Example Career: Geological Technicians

Career Description

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.

What Job Titles Geological Technicians Might Have

• Geological Technician
• Geotechnician
• Materials Technician
• Physical Science Technician

What Geological Technicians 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.
• Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
• Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
• Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
• Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
• Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
• Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
• Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
• Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
• Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
• Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
• Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
• Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
• Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
• Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
• Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
• Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.

What Geological Technicians Should Be Good At

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
• Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

What Geological Technicians Should Be Interested In

• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

What Geological Technicians Need to Learn

• Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.