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>Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Overview
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience
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
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
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.
Demand
Core 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.
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
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.
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.
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
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.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Computers and Electronics
71%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
70%
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
70%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
69%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
64%
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.
Geography
63%
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.
Physics
63%
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.
Customer and Personal Service
53%
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.
Administration and Management
51%
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.
Design
51%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
73%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
73%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
67%
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.
Speaking
65%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
65%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring
64%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Science
63%
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Time Management
62%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving
59%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Written Comprehension
79%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
75%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Information Ordering
73%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision
72%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
72%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
70%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity
69%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Category Flexibility
68%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning
68%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Expression
68%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Top 10 Work Activities
Documenting/Recording Information
86%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
83%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers
83%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
77%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information
76%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information
73%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
73%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
72%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
72%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
71%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
Analyze geological samples.
Collect samples for analysis or testing.
Record research or operational data.
Prepare maps.
Research geological features or processes.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Collect archival data.
Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
Compile geographic or related data.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Set up laboratory or field equipment.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Direct natural resources extraction projects.
Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Recommend packing or shipping methods.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Collect geographical or geological field data.
Compile environmental or climatological data.
Survey land or properties.
Majors
Major
Interests
Realistic
84%
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
77%
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
74%
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.
Enterprising
31%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
17%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
17%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
89%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
89%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Dependability
84%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking
79%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Independence
79%
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
78%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
76%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
75%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Cooperation
72%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Achievement/Effort
70%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Work Values
Support
69%
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
60%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships
60%
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.
Achievement
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
