in geology, and have everybody learn about what they're walking on.

Rocks are moving and dynamic; the rocks are still ‘mountain building' and metamorphosing and eroding. I think if everyone could get to know that and understand it, not only for its economic value, but for the history as well, I think that would make a really big difference.

The word ‘environment' is very important to many people, and the rocks play a huge part of the environment of the planet.

Get my Masters

If the opportunity comes up, I may continue with a Masters degree in Geology. Right now I am gaining experience in my field and this will help me to determine what area I am most interested in.

A Masters degree could be a benefit; you can go from one geology position to another more easily with a Masters or a PhD degree.

Need young people

I think that geology is not much different from any other career sector. The population is aging and we really need new, young and enthusiastic people.

The companies here in Manitoba have geologists who have been working for twenty-five to thirty years. When those people retire there's going to be a great amount of knowledge lost because the best way to learn in this industry is from the experienced people that you work with.

Job market info

The links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges, and long range prospects for this career.

The official title for Linda Murphy's occupation is "Geologist" and its NOC* code is 2113.

Manitoba Job Futures

Employment Prospects - Labour Market Information

*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the 'National Occupation Classification' code or 'NOC'.

Education

Useful High School subjects

- Chemistry
- Physics
- Math
- English

*Source: JobFutures.ca

For those out of school, Adult Learning Centres can help you get or upgrade your high school diploma, including adding subjects that are required for work or further education. All Manitobans are normally entitled to four free courses.

Colleges & Universities

University of Manitoba

Geological Sciences

University of Brandon

Geology

Skills

Useful Experience/Skills

- Project management
- Team project work
- Proposal writing
- Making presentations
- Financial management
- Committee work on environmental ethics

Source: Job Futures

There is not yet an Essential Skills* profile for this occupation.

Professional Resources

Manitoba Geological Survey

Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy and Mines - Mineral Resources Division

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

Geological Association of Canada (Winnipeg Section)

Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association

Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada

Mining Association of Manitoba

Related Careers

Chemists (NOC 2112)

Land Surveyors (NOC 2154)

Mapping and Related Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2255)

Physicists and Astronomers (NOC 2111)