Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Geological Technician
- Geotechnician
- Materials Technician
- Physical Science Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Acid Tester
- Chalk Tester
- Construction Material Technician
- Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech)
- Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech)
- Construction Materials Testing Technician (Construction Materials Testing Tech)
- Core Inspector
- Crude Tester
- Directional Drill Locator
- Directional Drill Operator
- Drilling Fluids Specialist
- Echometer Engineer
- Electric Well Logging Operator
- Electrical Logger
- Electrical Logging Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Category Flexibility
- Speech Clarity
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Abney levels
- Automatic burets
- Binocular polarizing microscopes
- Calorimeters
- Carbon hydrogen nitrogen CHN analyzers
- Chipmunk crushers
- Clinometers
- Conductivity indicators
- Cryogenic magnetometers
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital chlorine testers
- Digital hydrometers
- Digital micropipettes
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $32,830 |
| Median | $48,390 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $92,210 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 9,710
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Geodetic Surveyors
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Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.