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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.
Other titles employers use
Core Inspector · Environmental Field Services Technician · Environmental Sampling Technician · Geological E-Logger · Geological Technician · Geoscience Technician · Geotechnician · Materials Technician
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and analytical work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.8 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.8 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.0 | Some of the day |
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 3,240
- Job openings each year
- 340
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 12.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 3,240 | 340 | 12.1% |
| Colorado | 630 | 70 | 21.2% |
| Florida | 620 | 70 | 19.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 540 | 50 | 1.9% |
| Oklahoma | 440 | 50 | 4.8% |
| Tennessee | 410 | 40 | 10.8% |
| Oregon | 230 | 30 | 21.1% |
| Kentucky | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Nevada | 200 | 20 | 17.6% |
| Alaska | 190 | 20 | 18.8% |
| Alabama | 180 | 20 | — |
| Ohio | 180 | 20 | 5.9% |
| Utah | 180 | 20 | 20.0% |
| Michigan | 170 | 20 | 6.3% |
| Illinois | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Georgia | 130 | 10 | 18.2% |
| Minnesota | 130 | 10 | 8.3% |
| Indiana | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Nebraska | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Louisiana | 80 | 10 | — |
| Montana | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| South Carolina | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Wyoming | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Arizona | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| New Jersey | 60 | 10 | — |
| Delaware | 50 | 10 | — |
| North Dakota | 50 | 10 | — |
| Virginia | 50 | 10 | — |
| Mississippi | 30 | 0 | — |
| Maine | 20 | 0 | — |
| New Hampshire | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Washington State University
- Degrees each year
- 130
- Admit rate
- 85%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
University of Arizona
- Degrees each year
- 106
- Admit rate
- 86%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 91
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 89
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 82
- Admit rate
- 54%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- Degrees each year
- 82
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $23,000
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 79
- Admit rate
- 64%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Mississippi State University
- Degrees each year
- 70
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
Compare every college offering mining and petroleum technologies/technicians