19-4043.00Apprenticeship

Geological 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.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Technologists and Technicians
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Adobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
  • Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
  • 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.
  • Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
  • Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
  • Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
  • Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
  • Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
  • Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
  • Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
  • Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
  • 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.
  • Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.
  • Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
  • Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
  • Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
  • Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
  • Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
  • Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
  • Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
  • Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
69%
Critical Thinking
63%
Time Management
56%
Writing
56%
Monitoring
56%
Active Listening
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Coordination
50%
Speaking
50%
Operations Monitoring
50%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Mathematics
44%
Operation and Control
44%
Active Learning
44%
Instructing
41%
Persuasion
41%
Science
41%
Systems Analysis
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Service Orientation
38%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Systems Evaluation
38%
Negotiation
35%
Equipment Selection
31%
Quality Control Analysis
31%
Troubleshooting
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Repairing
25%
Technology Design
25%
Equipment Maintenance
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Programming
16%
Operations Analysis
13%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
64%
Mathematics
62%
Engineering and Technology
62%
English Language
61%
Chemistry
54%
Physics
54%
Geography
53%
Customer and Personal Service
41%
Mechanical
39%
Public Safety and Security
39%
Design
38%
Administration and Management
38%
Production and Processing
36%
Administrative
35%
Law and Government
32%
Education and Training
31%
History and Archeology
26%
Transportation
25%
Telecommunications
24%
Communications and Media
24%
Sales and Marketing
24%
Building and Construction
23%
Personnel and Human Resources
18%
Biology
18%
Economics and Accounting
15%
Foreign Language
13%
Psychology
10%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
Philosophy and Theology
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
5%
Therapy and Counseling
4%
Fine Arts
3%
Food Production
2%

Build a Resume for Geological Technicians

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Written Comprehension
72%
Oral Comprehension
69%
Near Vision
63%
Information Ordering
63%
Oral Expression
60%
Inductive Reasoning
60%
Written Expression
60%
Speech Clarity
56%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Category Flexibility
56%
Speech Recognition
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Far Vision
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Mathematical Reasoning
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Number Facility
44%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
44%
Visualization
41%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Control Precision
41%
Originality
41%
Wrist-Finger Speed
38%
Time Sharing
38%
Manual Dexterity
38%
Speed of Closure
35%
Depth Perception
35%
Memorization
35%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Reaction Time
31%
Auditory Attention
31%
Static Strength
31%
Multilimb Coordination
31%
Spatial Orientation
31%
Trunk Strength
31%
Extent Flexibility
28%
Rate Control
28%
Response Orientation
25%
Sound Localization
22%
Stamina
22%
Peripheral Vision
22%
Dynamic Strength
22%
Night Vision
19%
Explosive Strength
19%
Glare Sensitivity
19%
Gross Body Equilibrium
19%
Gross Body Coordination
19%
Speed of Limb Movement
6%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
82%
Working with Computers
79%
Getting Information
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
71%
Processing Information
69%
Analyzing Data or Information
66%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
66%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
65%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
65%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Controlling Machines and Processes
62%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
60%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
56%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
55%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
53%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
53%
Handling and Moving Objects
52%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
52%
Performing General Physical Activities
51%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
49%
Thinking Creatively
48%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
46%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
46%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
45%
Scheduling Work and Activities
45%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
43%
Performing Administrative Activities
42%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
42%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
41%
Coaching and Developing Others
40%
Training and Teaching Others
39%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
37%
Developing and Building Teams
35%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
30%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
29%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
24%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
24%
Selling or Influencing Others
23%
Assisting and Caring for Others
23%
Staffing Organizational Units
13%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

92%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

88%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

87%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

85%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

82%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

79%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

76%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

75%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

68%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

65%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

63%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

63%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

62%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

58%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

57%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

55%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

55%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

52%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

51%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

50%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

48%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

46%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

44%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

44%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

43%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

42%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

42%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

39%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

39%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

39%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

38%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

36%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

35%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

33%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

32%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

30%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

29%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

28%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

26%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

24%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

23%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

22%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

21%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

20%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

20%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

19%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

17%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

15%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

13%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

13%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

10%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

10%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

2%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

77

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

72

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

70

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

8

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

5

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

2

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
86%
Dependability
71%
Intellectual Curiosity
64%
Integrity
57%
Perseverance
48%
Cautiousness
42%
Adaptability
41%
Achievement Orientation
39%
Cooperation
35%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
34%
Initiative
28%
Self-Confidence
21%
Self-Control
18%
Innovation
15%
Sincerity
13%
Stress Tolerance
10%
Humility
8%
Leadership Orientation
3%
Optimism
1%

Work Values

Support
64%
Independence
53%
Relationships
53%
Achievement
50%
Working Conditions
50%
Recognition
45%

Ready to pursue a career as Geological Technicians?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now