Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Analytical Thinking
- Independence
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.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Processing Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Technology Skills
- Geographic information system
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Map creation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Geotechnical Engineering Technology - Generalist Level ICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Core
Certificate name
Geotechnical Engineering Technology - Laboratory Level IICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
NSPS - THSOA Certified HydrographerCertifying Organization
National Society of Professional Surveyors
Type
Core
Certificate name
ArcGIS Pro Professional 2201Certifying Organization
Environmental Systems Research Institute
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Geotechnical Engineering Technology - Exploration Level IIICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $38,450 |
| Median (50%) | $42,531 |
| High (90%) | $74,162 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $42,803 |
| Mid Level | $73,114 |
| Senior Level | $81,220 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 9,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 9,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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