Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Also called Geological Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, or Physical Science Technician
What Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians do
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Who tends to enjoy it
Hands-on
People who like building, fixing, working with tools, machines, plants, or animals.
Organizing
People who like keeping things accurate, orderly, and running on schedule.
Curious
People who like figuring things out, research, science, and solving problems.
What you'd actually do
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
- Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
A typical day involves
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Active Listening
What you'll need to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Where to study for this
College programs that commonly lead to this career, and how many US colleges offer each.
- Geology / Earth Science 553 colleges
- Science Technologies / Technicians, Other 81 colleges
- Petroleum Technology / Technician 36 colleges
- Science Technologies / Technicians 24 colleges
- Chemical Process Technology 15 colleges
- Mining Technology / Technician 8 colleges
- Physical Science Technologies / Technicians, Other 1 colleges
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies / Technicians, Other 1 colleges
Related careers
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA), occupation 19-4043.00, used under CC BY 4.0 and modified by Whittle. Program links: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. How we build these pages.