Example Career: Geophysical Data Technicians

Career Description

Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings.

What Job Titles Geophysical Data Technicians Might Have

• Field Engineer
• Geological Technician
• Geotechnician
• Observer

What Geophysical Data Technicians Do

• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities.
• Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools.
• Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
• Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
• Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
• Diagnose or repair malfunctioning instruments or equipment, using manufacturers' manuals and hand tools.

What Geophysical Data Technicians Should Be Good At

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

What Geophysical Data Technicians Should Be Interested In

• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• 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 Geophysical Data Technicians Need to Learn

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.