Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
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.
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.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$41,960.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$63,500.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$77,650.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
26,550
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
30,050
+350 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
3,744
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
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.
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 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
- Digital pH meters
- Digital seismographs
- Directional compasses
- Dissolved organic carbon analyzers
- Dissolved oxygen meters
- Dissolved salt meters
- Earth drills
- Electronic digital levels
- Electronic digital theodolites
- Electronic distance meters
- Electronic laboratory balances
- Erlenmeyer flasks
- Fluorescence microscopes
- Fluorescence spectrophotometers
- Fourier transfer infrared FTIR spectrometers
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Database software
- Dynamic Graphics EarthVision
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Golden Software Surfer
- IHS Petra
- Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile
- Landmark SeisWorks
- Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
- recommend personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, and dismissals
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- maintain records, reports, or files
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare safety reports
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- maintain laboratory or field equipment
- communicate technical information
- communicate technical information
- calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- collect samples for testing
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- maintain established procedures concerning quality assurance
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- explain complex mathematical information
- operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use non-destructive test equipment
- use pressure gauges
- use measuring instruments to collect geological data
- use measuring instruments to collect geological data
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use quality assurance techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of metric system
- distinguish colors
- identify properties of rocks or minerals
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- understand properties of gases or liquids
- inspect core samples to determine nature of strata
- identify properties of soil or water samples
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- conduct research on work-related topics
- conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
- test materials or solutions
- analyze geological research data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- read technical drawings
- obtain information from individuals
- collect geographic or physical data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
- Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
- Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
- 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.
- Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects.
- Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
All-Star River Explorers: Discover the Basics of Rivers and How They are Formed
The All-Star River Explorers is designed to introduce third to fifth grade students to the basics of hydrology and increase their understanding of how rivers are formed and their importance in our lives. Activities enhance student's skills in math, science, language arts, social studies, and art.
Learn MoreAmerican Meteorological Society (AMS)
The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.
Learn MoreEarthtrip Virtual Fieldtrip to Kashong Glen, New York
Kashong Glen is located in the central Finger Lakes Area of central New York State. See the many steep cliffs and dangerous waterfalls of this virtual fieldtrip. It is one of the best places in New York State to study the rocks of the Hamilton Group and fossils from the Middle Devonian.
Learn MoreScience technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSea Education Association and Cornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory: Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine
Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine offers a unique opportunity for students to experience life on board a sailing vessel and on an island off the coast of Maine, studying oceanic and coastal marine environments.
Learn MoreTeacher Friendly Guide to the Geology of Your Region
The Guides give teachers the background they need to make sense of regional and local geology in terms of a basic sequence of historical events and processes. This empowers teachers to bring local and regional geology into their curricula and facilitates inquiry based teaching!
Learn MoreVirtual Field Trippin: The Rocks of Central New York of Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys
The rocks of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of upstate New York tell a fascinating story, both through the rock layers themselves, as well as the life contained within them. This visual tour is intended as a jumping-off point for those with no knowledge of the rocks of east-central New York State.
Learn More